John Ven
What was the very first record you bought?
…it would be my pleasure to focus in this kind of music… Sisters of Mercy’s “Vision Thing” was my starter album which I bought back in 1991.
What is the most expensive record have you bought?
I think that in our scene, you don’t have to pay much in order to obtain an album, compared to other music scenes. I am really glad that I bought most albums from the “Second Wave Of Gothic Rock” of the 90’s, at the exact time of their official release. I know that most of them were sold out after a while though and their prices were a bit high in the internet market places. Generally, as long as I can remember the vinyls of Asylum Party cost me a lot back then.
What are your 5 very favorite bands ever?
Goth Rock music is based mainly upon 2 milestones. The Sisters of Mercy and Fields of the Nephilim, which are both my favorites. Of course I wouldn’t forget to mention Nosferatu, Love Like Blood and The Merry Thoughts which are filling my top 5 list.
Name 5 bands that have changed your life?
Well here things are more complicated. I won’t refer only to goth acts. Sisters and the Nephs certainly occupy the main position among my favorites, but there some metal bands that I really appreciate and follow their work for years. For instance Metallica 80’s era, Megadeth 90’s era, along with Kreator which I love them in everything they are doing, influenced me as a person and the way I live, but not particular the kind of music that I am composing.
Name your 3 favorite Gothic Fests?
Wave Gothic Treffen and Amphi Festival in Germany have interesting bands participating every year. Another one is Castle Party in Poland.
Name your 3 favorite gigs as a musician and as a fan?
One of my favorite gigs ever, was the debut performance of Sisters of Mercy in Athens in 1997 at Rizoupolis stadium ( Rockwave fest along with New Model Army, Flowers of Romance & Diafana Krina). Another one was the first visit of Fields of the Nephilim in Athens back in 2008. I wouldn’t forget of course to mention all the Star Industry gigs (8 or 9 times… I’ve lost count).
Name the most 3 influential albums for you as an artist.
There are not particular albums that they have influenced the music that I am composing. I have plenty of influences of course but they are from the whole goth rock scene.
Describe yourself with 3 adjectives.
Enthusiastic, polite and calm ( … close to nirvana).
What is the most overrated gothic band?
Well I don’t want to insult the work of any artist. This is not me. If an album appeals to me, I will give credits to it, but if it doesn’t I will remain silent… I won’t say much, just that I feel a little bit angry with all those “Love Metal” bands that call themselves “goth”.
What is the most underrated gothic band?
Eyes of the Nightmare Jungle was a stunning goth rock band that they had a lot to offer according to my opinion. Too bad that they split up with only 2 albums in their discography.
In which band would you have liked to play live?
Well… hmmm… I would give anything to be Steve Steven and play with Billy Idol (hahaha).
Name 3 new Gothic bands that have caught your attention lately?
There are plenty of new distinguished bands in the goth scene lately. Angels of Liberty from the UK and NU:N from Portugal, even if they have an electronic touch in their “goth” tunes that I don’t like so much, they are composing excellent songs! Another one that impressed me was Sweet Ermengarde from Germany, which they released a top Nephilimesque album in 2016!
Gothic Rock or Post Punk and why?
Gothic Rock is an elegant side of music with which I am connected for many years. Nevertheless I appreciate Post-Punk too.
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