Interview: Don Juan Dracula
I first heard the song "Run away with you" with Don Juan Dracula when I was working with a Norwegian music channel and I immediately took a liking to it. I found a couple more of their songs and, on a trip back to Scandinavia, went looking for their record. I had no luck in finding it and soon thereafter heard the band had split up and soon forgot about them as I went on with my life. I think the news that they were back together was posted on our very own itsatrap.com and it was also via this site I came in touch with their manager.
- Per Apelqvist
Don Juan Dracula, what does it mean?
Gentlemen.
You called it a quits and then returned with gigs in both Beijing and New York last year. Why did you quit and why did you come back?
Well, it's not always easy to play in a band for several years. After the YD2 tour in 2005 we where pretty tired of DJD and eachother. We had some disagreements about the band's direction. But mainly we had some deeper conflicts; instead of solving them we tried to ignore them. That didn't work out well, so we reached a point where we were unable to move forward.
With time away from each other we realized we needed to talk things through. We couldn't leave this great band as we have so much life left in us. The short break was good for us all. Then things became much clearer and basically all we wanted was to get back on stage where we belong. The whole process taught us a lot about each other and ourselves. We are now stronger and more inspired than ever.
What's with the white outfits?
Since they are white we need to wash the outfits after each show, so they all go in the laundry together.
If we had black outfits we wouldn't need to wash them at all, but then we would stink... and DJD doesn't stink. We are a clean cut band who loves to shower.
Who are your musical influences?
We all grew up in the 80's and our music taste is therefore naturally influenced by the popular music from back then, and we still love electronic bands like Depeche Mode, OMD, Duran Duran and Pet Shop Boys from that era. But everyone in the band is true music-lovers, so we listen to almost everything, ranging from metal to country music. Our influences are also very different and we think that is very healthy when making music. That is probably why Don Juan Dracula doesn't sound exactly like anything else...
How would you describe your music?
We play catchy and melodious pop music quite simply. It's basically guitar based pop music with a lot of electronic and synth packaging. We have a heavier sound when we play live than on our album, with live drums, bass, guitars and keyboards.
What images would you say your music conveys (I ask this because I am a big fan of your videos)?
Each song is very different and it's basically up to the listener to make up their own images.
When is your new album coming out and can you give us a short description of what it will sound like?
We are currently recording our next album. The record is far from being finished so it's a bit hard to tell. The sound will be quite different from our last album YD2. Hopefully we'll manage to add more of our live energy to it.
What would you say sets the Norwegian music scene apart from the rest of Scandinavia (if you feel there is a difference)?
From our point of view there are not many differences in the Scandinavian underground scene. Although each country has their own specialties, Sweden has historically been better at making and breaking pop bands. Norway still has a lot to learn from Sweden's music industry.
The Danish underground music scene has become much more interesting the last couple of years with great pop bands like Veto, Dúné, Superheroes, Spleen United and a lot more.
What Norway has been good in the last decade is of course the black metal scene. Also the more specific scenes like noise, jazz and electronic music has done quite well outside of Norway. With interesting artists like Lindstrøm, Jaga Jazzist, Noxagt, Kjetil Brandsdal and others making names for themselves outside the Country.
People can't seem to leave out A-ha when they talk about any new band coming out of Norway. How do you feel about being compared to that?
No other Norwegian artist has achieved the same level of success as A-ha internationally. So we do understand that people are comparing other Norwegian artists with A-ha. If you see similarity between DJD and A-ha we're of course flattered since A-ha has some really great albums. From our point of view DJD is far different to A-ha, because we're so much better and so much younger than the oldies in the 80s group A-ha.
People seem to really dig your live shows. Can you share the story about the rented helicopter?
We always put a lot of effort into our live shows. Rule number One for DJD performing live – play like it's your last gig ever. Unfortunately that has given us some headaches and challenges when irreplaceable equipment has been smashed or burned.
The helicopter... we did the opening gig at Øya festival 2005. We decided to spend all our gig money on the show because we wanted to give the crowd something special. Which resulted in DJD landing in a rented helicopter in front of the stage while our local marching band was playing Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries".
- Tons of pyrotechnics (fireworks) and lights
- A string quartet joined us playing "Into the sunset" while 50 pigeons where released from the stage
- Finally the marching band played the outro while we took off in the sky with our helicopter.
That is basically a brief for a perfect DJD concert.
I've gotten the impression that you are, besides very talented musicians, a fun bunch to be around. Can you share another fun story about Don Juan Dracula?
Yes, when the band is together we like to be social and meet lots of people. It is important to have a laugh and unwind. After a show we like to socialize with the crowd and we often find ourselves making new friends at after parties. We have tons of funny stories in the history of the band, but most of them will remain within DJD. There was a fun story from Beijing where we played darts at a local pub. After several beers, we realized they had a scene for pool dancing. After each DJD member had been through a sensual dancing session onstage – we were unfortunately kicked out.
I have heard you have recently been getting airplay at LIVE 105 in San Francisco. What are your plans for the future? Is breaking in America a goal for you?
We are very pleased with the response our music is receiving in the US. Live 105 in San Francisco and Popscene (San Francisco Club) have been very supportive which is great! Special thanks to Aaron Axelsen & DJ Omar. Also a major supporter is 'The Feast of Fools Podcast' in Chicago, thanks to the Hosts Fausto & Marc.
Online Blogs and Podcasts have really given us a huge boost and exposed us to an International audience. Our manager is working with labels to get our music released. The goal is to release our albums around the world. Breaking into the US sounds great of course, but we'll take one step at a time.
Finally, when will I see you in London?
We should have played in London a long time ago! So we will definitely play there when we promote the new album. Hopefully you won't have to wait too long!
Per Apelqvist is looking forward to the next Tack!Tack!Tack! in May.
Ed: Note that the DJD track "Run away with you" appears on "It's a trap! reader's companion volume two".