Colour Haze
5 Questions To Stefan Koglek

I remember that when I started listening to music (more or less quite a few years ago), I could afford at most a couple of records a month.

I remember the care with which I chose the album I would buy each time, the "ceremonial" way I stepped into the store, and how great the expectations were that accompanied the first listen. I remember flipping through booklets with the same care and devotion with which I memorized the underwear section of the Postalmarket, jealously guarding autographs obtained after hours of patient waiting, and dreaming of being able to chat with some of my favorite musicians. Not because I really had anything to ask or say, but for the thrill that "close contact" would give me.

Colour Haze managed to renew those sensations in me. Despite peer-to-peer and entire discographies downloaded in a single afternoon. Despite the superficiality of so many, too many distracted listens in front of a computer screen. Despite no longer being able to truly feel like a "fan" (addict) of a group or artist.

What you will read is just a small interview with Stefan Koglek, guitarist and singer of the Munich trio: a handful of questions that, at the time of their conception, seemed to me simply "stupid and a bit banal", but today, in all honesty, seem downright embarrassing.

Yet I am - all things considered - satisfied. Not so much for the result, but because, when I saw Stefan's response email in my inbox, for a moment I felt that same "thrill" of more or less quite a few years ago.

All this to tell you: what you will read will not be the best interview possible. Indeed, it might not even aspire to the title of "interview"... Consider it, rather, as a whim of an "old" listener who, after he doesn't even know how much time, rediscovered himself as a "fan" (addict) of a musical group.

BB: "Let's start with a very general question about the band. You now have a truly enviable discography, not only in terms of the number of releases but also, and above all, in the quality of the offering. With each record release, your sound has evolved so much that each album can be considered a milestone in a musical journey that has led you to have your own "identity". A guy who knows a lot more than I do described (in my opinion perfectly) this aspect of your career with this phrase: "One could say they have gone from one Garcia (John from Kyuss) to another (Jerry from the Grateful Dead)". Do you think there is some truth in this statement, or would you advise me and the guy above to take it easy with the Moroccan neighbor's herb?"

SK: "To tell the truth, everyone seems to find something different in our music, and that is a good thing. In any case, I can say that our musical influences are much broader than people usually think. It often happens that we are attributed influences with which we do not identify at all. For example, Krautrock or the Grateful Dead are often mentioned to describe our music, yet they are not at all among our favorite listens, and I don't even think they have influenced us much. I am passionate about an enormous variety of genres: I try to grasp the essence of each one and incorporate it into what are our possibilities for musical expression. Certainly, the concept of "Stonerrock", as well as that of "rock trio", represents what I feel most connected to, and I believe this should be considered our only "musical language". Inevitably, the influences we undergo from every type of music (classical, folk, jazz, blues, soul, and '60s pop, psychedelia, stoner, contemporary alternative music) have changed over time. Over the years, we have tried to respond to this change by attempting to play better music. This is where the source of our evolution should be found. And it's for this reason that, in the end, I never feel truly satisfied with what I'm doing "now"... In any case, as I said, it doesn't matter what meanings or influences people find in our music. So, as far as I'm concerned, you and your friend can continue to enjoy yourselves!"

BB: "There has been a kind of love at first sight between me and your music, a sort of instant revelation that hadn't happened to me in a long time. On these very pages, I even called you "My best musical discovery since Led Zeppelin". Have you ever experienced a similar sensation for any artist?

SK: "Wow! That is quite a compliment! In recent years, the work of the American composer Moondog and the album "Inspiration Information" by Shuggie Otis - which in my opinion is one of the best albums of all the '70s - have really changed my way of thinking and my goals regarding music. I think it's also evident the fundamental role that artists like Jimi Hendrix and Kyuss have played in my formation as a musician, but it would be impossible to list all the artists for whom I've had a 'revelation'! By the way: just a few days ago, I happened to see a concert on TV by a Belgian group called Zap Mama ... and I assure you they rock! I immediately ordered all their records! Who knows, they might be the next to influence the sound of Colour Haze ;)"

BB: "After more than ten years of career, what are you most proud of and what do you regret? What were the worst moments? What were the best?"

SK: "Mmm... there have been a lot of not entirely pleasant moments, and a lot of wonderful moments, especially while on tour, as is normal. I have no major regrets when it comes to Colour Haze (unlike what I might say about other things in my life). In any case, I think even those choices and decisions I'm not proud of have been part of the growth process that has brought us where we are now. So, all in all, I can't complain. I would have liked to be kinder with some people - life is too short not to enjoy every single moment with everyone who is by our side -... in short, let's say I would have liked to live even more intensely every moment, to make every single minute of my life bear fruit even more than I have. However, if I have to tell you what was one of the best moments of these years, right now I can think of the time when Alfredo Hernandez told me that Kim Thayil enjoyed our music a lot... You can't imagine how important that was for me: I think at that moment my heart stopped beating!"

BB: "What are the things that generate "extreme" feelings in you, both positive and negative?"

SK: "I'm a rather calm character, so it's rare for me to "go crazy" over something... I like a lot of things: sex, comics, horseback riding, a nice hot bath, good food, coffee, and a cigarette in the morning just after waking up, things like that... I guess you wanted to know what are the things I love the most, but even in this case, I stick with the obvious. I think an answer should concern: life, the universe, my wife and my family, my friends and my cats. I love everything related to music, regardless of whether I am the one playing it. Hate can be equally "obvious": it's a feeling to always be wary of. The worrisome, but if you will, the most fascinating thing is that everyone can find within themselves all those things from which hate is generated: violence, stupidity, narrow-mindedness, every kind of selfish instinct. It's as if a continuous struggle is taking place inside each of us."

BB: "Let's close with a quick question about 'All,' your latest release. How would you like it to be judged by your fans?"

SK: "I must confess I don't have any particular expectations... I would be content if it were considered an album that doesn't need words to be "explained". An album that knows how to speak for itself, through its own music.".