Church
How did you come to SOE?
Schenky and I knew about each other, but had never worked together. With the idea of a new project, we both independently came up with the idea of contacting each other. Already at the first meeting there was that spark and it was clear: We wanted to make music together. That was the birth of SOE.
What else do you do at SOE?
I am involved in songwriting and sometimes the lyrics of individual passages, as well as arranging songs and ideas. In the non-musical area I take care of the finances, taxes, GEMA, and the other "bureaucratic" work in the band.
What were your musical activities before SOE?
I have been a professional musician since I graduated from high school. My beginnings were with TRANSCENDENCE, a semi-professional prog metal band from Würzburg at that time. After that my way led me criss-cross through the music business and also through different styles. Besides guitar lessons and various cover bands I worked as a studio and live musician with many acts - in the metal sector among others Haggard and Paul Di`Anno. Since 2007 I am an official IBANEZ artist and have also released two solo albums, the first of which "Tears of God" was Act of the Month in Guitar&Bass magazine in January 2016.
How did you get into playing the guitar?
I started playing classical guitar at the age of about 9. When I was 13, I got my first electric guitar and made first self-taught attempts. Around the same time I discovered by chance a cassette in my father's car. When I put it into the player I heard an infernal noise, which then turned into an unbelievably brute song. I was completely overwhelmed! It was the Deep Purple disc "In Rock" with the opener "Speed King". From then on there was no stopping me.
Who are your idols?
Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Chris de Garmo, Nuno Bettencourt, John Petrucci, Garry Moore, Richie Blackmore, Paul Gilbert, Vinnie Moore, Arjen Lucassen, Dan Donegan, Devin Townsend, um nur ein paar zu nennen.
What bands and musicians have influenced you?
Very early: Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath
Later: Iron Maiden, Metallica, Queensryche, Crimson Glory, Dream Theater, Extreme, Skid Row, Guns`n Roses, Disturbed, Rage Against the Machine, …
More recently: Leprous, BfmV, FFDP, Rise Against, Avenged Sevenfold, Devin Townsend, Alter Bridge
Your three records for the ages?
Queensryche „Operation: Mindcrime“
Ayreon: „Into the Electric Castle“
Dream Theater: „Images & Words“