ENEMY FOR THE AGES: Interview with KMFDM’s Sascha, Lucia, & Annabella

KMFDM. 42 years. 25 albums (not to mention a staggering amount of singles and EPs). Countless performances and memories.

The legacy of the Ultra-Heavy Beat is one of incalculable impact. KMFDM’s innovative output, hard-hitting truth bombs, and self-deprecating humor serve as a panacea for our weary souls. Their latest work ENEMY proves that they still know how to rock it stronger than never, ever before.

Please enjoy this interview with Sascha, Lucia, and Annabella, in which we discuss the creative process, staying sane in an off-the-rails society, what’s on the horizon for KMFDM fans, and much more.

Andrew:

First of all, congratulations on an absolutely spellbinding new record. KMFDM has been my favorite band for about thirty years. Usually when a new album comes out, I need a little time for it to sink in before I can really know where it fits in with my all-time favorites. However, with ENEMY (in a similar fashion to my first experience with HYËNA), I am instantly committed to placing it as a top-five KMFDM record. 

So, let’s just start off with a big-ass thank you for this passionate art you’ve put out into the world. How are you all feeling right now about the release of ENEMY, and about the initial fan response?

Sascha:

The response has been quite overwhelming, much more so than on some of the previous album releases. I’m not going to guess why that is so, let’s just say the pendulum swings a certain way.

It’s predictable.

When you release your first album, your second one, maybe your tenth, there is something very special that you feel. When it’s your number 25, that is special too, but in a different way. I’ve long become used to the process and it’s part of who I am. It’s my thing to write, record, mix, master and release an album every so often. Then we go out on the road and promote and tour the latest release. And after that, the process of starting another album begins anew. It’s a way of life. Unlike perhaps some artists who may strive to become a “great” writer”, holding back their ideas, waiting for “the big idea”,   I understand my role as of more of a “reporter”, going out into the proverbial trenches and taking it all in, bringing what I see and hear back into my studio. In that sense, each album can be seen as a snapshot of any given time period in my and KMFDM’s life.

Lucia:

Anytime an album is well received, that its landed so to speak, feels good. It’s not a given that fans will love what we do from album to album so I was absolutely thrilled by the response. This release felt especially tender for me since it was the first album that Annabella was featured on as both a vocalist and a songwriter. I’m so happy about the excitement surrounding her song “YOÜ” and all the support she’s received.

Annabella:

I feel very good about the release, as it’s my first release ever + it being with KMFDM makes it even more special. I’ve gotten so much positive feedback on YOÜ and the album in general.

Andrew:

Well, all that positive feedback is well deserved. If you’re curious about my top-five KMFDM records (sometimes changes based on mood or current life events, but these ones are my top picks based on their overall emotional and inspirational impact at the time): 

XTORT, WWIII, TOHUVABOHU, HYËNA, ENEMY—if we’re counting mdfmk, it might nudge out HYËNA, but you gotta realize here, that is like saying my heart is nudging my brain out as my favorite vital organ… I really sorta need ‘em all, ya know!

Pro-tip: Support your favorites directly by purchasing through Bandcamp.

Sascha:

I do know that, it’s similar for myself as well. We’re currently in the process of re-mixing the WW III album from 2003. Exactly as we did with HAU RUCK 2025, these are not remixes in the sense that we’re re-interpreting the songs, but we’re freshly mixing the album from the original recordings, not adding or changing anything, just freshly mixing what was initially there, updating the sonic quality, one or ten steps further than a re-mastered version. Whilst doing this, I rediscovered the WW III album. What went into it about 23 years ago suddenly conveys a new meaning yet retains the original impetus. That albums political statement from back then, is totally contemporary, now and here, incredibly relevant, more so than it might ever have been.

So yeah, since I would typically say the newest album is always my favorite, sometimes I connect with the things we’ve done in the past more than I would expect.

But ENEMY is still my fave, at least until the next one 😉

Andrew:

Humor me and let me contrast ENEMY with HYËNA for a second, because both of those records are deeply meaningful to me. HYËNA was like a dose of pure joy. It felt playful and vibrant and experimental, and I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face for like the first twenty times I listened to it. With ENEMY, I wasn’t exactly smiling so much. But it makes me feel BIG THINGS. Passion, anger, sadness, immediacy, hope, fear, pressure, resolve. And of course, as with all of your catalog: adrenaline.

So, if you don’t mind reflecting, I’d like to know about the differences about what it was like for you creating HYËNA vs what it was like creating ENEMY, in terms of your states of mind, emotions, and artistic process? And did you have more fun creating one than the other?

Sascha:

From my perspective, there was little or no difference in the approach of the creative process. If anything, as you say, each of the two albums mirrors our then-current mindset, the degree of anger and passion we feel during the process.

Fun was equally had with both albums. Although we’re very serious about what and how we do things, we don’t take ourselves all too serious. Self-deprecation and humor are essential ingredients in KMFDM’s output.

For me personally the biggest difference between the HYËNA and ENEMY is that I became somewhat of a rhythm guitarist during the initial stages of making ENEMY. That for me was a big learning curve and a real challenge right after my liking.

Our new guitarist Tidor Nieddu came into the KMFDM family at a time when most of the bases were already covered and the bells and whistles were being put on. And he excelled !

Lucia:

Although my approach to writing doesn’t change from album to album, Life/world events are constantly evolving creating shifts in energy and perspective, that give each release their own particular flavor. If “ENEMY” gives you big feels that translate to adrenaline then we hit the brief on what we intended, because life currently feels like the Wild West and tension is at an all time high. All that being said humor and irony are perspectives I enjoy incorporating into my writing to make listening fun and I certainly laughed a lot writing “A Okay”.

Andrew:

As we know, Western society is off the rails hardcore. What are some ways that we can keep ourselves physically and mentally up to the task of staying engaged and affecting positive change in this insane world? Is there any hope for us?

Sascha:

The world seems to be a bit off the rails, not just western society.

For as long as the gap between wealth and poverty will not be bridged, for as long as one single person owns more money than what constitutes the GBP of some countries, for as long as we idly look on as wars rage and climate change ravages our planet, there is little hope. But I am optimistic. The pressure builds and inevitably will find a valve to relieve itself. 

Expropriate the lone skum !  Hahaha…..

But seriously, turn off your devices every now and then, live a little and read a book or plant an apple tree, take off your mind from the constant drivel and fake news, and you’ll feel better immediately.

Lucia:

I spend as much time as possible outdoors in nature with my dog. I find being away from the onslaught of social media helps recalibrate my energy and relax my brain, so when I return to writing or posting, I can do so in a meaningful way. It’s important to remember that everything we engage with on social media is geared to get our attention. In a lot of instances that can leave us feeling inadequate, drained, and overstimulated. When possible turn off devices and touch grass.

Annabella:

Growing up in a society where everyone is online all the time spreading their opinions, I think it’s important to form a guard around yourself and protect your peace. You should advocate for what is right but don’t let it take you over completely. Our society as a whole is facing massive issues that can’t be ignored, but speaking from personal experience: if you make it your whole life looking at and thinking about these issues, you will drown in them. Do what makes you happy and brings you peace, while also doing what you can to help those around you.

Andrew:

Well said! Next up, here’s a question from one of your long-time fans, a superb gentleman from New Mexico named Patrick Byers-Smith. Patrick asks what, if anything, do you want KMFDM fans to take away from ENEMY? 

Sascha:

Hi Patrick ! Whatever it is that floats your boat. If you like what you hear: great ! If it makes you dance: even better ! If it makes you think and reflect: goal !!!

Lucia:

What I’ve always loved about music is its ability to transport the listener to an alternate reality, be a star in the lyrics for the length of the song. I would encourage our fans to take the lead in each track, become one with the words and music, empower themselves and DANCE!

Annabella:

I personally make music first and foremost for myself and to let go of or express what’s on mind. Best case scenario, someone listens to it and can take something positive from it or just feel heard. As long as the album makes you happy, that’s all that matters to me.

Andrew:

On a slightly less philosophical note, Sascha, Patrick also acknowledges your penchant for barbequing, and would like to know about your favorite barbequing techniques and seasonings.

Sascha:

Given that I don’t have a “real” BBQ, like a big ol’ smoker but only a little gas grill I rely on relatively short cooking times. Sometimes I use wet marinades such as wine and herbs, other times dry spice rubs as in Cajun cuisine. The key to a good outcome is always the best quality raw ingredients.

When I’m on the road in the US I look for the best BBQ wherever I am, being a big fan of brisket and smoked turkey legs. As important as the meats are the sides for me. I love all kinds of beans and collard greens, soul food is my kind of thing.

Andrew:

OK, switching gears, and if this story is out there already, I missed the memo. So, where and how on Earth did you find Tidor Nieddu? Can you tell us more about his background and how he got involved with KMFDM?

Sascha:

Tidor came highly recommended by our friend Charlie Dawe from the UK band VENTENNER whom we toured with several years ago in the UK. He’s an exceptional human being and his guitar playing ain’t half bad. 😉 😉 😉

Andrew:

Ain’t half bad at all. 😉 This question hails from one of your most passionate fans I’ve encountered, Eishy (from Tik Tok): She wants to know more about your songwriting process, specifically if you think of the lyrics first or the instrumental first?

(I’d imagine that you do it both ways; if that’s true, could you tell us about the “order of operations” for a few of your songs?)

Sascha:

For me it’s always the music first, then the lyrics.

Lucia:

With KMFDM it’s always the words. When I’m working on solo material it can go either way. Generally speaking though, hearing the music first tends to spark a feeling that generates a lyrical idea, unless a word or phrase comes up that inspires a lyric/poem that comes together later.

Annabella:

It is exceptionally hard for me to write a song first and produce it afterwards. I need a base and a “vibe” to actually form a good song. I usually go at it like this: I’ll think of what I want the song to be about, key words etc. I like to paint a picture. After that I start thinking of what the song should sound like and make it that. I’ll build the verse, write it, then build the chorus, then write it. And so on.

Andrew:

All right. So. Annabella. As we’ve established, you crushed it. I’ve had your song, YOÜ, in my head more than any other song on ENEMY, and that’s saying a lot, because the whole album has been circulating in my noggin 24/7. So, let me ask you, what does it mean to you, and how does it feel to contribute to this legacy that’s so important to so many people?

Annabella:

It’s an honor to contribute to KMFDM’s work and be able to put something meaningful out there. I didn’t expect such big interest in my song at first but I was pleasantly surprised to say the least.

Andrew:

And Annabella, ENEMY excluded, do you have a favorite KMFDM record?

Annabella:

Blitz, Money, Symbols.

Andrew:

Well, and here’s a question that’s on a lot of people’s minds right now, coming in from KMFDM superfan and all-around outstanding guy Patrick Ryan from Virginia. He says:

“I think the real question I have, and most people really, is if there are plans to keep having Annabella appear on future albums or have a solo release cause she knocks it out of the park.”

Sascha:

That’s entirely up to Annabella. She’s not a one-trick pony, she’s got aces up her sleeve.

Lucia:

I imagine she will, but don’t hold me to it. She’s got plans of her own.

Annabella:

I’m just getting started.

Andrew:

Hell yeah. Speaking of potential solo releases, Lucia, NO GOD HERE remains such a powerful record. I so adore all three of your solo albums! Do you have any designs to grace us with another?

Lucia:

I’ll definitely make another, I’m just not sure when. Although I successfully launched a Kickstarter that funded “No God Here”, having to manage and implement every aspect from manufacturing, mail outs, videos, artwork, digital release, PR etc.. sucked the life out of me. I can’t do all that work alone again. I am writing though, so perhaps between now and the time I finish an albums worth of songs I’ll connect with an individual or company that believes in me as much as I do. 😂

Andrew:

We all believe in you, Lu. So much! While we’re still on the subject of solo albums, Sascha, do you have any interest in melting our faces off again with another OK•ZTEIN•OK outing?

Sascha:

I haven’t given much thought to that lately but there is some material that would warrant a release as OK•ZTEIN•OK.

Andrew:

I’d love that. Sascha, I seem to recall that you once considered WTF?! to be a work that expressed your message and creative vision with an unprecedented clarity. Am I remembering that correctly, and if so, what are some other KMFDM albums since then that achieved or surpassed that same clarity of expression?

Sascha:

That’s the same with every new album as I had mentioned before. Newest = best, at least for the time being.

Andrew:

While we’re looking back on the past, here’s a question that crosses my mind sometimes: Is it true that there’s an entire-ass second mdfmk album locked up in Universal/Republic’s forgotten vaults? In an alleged multiverse of infinite possibility, is there any chance at all of buying back the rights and releasing that? I speculate that fans of that era would gladly and generously join me in crowdfunding such an endeavor.

Sascha:

No there’s no such thing. Whatever material there may have been has been up cycled in the meantime.

Andrew:

Onward to the future. Here’s a little question about the KMFDM book. Some little birds or something told me that it might be well underway, so I am wondering about any information you can provide about the book’s development, potential release window, and any details you’d care to share about its content, and what fans can look forward to?

Sascha:

It’s gonna be mostly an art book, featuring all of the KMFDM artworks over the years, some photos and some interviews. Not an autobiography by all means. That will be a whole different beast that I am getting ready to tackle.

Andrew:

I am really excited for that. Thank you so much for your time. I bid you a deep degree of admiration and respect. 🤘

Sascha:

Right back at you Andrew ! Thank you for being you !