Thursday, February 12, 2015

Artist Interview: Marcus Jürgens of TwentyDarkSeven



HEART OF A LION
Interview with Marcus Jürgens of TwentyDarkSeven
by The Dedicated Rocker Society


TwentyDarkSeven is a brand-new band founded by former PUMP singer and founder Marcus Jürgens (also ex-Brainstorm) and guitar player Peter Wagner (ex-Wicked Temptation) in January 2013. After a short period of time, Marcus and Peter were finally able to find two perfect guys for TwentyDarkSeven. Alex Jansen (ex- Mennen) from the Netherlands, and fellow Dutch drummer Hans in ‘t Zandt (ex-Vengeance, Bangalore Choir). 

Musically, TwentyDarkSeven has committed themselves to the guitar-oriented Heavy Rock in the vein of Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society, Dio, Accept and Dokken with a slightly modern twist in the mix. 

We had a chance to catch up Frontman, Marcus Jürgens and asked him a few questions about the band's debut release, 'Roar' and what they have planned for the future. Here's what he shared with us..

Q: How long have guys been together as a band? How did you guys come up with the name for the band?

MJ: The band was founded by me and guitar player Peter Wagner (ex-Wicked Temptation) beginning of January 2013. At first we had two other former PUMP members in the band. Unfortunately, due to their job commitments and some other musical commitments respectively both left the TwentyDarkSeven camp at their own request.  Thank God after a couple of months we were finally able to find two perfect compliments for TwentyDarkSeven when former Mennen and current FOX bass player Alex Jansen from the Netherlands, and fellow Dutch drummer Hans in 't Zandt (ex-Vengeance, ex-Mad Max, ex-Bangalore Choir) were joining the band permanently. So were together since October 2013 with this line-up.  And the band's name, well that was inspired by the feature film "Zero Dark Thirty" which started playing by the time I left PUMP. Not in regards of the content, I just found this letter/number combination pretty cool and so I’ve kept this idea in the back of my head. Shortly after that I read some cool report about this legendary "Club 27", and as we all know, this “Club 27” is about all those rock and pop stars and they all coincidentally died at the age of 27. Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and also Amy Winehouse if I remember that correctly. All died at 27. And so I had my next inspiration.  I just expanded the "27" and put a DARK to the "27" and the name 20DARK7 was born. I thought more Rock N Roll is actually not possible and so we leave it at that. Well, I know this is just my humble opinion hahahahaha

Q: What is the song writing process for you as a band? Group or individual?

MJ: I guess we’re more individual writers. Everybody in the band collects his own ideas and lastly we put everything together just like a puzzle.

Q: How would describe your band's musical approach? Who are some of your musical influences?

MJ: I think it’s safe to say that our album “Roar” is a “no frills, no bullshit, hard rock/heavy metal record with a real rock attitude but also with a modern twist in the mix! We’re influenced by Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Accept, Dio, Dokken with some modern elements, well yes…I guess that’s basically what it is…


Q: Memorable moment(s) in the making of, 'ROAR', good or bad, that you can share with us? Are you satisfied with how the album turned out?

MJ: Well, I guess we’ve recorded the whole record twice…more or less.  That was pretty much a pain in the ass and probably the most memorable moment recording this album hahahahaha. But those recordings were also some kind of an identification process for us as a band. That’s why it took some time to record this album. But obviously it turned out pretty good and we’re pretty much satisfied with the result. I guess now I can say we’re fairly close to what we tried to achieve.

Q: Are there any plans for you guys coming to America to do some shows? If you do get to come over, who would like to tour with?

MJ: Well, we’re working on a few things concerning this matter. But you know…it’s difficult. We would love playing in the US. Absolutely! Without  doubt. It’s difficult for a German band with no name. We’ll see. Perhaps some promoter is reading this, we’re open for that…just make us an offer hahahaha. We would tour with everybody who wants to have us…if necessary we’re even going out with a Black Metal band…as long as they’re cool to us…hahahaha


Q: What goals have set for yourselves as a band?

MJ:  To be honest, we actually don’t have master plan for this. We never had. We'll take things as they come. We’re tryin’ to play as much shows as possible and we’re actually working on our second album. I guess the next goal is to release a great follow-up…this is currently the most important thing for us.


Q: Complete this sentence: The reason why you should check out Twentydarkseven is because...

MJ:  …IT FUCKING ROCKS! It really does. I know every musician is saying something like that hahahaha. But it’s indeed a timeless heavy rock album that rocks from beginning to end…as already mentioned,  “Roar” is a “no frills, no bullshit, hard rock/heavy metal record with a real rock attitude. If you’re looking for something like that, we’re definitely your weapon of choice!

Marcus,  thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I am also glad you liked our review…

MJ:  I have to thank The Dedicated Rocker Society for giving me the opportunity to talk today about my new band TwentyDarkSeven. Yes, your review was totally awesome. It really made my day. We really, really appreciate your support for TwentyDarkSeven. Thanks so much!

Cheers & beers
Marcus

For more info on TWENTYDARKSEVEN:
http://www.reverbnation.com/twentydarkseven

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