Dutch band Clan of Xymox are credited with shaping the sound of an entire genre of music with their distinctive gothic and electro vibes. Ramona Depares interviews vocalist Ronny Moorings ahead of the band’s performance during the upcoming Dark Malta Festival.
Dark Malta Festival has this year been extended to a two-day event, with a number of Maltese and foreign bands featured on the line-up. Goth/electro heavyweights Clan of Xymox headline the event, with scene favourites Suicide Commando also returning to Malta for what is expected to be another hardcore performance.
German synthpop phenomenon And One is also expected to be another favourite on the last day of the festival, especially among the 1980s synth diehards.
The line-up sees some of Malta’s most well-loved names from the goth, darkwave and metal scene – including Martyrium, Viper Soup Complex and Rising Sunset – performing in what is possibly the only goth festival on the island.
Xymox has left an amazing legacy on the dark wave/goth scene over the past three decades. Did you see it coming?
Not at all. When our first album came out in 1985, because it was produced by 4AD label co-founder Ivo Watts-Russell, a lot of people expected the 4AD label quality mark on it. And I believe we delivered that with the self-titled album.
From there on, it was a matter of building on the blueprint of combining keyboards, synths and guitars. That I would still do music and play live today, I could have not imagined then back in the days. I thought we would just record one or two albums and that would be it for a career in music.
How has the band changed you?
It made me a full-time musician instead of a sociologist. I think I am aware of the pitfalls musicians face during the years and want not to go there. A healthy self-reflection is always a good thing, to stay true to yourself and others.
Is the Ronny Moorings who is the frontman of Xymox the same Ronny Mooring in his private life? Is there any difference between the two?
People might have a certain perception of me and I don’t really know what that for each and every person might be. To me, my life in or outside the band doesn’t exist. Everything I do affects my personal life and I honestly cannot separate the two. At home I always do band-related things, so there is no line I need to cross.
What attracts you to the ‘dark side’?
The mood, basically. Happy moods are, for me, just fast fleeting emotions while darker ones can linger for an eternity.
2017’s Days of Black is ‘black’ indeed. Would you say it’s a reflection of the current zeitgeist the world over? A reflection of where humanity is headed?
Album titles are always a bit tricky. It certainly is an apt title for the world we are living in, at the moment.
It is, again, the era of populists and demagogues, and it is only getting worse. The way we treat our planet...
I am still trying to write that ultimate favourite track that I will never get tired of
But back to the music: “away with the days of black” is a line from the song Loneliness. Wishing all tears and fears would go away... It is certainly not a happy album.
The lyrics on Xymox tracks tend to be intense. Would you describe your work as a political statement?
You can interpret lyrics often in different ways. My personal feeling is that it is non-political, that it’s more about just questioning human behaviour at certain points. My main topics mostly revolve around personal feelings, especially the song I Couldn’t Save You, which was about my father, who died in that period of time.
Your work is known for being eclectic – there’s goth, electro, dancey elements... if you had to describe your own music, how would it be?
I am happy enough with the Dark (Electro) Wave tag. It points you in the right direction, but no one wants to put their own music in an compartment as it feels like a straightjacket.
If you’re not listening to your own music, whose music are you listening to?
There are a lot of bands I like at the moment, and my personal taste goes out to the more dark / cold wave bands and style. My daughter often plays music from my iPod in our kitchen, so mainly I play all the bands I have in there.
How have you seen the European goth/dark wave scene change? Is there still a hunger for this music?
It actually feels more like a revival is happening for the past few years. People discover this type of music again – either that, or they are bored with the current offerings from other scenes. I have noticed this happening on a worldwide scale so, to me, it feels that it is very much thriving at the moment.
Do you have a favourite Xymox track and, if yes, what makes it a favourite?
I am still trying to write that ultimate favourite track that I will never get tired of.
What made you decide to play Malta? Is it your first time here?
I have never been to Malta so when our agency asked whether we’d like to do the gig it was a no-brainer, of course. A very historic island that I can’t wait to visit!
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MartyriumDark Malta Festival takes place on April 5 and 6 at Montekristo Estates, with Clan of Xymox headlining at 8.45pm on Saturday. The Friday lineup is made up of Viper Soup Complex, Rising Sunset, Psideralica, Martyrium, Sad Dolls and Lord of the Lost. Saturday sees Dynastie, Animae Silentis, Auger, Aesthetic Perfection, Suicide Commando and The One take the stage together with Clan of Xymox. Alien Vampires close after-hours. Tickets are available online and at the door.