Interview from Godsend 15 (1990) : PSYCHE was formed in 1983 by two brothers, Darrin and Stephen Huss, in Edmonton, ALberta. Just two years after their inception, they received a recording contract with New Rose Records in France (home of the CRAMPS, among others). Since then, the Huss brothers, under the names Evan Panic and Anthony Red, have consistently produced records of punching electronic dance music. In this short period of time, PSYCHE have released 4 full-length LPs and various 12-inch and 7-inch singles. Strangely enough, PSYCHE has no recording deal or distribution in North America. They are, however, quite popular all over Europe and in parts of their home country of Canada, and are looking forward to breaking and conquering America soon with their high-tech, high-energy music and intriguing theatrical live shows. Early in 1990, PSYCHE filled us in on their past, present and future, and what's behind their music.G-Todd Zachritz
P- Darrin Huss
G-WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF PSYCHE AND HOW DID THE BAND FIRST GET STARTED?
P-Darrin Huss(Evan Panic)-vocalizations Stephen Huss(Anthony Red)-electronics The band first started in Edmonton, Alberta, around 1983. We were experimenting with different kinds of music but enjoyed electronic sounds primarily so we continued in that direction.
G-WHAT INFLUENCES DO YOU CITE MUSICALLY?
P-Soft Cell, Kraftwerk, Bauhaus, Cabaret Voltaire, The Eurythmics, Tangerine Dream.
G-WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE AND CREATE MUSIC?
P-The desire to express emotions and relate to others around inner feelings, moods, and concerns. Also the pure enjoyment of creating something interesting, out of the ordinary, and different.
G-(ARE THERE) ANY NEW AND UPCOMING BANDS (YOU THINK) DESERVE MORE ATTENTION?
P-Yes, PSYCHE. Seriously, I cannot name any specifically at the moment as so much current energy is being expended on PSYCHE that I haven't given too much thought to other groups. Certainly there are many deserving though.
G-DO YOU TOUR OFTEN? HAVE YOU EVER TOURED AMERICA?
P-We have toured many times in Europe, including Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, Switzerland, England, and Holland. In Canada, we have played Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and in B.C. A tour being arranged for the USA never culminized as the touring agency did not follow through.
G-HOW DO YOU THINK YOU'VE BEEN RECEIVED SO FAR IN AMERICA? IN EUROPE?
P-In Europe fantastically, especially in Germany and France. In America, no one seems interested in electronic duos. We have done well in Quebec, and whenever (we've been) given the opportunity, we've been well-received and appreciated. Unfortunately, unless you're promoted by a major label or a corporate sponsor, it's all uphill and "make it on your own".
G-WHY ARE PSYCHE RECORDINGS SO HARD TO GET IN NORTH AMERICA? WHICH ONES ARE AVAILABLE?
P-As I related, without major distribution and promotion, record stores controlled by the majors (generally) are not too interested in handling your records. Independent distribution has been our main opportunity but it has been limited in North America. Available as an import are: Insomnia Theatre, Contorting the Image, Unveiling The Secret, Mystery Hotel, and The Influence.
G-WHAT DO YOU TRY AND PRESENT TO YOUR LISTENERS? ANY OVERALL MESSAGE?
P-Mainly, what we are feeling, what we think of life, it's dificulties, and opportunities. Those human traits that have to do with the PSYCHE.
G-ANY OUTSIDE WORK BEING DONE BY BAND MEMBERS OR ASSOCIATES?
P-Yes. I have a side project a coming out on a label called Dossier from West Berlin. The album will be under the group name VANISHING HEAT. Stephen is working on an instrumental solo album.
G-DO YOU STILL MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH DWAYNE GOETTEL? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF HIS WORK WITH SKINNY PUPPY?
P-No we do not. Dwayne was never completely became a member of PSYCHE. Dwayne was only associated with PSYCHE for a few months in Edmonton, Alberta before we obtainied an independent record arrangement with New Rose in France. We have not seen him since 1983. SKINNY PUPPY have done reasonably well but we do not present ourselves professionally in the same manner. We are striving for a more sophisticared and intelligent image. Don't read this incorrectly, we respect SKINNY PUPPY's personal direction, but it is not ours. We are not heading in the same way.
G-ANY CLOSING COMMENTS OR WORDS OF WISDOM TO END THE INTERVIEW WITH?
P-Only, that we really appreciate any opportunity to be in touch with our fans and the opportunity to have an interview of this nature. We are truly hoping to be around for a long time and gain more worldwide recognition in the coming years. Being biased, we enjoy the music we're creating and hope you and your readers do too. Thanks Todd for LISTENING.
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