24/01/2024
The music label continues to push the boundaries of music innovation and sonic creativity in provocative ways with its various artists. An awesome example of this is German singer Konrad Berger, who is the lead singer of SLASHERS. Steve Gobin and Markus Wagner are the producers of the group. With their fantastic blend of electronica and rock as well as pop, SLASHERS bring their talents to explore humanity including its various facets and numerous aberrations. The outfit have been making waves on the European music scene and now have their sights set on the USA. Whether breezing through synthpop goodness or going into rock-influenced terrain, SLASHERS x Konrad Berger are set to continue their unique musical journey. Their German/English double-single “Frustrierte Menschen / Frustrated People” was released on January 5, 2024 on Valiant Horizon in partnership with Asahi Music. Let’s get to know Kon Radeberger more.
How did you get your start in music?
Konrad: Music runs in my family. My grandfather was a musician. My father played in several bands. I started singing in my school choir pretty early on. After high-school, I paused my artistic activities for my first career since the job was very demanding. After that chapter in my life was closed, I started a new one with a bigger focus on making music. I attended a music school, received 3 years of vocal coaching and actively searched for fellow musicians to start projects with. That's how I eventually met Markus in 2020 and since then we've been making music together.
How would you describe your musical sound and style?
Konrad: Looking at my singing style I always had a wide variety of singers who I aspired to be like. I always admired the raw power but also emotion of Corey Taylor, the gritty voice plus style of James Hetfield and the melodic finesse of Toto’s Bobby Kimball as well as Subsignal’s Arno Me**es. Each of them are amazing singers. Practicing their songs has heavily influenced my style in singing to this day.
What was the creative process like with the "Frustrierte Menschen / Frustrated People" production for SLASHERS?
Konrad: For this song, Markus wrote the original German lyrics. He noticed a lot of people who are often grumpy and bothered by mundane, little things instead of seeing the big picture. This prevents them from being happy and appreciating the good things in life.The music was written by Steve with our application for the ESC in mind. That's why he wanted it to have an international, world-music-like sound. My contribution was the English lyrics which I refined a bit after Steve sent me a first draft of the translation. As a singer, I really appreciate that Steve and Markus are always open for suggestions regarding the lyrics. For the singing to be good, the lyrics need to have a certain flow - which I try to ensure before the actual recording.
Who are some of your current influences and why?
Konrad: The sound of Slashers combines a lot of styles from Rock to EDM. People often compared our sound to Depeche Mode - which I take as a huge compliment. Our music is supposed to be danceable and fun but also thought-provoking. Some other influences are definitely the 90s Eurodance sounds such as electro-pop artists like the Pet Shop Boys and also rock influences.
What is next for you on the music front?
Konrad: We were already pretty busy during the fall/winter and recorded lots of stuff for this year. The next release will be a cover of a pretty famous rock song - which I really enjoyed singing and recording. But of course we will interpret it in our own style. I'm really excited for this release.
Find SLASHERS X Konrad Berger with their new release “Frustrierte Menschen / Frustrated People” on your favorite music platform powered by Valiant Horizon in conjunction with Asahi Music. Discover more on him at https://stream.slashers.info/FM-FP.
