Was haben R.E.M., The Posies und The Disciplines gemeinsam?
Ken Stringfellow lautet hier die Antwort. Was für eine “schmissige“ Einleitung! Ich muss lachen.

Da ich ja ein Kind der 90er bin und bei mir das Alphabet bei N wie Nirvana sowohl angefangen als auch aufgehört hat, musste ich mich natürlich erstmal mit allem, was er zuvor gemacht hat, auseinander setzen. Und an dieser Stelle kann ich nur die VISIONS zitieren: „Ken Stringfellow tanzt auf mehr Hochzeiten als der fleißigste Pfarrer im Jahr zu zelebrieren vermag.“ Nachdem ich seinen Namen in eine Suchmaschine eingegeben habe, ist mir – ehrlich gesagt – etwas schwindelig geworden bei den ganzen Projekten.

‘The Disciplines’ heißt seine aktuelle Band. Hier ist er Sänger, ohne Gitarre, ohne Schnickschnack, aber dafür mit viel Bewegungslust:

Doch nun noch ein paar Zeilen zur neuen Platte:
In einer Zeit, in der Indierock weit verbreiteter und der Markt überhäufender denn je zu sein scheint, kommen ‘The Disciplines’ daher. Mit einer Platte, die den Rock wieder in meinen CD-Player zurückgebracht hat. Mehrere Wochen habe ich „Smoking Kills“, das ja – kombiniert mit dem Bandnamen – das Gegenteil aller Rockstar-Klischees erfüllt, durchgängig gehört. Und wenn ich DURCHGÄNGIG schreibe, dann meine ich wirklich auf REPEAT, den ganzen Tag.

Ich habe Ken ein paar Fragen geschickt. Und: Zack! Hier sind die Antworten!

What does music mean to you?

It’s a mysterious house guest that asks for everything, and never says thanks but leaves innumerable gifts. It’s my introduction to everyone and everything. It’s the commonality we all share, even in the ultimate diversity.

Which songs would be on your personal mixtape of your life?

Haha, the soundtrack of my life would be only songs from my records. I mean, it’s my movie, right? Plus they are so beautiful.

You started working in this business in 1989, which changes took place?

The means of production have gone into the hands of the workers. Like the Soviet Union, everyone is poor, but equally poor. Except those, who, for some reason, are not. And they are very much  not.

What do you think about the digitalization of the music?

‘Give me convenience or give me death’. Maybe, you get both. I just recorded an album for a band in Spain on 8 track analogue. We spent two hours just trying to install software so we could make the transfer to digital, and we were unsuccessful. It’s good to remember that sometimes.

Which advice would you give to newcomer bands?

If someone comes to you and has all the answers, run. Run like hell. Make mistakes. Learn. Living the life of Music is very individual, and despite what you see, it CANNOT be taught in school. You can learn some things in school. Especially. Music notation and theory. You can learn some things about the business. But…then…

Is there a newcomer band which you`d like to support?

I have had a great time recording an album for Oh, Libia! this week in Alicante Spain. If we can make the digital transfer, I should be mixing it in September, and they should get it out early next year. http://www.myspace.com/ohlibia

What is important for you beside the music?

Family, a little sun now and then, a trip to the cinema once a week, opening a nice bottle of wine on the right occasion (meaning, daily!) and sharing a meal with friends.

Which moment was the best for you in your music career?

I hope the best is yet to come, but jamming with Neil Young was a good moment.

Worst?

There are very few times when I am uninspired to perform. Big places, small, emtpy, full…I am usually on. So, when I am not inspired, it’s such a horrible feeling. It happens, but it’s very rare. I can’t remember the last one, thankfully.

Please complete the following sentences
…
You have to listen to the new Disciplines LP because … it’s not a copy of anything. It’s only itself. This is rare too!

I am happy when … I can learn, or I can teach

If people sing along at the concerts I feel … I have to sing louder! 
ahahaha.

Before going on stage I … try to be alone, and I warm up my voice.

I try to change … clothes every 4 days when I’m on tour. And always to have them looking good, take some time with the iron!

Ich hasse Kaufempfehlungen, aber an dieser Stelle muss ich einfach mal Folgendes sagen:
Diese Platte gehört gekauft!!!

Take a look at: http://www.thedisciplines.com/