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KRASH KARMA INTERVIEW





Krash Karma is:
Ralf Dietel
Nicole Skistimas   

Buy Music Here

BOOTLEG METAL: So let’s get things started with the name. Who came up with the name and what’s behind it?  
KRASH KARMA: Ralf and I came up with the name together.  We were looking for something dynamic that would include the idea of the yin and yang that represents the both of us.  It is based upon the theory that everything that goes around, comes around and with KrashKarma, when it comes around, it hits you fast!


BOOTLEG METAL:  Where is the band from?
KRASH KARMA: We are based out of Los Angeles, California.


BOOTLEG METAL: Is this the original line up and how did you guys find yourselves in the same band ?
KRASH KARMA:  Ralf and I started the band together and originally had 2 other members.  We first started playing together when Ralf needed a drummer for his previous project SUICIDE HOLIDAY. I joined in and after realizing that we work well together, eventually we decided to start KRASHKARMA which has a different concept than SH. 


BOOTLEG METAL: How long has (the band) been around and how long after your first rehearsal was it before the first show?
KRASH KARMA: The band formed with it’s original line up in 2009 and I’m pretty sure we had our first show a few weeks later.  We already had our first material ready to rock and also played some of the SH material so we just had to get it tight with the other two.  Didn’t take long.  They were pro. 


BOOTLEG METAL: Does everyone contribute to the writing process or does someone generally write the lyrics and/or music?
KRASH KARMA: We both write together.  Being the guitar player and producer that he is, Ralf is usually the one who has the initial idea in mind and we take it from there to let the song grow. 


BOOTLEG METAL: What are your songs about? Fact?  Fiction? Personal experiences?  KRASH KARMA: We want to inspire people to live their life and be free to be who they want to be.  Our lyrics reflect the feelings that we have had on our journeys and the struggles that we have battled in order to live the way we do today.  Life is short and there is no time like the present to live it.  Just be kind to each other and enjoy. 


BOOTLEG METAL: What genre do you feel (the band) fit’s in the best and what influenced your writing to get you there? 
KRASH KARMA: Our sound is a unique blend of all the music we grew up listening to from The Beatles to Slayer.  Our style includes elements from Metal, Punk, Pop, Electronic/Industrial and Alternative.  The main goal is to write a good song, not just a good riff or melody and that comes from pulling from all of our sources of inspiration to create something that is worthy to record. 


BOOTLEG METAL: What was your latest gig?
KRASH KARMA: Most recently we played a festival in Germany called RockXplosion. 


BOOTLEG METAL: Where have you played live this year? 
KRASH KARMA: We have played all over the United States and also throughout Germany. 


BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a favorite cover that always finds it’s way on your set list and is there a story behind it? 
KRASH KARMA: We like to switch up our covers, but one of our favorites is a heavy version of  “Wish you were Here” by Pink Floyd.  They are one of our all time favorites and the lyrics just really hit home to us and to our fans. 


BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a past show that stands out from the rest? 
KRASH KARMA: We played at a festival in Casablanca, Morocco that we will never forget.  There were thousands of metal kids in Metallica and Slayer t-shirts singing our lyrics like they knew us forever.  Right before we went on, we had to wait 10 minutes for the prayers to be over- which was something we had never seen before.  The love and energy was so intense and unexpected that it by far still remains one of our favorite live experiences. 


BOOTLEG METAL: So what’s in the works for (the band)? 
KRASH KARMA: We are currently writing new material for our follow up album to “Paint the Devil” that we released in 2015.  We are also booking our next tours in the US and Europe for 2017. 


BOOTLEG METAL: What are your thoughts on your local music scene? 
KRASH KARMA: Los Angeles is an amazing place to see live music.  It can be rough as there is always something going on and people have so many choices to see great music, but that’s what I love about it.  We tour very heavily and get to know music scenes all over the world and Rock and Roll is thriving in almost every city we’ve been!


BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a recent album/EP release you’d like to tell us about and where can we get it?
KRASH KARMA: Our last release is called “Paint the Devil” and you can order it from our website:  www.krashkarma.com   Also you can get it on other online platforms such as itunes and amazon.  If you live in Germany you will find it in music stores as well. 


BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have merchandise for sale? 
KRASH KARMA: Of course!! We have awesome merchandise including all of our music releases and killer t-shirts! Go to www.krashkarma.com.  We are always adding new designs!


BOOTLEG METAL: Where can you be found online? 
www.krashkarma.com
www.facebook.com/krashkarma
www.youtube.com/krashkarma
www.instagram.com/krashkarma



BOOTLEG METAL: As far as videos, sites, merch, ect. Are you guys more of a DIY band or do you hire out?
KRASH KARMA: We do almost everything ourselves.  Super DIY.


BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have or are you looking for a label/manager? 
KRASH KARMA: We manage ourselves at the moment and released our last album with Eternal Sound Records.. We are open to what the future will bring. 


BOOTLEG METAL: One question I like to ask. What song (if any) by another artist do you wish you wrote? 
KRASH KARMA: Helter Skelter by the Beatles

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there another artist or band that is totally not your genre that you listen to? 
KRASH KARMA: So so many…. Hmmmmm….. Let’s go with Johnny Cash



BOOTLEG METAL: How do you think downloading music whether legal or illegal affected the music community? 
KRASH KARMA: It gives people who would have otherwise not been heard a platform to get their music heard.  Yeah, it would be nice to have all those lost dollars in my pocket, but we’re just glad that people can find our music online  on every platform. It gives more people a chance to be turned on to our music and potentially become fans. 


BOOTLEG METAL: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us and answering the questions. Is there anything you’d like to add? 
KRASH KARMA: Support all things Metal! Spread the word, go to shows, rock the t-shirts of your favorite bands and keep the scene alive and beautiful!

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