Andreas from the group Axids was so fast to answer these questions. I sent the interview around 11.18 and 13.50 the interview was done. This happened in march-2022

Please tell me a little history of the group, members and what you do when you don´t play music, what do you work and which ages are you in?  Have it been the same members all the time, or have it been many lineup changes?

-Do you know the Australian band Clowns? Awesome punk rock, screamed vocals, but still rather positive and uplifting. They played in Hamburg. After the gig, the drummer of a friend of mine asked me if we wanted to form a band that did something like that. I felt like doing something really snotty for a change. So we grabbed Ole. He can hold a guitar and even play it. Then there was this crazy pizza maker and wrestler Mario. Actually, he also plays the guitar. Now he plays bass. So it started well. Then came the pandemic. The one drummer left and Felix came. We found ourselves again and then continued where we left off: Turning ideas into songs as fast as possible. No overthinking, just doing. The result is now in your hands with this record. It's available on vinyl or you can stream it everywhere. Even though it was all supposed to be fun, it suddenly clicked. The project became a real band. We're all in our mid/late 30s, working full time, but it still feels like we're 19 again. A sense of departure, energy, Sturm und Drang.

Axids is the name, where did it came from and what does it mean?

-An idea for the name was - I think - already born that evening, when we thought about doing something like the clowns. My first suggestion was AIDS. But somehow it didn't go down very well. Strange, isn't it? Well. Then we simply added an X and everything was clear. The AXIDS were born.

What´s best with playing live ? Are you missing it now or is it soon that you will play live after covid-times? Where is best to play, which country, town, place?

-Play live or bust! That was and is always exactly what our concept is designed for. Of course, you can also play our stuff on your walkman on the road or blast it on your stereo at home and wreck the place. Also cool, but just not the same. Luckily we can play live again under strict rules. It's very important for us that the gigs are as safe a story as possible for everyone. Our release party was fantastic. We haven't felt that alive in ages and hopefully the audience felt the same way. Other than that, we have gigs scheduled regularly through September. And currently it looks like they're all going to happen.

Is it important to give out the record as physical releases do you think?

-If you look at our vinyl, you'll notice that we've already put more effort into it than is reasonable. Physical releases are extremely costly and a certain risk in the current situation. Extras in the design affect the price. But honestly, fuck it. Let's just burn money then. Other people waste their money on cars, jewelry or senseless and heartless investments. Having your own music on vinyl and sharing it with the world like this is a nice feeling. We love it when people send us pictures of them playing our album. A record like that is just more fun than clicking the play button on an app. But: On the other hand, we think it's totally cool that you can hear us all over the world. I totally dig it when kids from Indonesia are into our sound. That wouldn't have been possible in the 80s or 90s. Vinyl gives your music a certain value, streaming makes your music accessible. Both in combination make us at least happy as a band - and poorer. Hahaha.

Do you play any covers when you play live? If you do, which then?

-We're not a big fan of reproducing songs by other performers. I for one really don't have fun with it either. I want to create and not imitate. It sounds like we are totally out to be absolutely unique. Of course that's not true. If you listen to us, you'll notice countless influences that grow together into something new. We love music, we just don't see the point in completely imitating what exists. Besides, we don't want to offend our idols with our pathetic attempts. Hahaha. So: no, we don't cover.

Please tell me a little about following songs a) Axid Rose b) Axids all areas c) Axid Queen and how did you come foreward to that everysong would be named anything with Axi?

-Oh, you've picked some interesting songs. AXID ROSE is one of my favorite songs, for example. The priest-heavy opening alone, which then transitions into this fast punky part. Fast, a touch of melody. Pure energy. The vocals even almost scream a bit melodically, albeit off-key. But that's what makes the charm of us. Nothing was recorded on click. No claim to musical-technical correctness. Just fun. And in terms of content: If everything sucks: check out Axid Rose. He always does his thing. Whoever this guy may be. By the way: On our next album one song will be called: AXID RUDI PELL. AXID RUDI PELL - oh toi ma belle ... Hahaha,

AXIDS ALL AREAS ... You notice, the common thread are the puns with our band name. This is about the longing to finally be able to go anywhere again. I want to finally see Iron Maiden in South America again, I want to finally meet friends in England again. We as a band want to play everywhere. No boundaries. Musically, what I like about the song is the tension between aggressive riffing, screaming and these softer moments. And you find the same with

AXID QUEEN. Gentle entrance and then it gets wilder. Contentwise a very personal text. Did you also watch Rosanne back then? I could totally identify with Darlene. Just a super cool character. But then there was the older sister Becky. I thought she was totally hot. Even though I found her rather boring. Isn't it interesting that even as a little adolescent you get distracted by superficialities. In the long run, you would be happy with the person whose inner values you appreciate. Well, teenage angst. That runs through many of our songs. Even if they have superficially no depth and are rather stream of consciousness, there are always moments here and there. And often it feels like we are still teenagers. At the latest in the rehearsal room we are suddenly all 14, 16 or at most 19 years old again. So far, surprisingly, we have received only good feedback. People - some of them really very established music journalists - seem to understand our concept. It's not about musical beauty, it's about the DIY spirit. It just so happens that in the end it doesn't sound like shit, but has energy and is fun. You're up for pogo, stuffy basement rooms, sweat from the ceiling. The songs are not carried by a mathematical click, but by our heartbeat. And that sometimes overturns - because the music does something with us. You can hear that. It could be disturbing, but it doesn't have to be. So if someone criticizes us and tears the album apart: there's absolutely a reason for that. We would not be sad. But if someone likes it, we're even happier.

Do you think that your lyrics can have effect on other people who listens to them…any example on it? Have you changed anyones mind? Never in german?

-Whether lyrics can have an effect on people. Yes, definitely. But whether that also applies to us? Mhhhh, our lyrics are really hard to understand because of the screaming. The transport a feeling rather than content. But even if the lyrics are quite funny, you can always draw a positive message from them - even if it's just a funny reference that reminds someone of a good time. For example: PARTY TIME AXIDLENT. Then when I think of Wayne's World, I have to smile. Not much of a thought provoker, but an effect nonetheless. A positive one.

How is it to play this sort of music in Germany, which type of bands are you having concerts with??

-Germany and Hamburg in particular has a good punk scene. In all shades there are different bands here with super funny, nice people. The good thing about our style is that we can play with hardcore bands, punk bands, but also with metal bands like our buddies from KNIFE. The important thing is: Does the mix of bands make sense for the audience?

Have you been one of all these bands which have made livestreams now during the covid-19 time or how is it?

-Oh, we once just live streamed our rehearsal on Instagram. But without announcement or anything. But everyone who watched had a good time. At least. And that's the point.

I like beer and also make beer.. If Axids would do a beer , what would it be named and which sort of beer would it be?

-Hahaha, awesome question. I myself have been sober for over two years. Not that I would never drink again, just don't have the need at the moment. The more then the others drink. And they would celebrate their own beer of course. Do you know the Danish beer Faxe? The 1 liter cans. Hahaha. So of course a FAXID beer is obvious. Also from the idea that it has to be at least a 1 liter can.

How would you describe your music in three words to anyone who never have heard you?

-The US magazine Invisible Oranges hit the nail on the head: „Highly vitriolic punk with snarling vocals, skull-splitting riffs, and far more puns on their band name than you were probably expecting.“ That is a very nice description of us.

Which is your own favoritesong among your own songs?

-Oh, we love all songs, of course. But if you ask me: NÖ AXID and Theo AXIDABLE.

What´s the biggest difference when you plays live nowadays if you compare when you first started to play in a band?

-With my other band we are very very professional. Very planned rehearsals, very thoughtful songwriting. The lyrics alone take months. With the AXIDS, the absolute opposite is the case. Chaos reigns here. Just like it was when I was 16. Only now we are able to channel this creative energy a bit. We don't have to prove anything to anyone. We don't have to pretend. We just put our resurrected teenage angst into songs. Done.

Old German punk/hardcorebands which you really like?

-Tackleberry, Antitainment or bands like Ulf, Slime, Love A, No Guidance which are quite old but still active. There're so many to add.

What do you know about Sweden? What did people said about your corona-strategy? Have you ever been here? Any good bands from Sweden that you like?

-First thought: Millencolin. Awesome band, awesome guys. Second thought: Hellacopters. Thanks Satan for Nicke Andersson. Otherwise, Sweden is actually considered a great role model for liberal modern thinking people. We love your progressive approach to society. As far as your covid strategy is concerned, we don't want to presume any judgment. We at AXIDS have always been guided by science and not by populist opinions. I personally just found it a pity that just the right disgusting powers instrumentalized you and your course. That doesn't fit with my image of Sweden.

Your audience when you play live, which type of people comes, age?

-Our shows are attended by people who are into music. Even if the people are for the most part over 30. I see only teenagers in front of us.

What´s the best of playing live?

-Since we are the new guys, we are currently playing very early. It's a great opportunity. Nobody expects anything, you can only win. But you also have to work your ass off for it.

Please tell me a funny thing which have happened during a livegig with your band?

-The whole performance of us is fun. It starts with a popcorn machine that fills the whole room with an unmistakable smell and ends with popcorn raining into the audience. Okay, which might be funny here: I sweep at the end. After all, I don't want to make more work for the people working in the venue. This always looks quite funny when the singer has to sweep a bit before continuing. 

Do you buy much records, or is it only Spotify and those type of things to listen to music?

-I personally spend more money on records than listening to them. It's a sign of respect. Plus, I can finally do what I always wanted as a teenager: have a huge vinyl collection.

If you could choose five bands from the past and the history and nowadays and both dead and living bands to have a concert together with your band. Which five have you been chosen?

-Oha. Now that's going to be a wild mix. But yeah, here are my top five bands I would love to share the stage with AXIDS: RAMONES, KISS, DEAD KENNEDYS, MISFITS, THE BRONX. Oh, this is interesting. If you put those bands in a blender, we'd come out. Well, we are epigones. No problem with that.

Are you living on your music or what do you work with on the side of the music?

-Our music costs us more money than it brings us. So without our jobs the whole thing wouldn't be possible. But: All the more we only do what we like to do. Pure luxury.

Wisdomword?

-You can't ask the AXIDS for wisdom. But hey. I have a credo that guides you through life: Don't be an asshole.

Anything more to add to the interview?

-Listen to the album on 33 instead of 45. When we're 70 we'll sound like this. Doom punk. It has something too. Thanks for the interview. It was super fun.