PORNO KARAOKE After their successful debut performances in Sau Paulo Brazil at the end of 2019 and early 2020, the flying start of Porno Karaoke was unfortunately cut short by the outbreak of the global Covid pandemic. However, with a smashing performance at the Brussels Magasin 4 and the recent invitation to perform at the famous UK INFEST festival an interview with this bizarre project couldn't be missed. We spoke with mastermind and Porno Karaoke frontman Horny B in a crowded hazy bar. Howdid Porno Karaoke come together as a band, andwhat inspired the choice of doing an electro-industrial cover band? Horny B.: Well the idea of starting an electro-Industrial cover band been maturing in my head for many years. I used to be, and still am,a big fan of the Revolting Cocks early works and sound. The way they covered Rod Stewart’s ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy’ is simply amazing! But I never found the time or opportunity to make Porno Karaoke happen. Until one day I was asked by a Brazilian promoter/friend to come up with an extra act for his festival as one of the acts couldn’t make it. Since I had already a map named Porno Karaoke on my computer for years, a map where I “dumped” my cover version try-outs and demo’s I asked Edson (the promoter) if Porno Karaoke could be an option/solution … He immediately liked the idea, as the Brazilians seemed to, as the gig was a success and Porno Karaoke was invited back to Sao Paulo only 3 months later! As far as the band thing is concerned, I don't see porno Karaoke as a traditional band - 24 - with a fixed line-up but more as a collective with changing musicians & performers. How do you decide which songs to cover? Can you tell us about the creative process behind selecting and adapting songs for your electro-industrial style? One of the general conditions is that the song in question can no longer be heard live because the band no longer exists or the artist in question has already passed away. Although we sometimes make an exception to that last condition if, for example,we think a song is just too good not to molest and put it through our Porn Karaoke chop and blender. Regarding the creative process we can be quick too as the original artist took care of the most creative part, trying to make his song sound perfect.We just fiddle around with some sounds and samples until we find it sounds perfect to our industrial music loving ears. Mind you, sometimes our respect for a song or artist is so big and we try to stay as close as possible to the original, without wanting to sound like a perfect copy. What sets Porno Karaoke apart from other cover bands in the electro-industrial genre? Porno Karaoke does not try to play a perfect copy of a song. If you want to hear songs as they were originally released, you better sit at home on the couch and put on Spotify, satisfaction guaranteed! If you prefer all the sounds a bit greasier,harsher and sleazier and you feel like partying,Porn Karaoke is your fix! (continued on p.26)
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