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<< Interviews this month
The Kings Of Frog Island
file under Stoner
The Kings of Frog Island, a hobbyband or is it more than just that? We asked Matt Betancourt, frontman of The Kings, but right now better known as the guitarplayer for Josiah. In short and precise answers – somehow in line with the second cd – he tells of the concept that is behind The Kings. Perhaps he should have drawn maps and diagrams to clarify it a bit more. Unfortunately we do not learn much about Agalychnis Callidryas (The Red Eyed Tree Frog)…
Text: Jan-Simon
You are The Kings of Frog Island, and then there is a band called Queens of the Stone Age. One that you often get compared with. Is there any coincidence?
We are Kings and they are Queens, no coincidence.
Where is Frog Island anyway?
Leicester in the UK. It’s a run down area just outside of town. We all grew up in and around Frog Island and crowned our selves kings.
You are in three other bands besides KOFI. Is there a hierarchy, in other words: which band is more important to you?
They are all my children and at all times I love them equally. Sometimes I have a favorite, depends on how they behave.
Will you be touring or is Kings of Frog Island purely a studio band?
Pure studio. We may play on the roof of Amphibia one day but I got to find a big fur coat to wear first.
What do you think of all the comparisons with Monster Magnet and Queens of the Stone Age? Surprise or not?
We are into the same stuff as the Queens and Magnet they just got famous first. I got into Spine Of God as a teenager because a mate said they sounded like the group I was in at the time. It’s no surprise we get compared to these bands as we all suck on the same tit.
How does a British band get signed on a German label? It is not that obvious.
Stefan Koglek is the reason. He’s the magic man and boss of Elektrohasch. We met when Josiah played with Colour Haze and have been great friends ever since, he’s my brother. Without his support my recorded work would probably have stopped when Josiah’s UK label Molten went bust. Stefan has now released my entire catalogue; The Beginning, Josiah, The Kings and Cherry Choke. I wouldn’t take my music to anyone else.
I have read stories about the current album being the second part of a trilogy. What can you tell us about this?
That’s true. We are working on III as a final Kings album. We have always approached the albums as soundtracks to a non-existent movie. Who knows how the story will end.
How should we see this trilogy, is there a binding theme?
Yeh! A struggle of epic proportions between the planets of Satanica and Amphibia. The winner gets your soul.
When will the third part be finished?
III is looking good at the moment, shaping up nicely. I’d guess at late 2009 early 2010.
The initial recordings were done at June 6th, 2006. Was this a pure coincidence, or something planned long beforehand?
II was all about Satanica and we really wanted to call on the dark for inspiration so we planned the first session for 6.6.6. It was a magical time.
To finish a few questions on some really important issues:
- What is your favourite type of frog?
- What do you think about recent news that frogs are disappearing all over the world?
- Why should we all stay amphibious?
- Red Eyed Tree Frog
- Alien abduction.
- Two worlds are better than one.
http://www.myspace.com/thekingsoffrogisland
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