Interviews - Krusafix

Krusafix - Darrel Hughes - Interviewed by Tracy Cooper.

Krusafix emerged into public eye in August 2000 with the release of Cyber Angel as a CD single and a remix album. This wasn't the first time the music scene had been blessed with the musicial talents of Darrel Hughes.

Since the early nineties, Darrel has produced music under the guises of Red Sekta, Panzer and Voltoid, and remixed other bands material under the guise of Surgeon. Darrel became highly acclaimed in the Industrial music scene working with many bands.

Now running his own label Neurogenik Transmissions, Darrel has progressed into the dance scene with his new band Krusafix formed in June 2000. With a new album due to be released at the end of April, here's what Darrel had to say.

TC: How old are you and where were you born?.

K: I’m 29, I was born in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England.

TC: What sort of person would you describe yourself as?.

K: Intense, loyal, honest, sincere.

TC: How old were you when you started writing music?.

K: I started composing my own music-tracks when I was 14.

TC: What musical influences did you have?.

K: I was into loads of bands and various styles of electronic music, Dark Futurist Pop, Hardbeat, Elektro, Industrial, Tekno, Hard Dance, EBM, Avant Garde.

TC: What music style would you say your music portrays now?.

K: Having assimilated Hardbeat, Trance, Tekno, Industrial, Rave, Hard House, Dark Wave, Metal, Elektro, Avant Garde, Drum & Bass, Cyber Gothik, EBM, Neo Klassical, Futurist. I have taken what I believe to be the best elements or essence of each style, fused them together and created a unique style of my own, the sound of Krusafix. Having said that, I work with the energy within the music, shape it for each specific track, etc.

TC: Where did the name Krusafix come from and what reaction do you get from people when they hear the name of your band?.

K: I wanted a name that made impact, the image of Christ on the cross is a very potent vision!. I also feel like I have been nailed up on a cross and left to die a few times in my life.

I like the gothic imagery of a Krusafix, and the darkness that surrounds it. I get a lot of different reactions, some really like it while others seem to be quite confused by it?. I have a strong interest in religion, and Krusafix reflects this in name and the theme’s I create with music.

TC: How would you describe the music that you produce?.

K: Unique, powerful, intense, complex, serene, dark, crafted for the mind & body.

TC: Where do you get your ideas from for your music?.

K: I am moved by a lot of visual things or emotions, I get ideas then start working on giving those ideas dynamic musical energy.

TC: How did the label Neurogenik Transmissions come about?.

K: I set up NT in 1992 and released my debut CD-EP under the guise of Red Sekta. The music was vocal-song based and had a Tekno, Industrial, Dark Futurist, EBM sound.

TC: Why did you decide to create your own record label as well as creating your own music?.

K: I wanted full creative control and to co-ordinate international promotions.

TC: What do you hope to achieve musically and over what period of time?.

K: There's a new Krusafix album out in late April, a new remix album out in late May and a special edition remix album out in late June.

TC: How do you feel that you have progressed musically during the last few years?.

K: It's been a logical development.

TC: Do you find all your hard work rewarding and why?.

K: Yes, I love to hear new ideas pumping out of studio monitors, slowly evolving into a great new track, I get a rush every time!.

TC: What sort of music do you buy?.

K: I like to listen to others that are making progressive music of various styles.

TC: How do you like to spend your time when you're not writing and producing music?.

K: I like to go out to the cinema, restaurants, clubs, bars, shopping.

TC: Does your lifestyle make it hard to sustain a stable relationship?.

K: Yes, it's hard to find a balance, although it helps to have an understanding partner.

TC: What do you want for yourself in the future?.

K: Musically, I'd like to make a lot more albums, keep exploring, evolving.

TC: What can we expect from forthcoming Krusafix releases or are you keeping it under wraps?.

K: You can expect great albums, exceptionally crafted dark electronic music.

© 12-04-2001 - Copyright Darrel W Hughes.