Hi, I would like to ask about the year 1981, when the band started out – how did the band form and what plans did you have at that time?
The band worked from time to time even before this date, with different line-up, of course, and the only vision we had was to make the activities regular and to stabilize the line-up.
Who composed the songs and who wrote the lyrics?
Composing our own songs was a forced process; we didn’t want to accept the official trend of ideologically reasonable music. All band participated, although there always was an initial idea from a particular member.
You are a rock band, have you ever tried making your music heavier?
The question of “how heavy” is very personal for every band and we discussed it many times as well. The band, for example, actively reacted to the wave of speed metal, grunge etc., but Kern has always tried to bring in their own musical opinion and I think the fans have always accepted it.
I read stories published at your website, it is a great memory for your fans. Who wrote them?
I wrote the stories we published, but of course, quite a few of them are too juicy to be published…
Your concerts take place mainly in Moravia, are you going to play in western Bohemia as well?
We play gigs in Moravia mainly, but we do not intentionally avoid Bohemia, we are playing in Spálené Poříčí as a part of our autumn tour, as an example.
Are you going to release a CD with new songs?
We have been discussing a new CD for a long time, unfortunately, with no resolution. Obviously, we can write songs, but we have another issue to settle down – are our fans willing to accept a major turn in the style? Personally, I am afraid they aren’t.
How often and where do you rehearse?
We rehearse whenever we need in Brno, but sorry, no address.
Do you have any rituals before a show?
We are experienced musicians, we know how to get prepared for a concert and we do not believe in any rituals.
What are your concerts like? Are they still sold out and what age groups come to see you?
Concerts are still nice, we have a lot of people and we are glad to see different age groups in the audience.
How much did you change as musicians? Are you still the boys who had girls jumping up to the stage?
Girls never jumped to the stage, but we still like to have a word with them in the backstage and have a beer or two. Of course, we are not that wild, but our esthetic and musical opinions haven’t rusted yet.
I would like to ask you about the lyrics, are they still topical?
The lyrics are still topical and reflect our attitude to different life situations. Sure, a lot of it can be said in other words, but I don’t know about anything we would have to go back to.
Czech music scene is varied, what is your opinion about it?
It is varied and that’s for good, everyone can find his or her favourites. Some young projects are close to me as well, and I appreciate originality and an own concept.
Do you sometimes listen to metal music? And if yes, what sort of?
We sure listen to metal music, I personally prefer British scene.
You taught guitar playing, did you find a rock or metal talent among your students?
I have taught many players, who started playing actively, and even at present I feel some of them are promising.
What is your advice for young rock or metal bands?
I advise them to stay humble and endure, we also had to wait for a success, and we got it when we almost lost our faith. Personal relationships are also important, overcoming critical situations – everything will turn up well!
Do you have any message for our readers?
I could say a lot, but I mainly wish the readers best wishes for private lives, good health, and the rest will come, sooner or later.
Best Wishes from Tony Vodička and Kern
Thank you for the interview and I wish you many more successful years!
