LEÆTHER STRIP FAQ 1.2
Druid
various individuals I will say the following:
Do I believe that LEÆTHER STRIP is avante garde? Fuck no.
Do I believe that LEÆTHER STRIP is one of a million EBM clones? Fuck no.
I will remind you that you do not have to be pissing in different size
containers and calling it a base line to be experimental. EN and all
bands of that ilk(Classic Industrial) were more revolutionary than
experimental. I mean they went way above and beyond the call of duty.
Personally, I believe that if a band has a distinctive sound and I (being
the EBM connoisseur that I am) believe LEÆTHER STRIP is certainly no clone
band (although Stabbing Westward is), then they are breaking new ground
and are thus original to some degree. If you disagree with me, fine. I
think everyone involved in this argument realizes that
A)Debating via the internet is useless and filled with
miscommunication/misinterpretation
B)Noone is going to change their minds here. No matter how long we fight
over this, neither side will ever capitulate.
The only thing which I honestly can not understand(and this is not meant
to be derogatory in even the slightest manner) is what do you do when you
go to an Industrial/Gothic club? Almost all the music is going to consist
of LEÆTHER STRIP, FLA and other EBM bands, and if you were to request NIN
you'd probably get at least some shit from the DJ. I was just wondering,
because I have never encountered anyone in the Philly Industrial scene who
doesn't possess a strong affinity for Electro, EBM, and everything in
between. That is, after all, why they are in the Industrial scene, and
like it or not, it would appear that EBM is, indeed, the modern
incarnation of Industrial music.
Druid
______________________________________________________________
LEÆTHER STRIP FAQ 1.2
The LEÆTHER STRIP FAQ was written and is maintained by
Druid(pau...@omni.voicenet.com) with lots of help from Michelle
Molitor(pet...@wavenet.com) and Ric Laciak(Lac...@aol.com).
What's New since V1.1?
The humorous attack against NIN has been deleted on the grounds that Trent
needs no further advertising. This became apparent to me after some
discussion with Ric Laciak.
Table of Contents-
General Queries
Q: What is LEÆTHER STRIP??
Q: Who is in LEÆTHER STRIP??
Q: How is LEÆTHER STRIP written?
Q: Does the name LEÆTHER STRIP mean a strip of leather or to take
of
leather clothing?
Q: What exactly is the famous STRIP STUDIO, and where are they located?
Q: What label is LEÆTHER STRIP on(it can get quite confusing)?
Q: Is there a best of album out for LEÆTHER STRIP?
Q: Where I can get LEÆTHER STRIP stickers, shirts etc.?
Q: What online sources can I use to learn more about LEÆTHER
STRIP/Klute?
Q: What is Ras Dva and G.A.W.M.U.S.?
Claus Queries
Q: Bio of Claus
Q: What is Claus Larsen's relationship to the band Klute?
Q: Has Claus Larsen been in any other bands besides LEÆTHER STRIP
and
Klute?
Q: Did Claus really record all the vocals the Klute album
"Explicit"
naked?
Q: According to his lyrics, what are Claus' positions on various issues?
Q: Is Flemming Larsen of Psychopomps a relative of Claus Larsen?
Musically Related Queries
Q: What does G.A.W.M. stand for?
Q: What does "Antius" mean?
Q: Are there two versions of the song "Nosecandy"?
Q: You claim LEÆTHER STRIP is aggressive, but _Serenade for the
Dead_
is quite mellow...
Q: What equipement does Claus generally use?
General Queries-
Q: What is LEÆTHER STRIP?
LEÆTHER STRIP is the main project of the Danish born Claus Larsen. One of
the front runners in the Industrial/EBM scene, LEÆTHER STRIP's music tends
to be very aggressive, very danceable, electronic pieces which are
absolutely devoid of guitar. On occasion, piano and string instruments
are also employed, but rarely are they found without the definitive
presence of electronics. Another facet of LEÆTHER STRIP's musical style
which has become a trademark of Claus' song writing, is his amazing
employment of samples. While other great bands such as Front Line
Assembly will generally sample from fairly well known sources, LEÆTHER
STRIP samples not only tend to be the most interesting but also the most
obscure. Furthermore, they are commonly accompanied by appropriate music
overlays and ranges from truly bizarre, to humorous, to quite pissed
off. Perhaps my favorite example of Claus' sampling ability comes from
the song "Torture(A Suicide Note)" where a man screams, " I can fucking
smell you dreams!"
Is that not brilliant?
Q: Who is in LEÆTHER STRIP?
As I mentioned earlier, LEÆTHER STRIP is Claus Larsen, end of story!
Claus Larsen writes, programs, performs, arranges, mixes, and produces
every single song he releases. Honestly, I have yet to hear of another
who is both obsessive enough to take on such a work load and is capable of
it at the same time. I mean we're talking about a musical genius here,
who creates a masterpieces on a budget of $1500. That's right...$1500.
Q: How is LEÆTHER STRIP written?
The name is two separate words, is usually(but not always) written in
capitals, and do not, I repeat , do not forget the "æ" symbol!
Q: Does the name LEÆTHER STRIP mean a strip of leather or to take off
leather clothing?
The name LEÆTHER STRIP unequivocally means a strip of leather.
Q: What exactly are the famous STRIP STUDIOS, and where are they located?
The STRIP STUDIO is Claus Larsen's home studio in Aalborg, Denmark. All
LEÆTHER STRIP and Klute writing, recording, and mixing is conducted
there. Apparently, Claus requires peace and quiet to work.
Q: What label is LEÆTHER STRIP on(it can get quite confusing)?
Ok, here it is. First of all, always remember that LEÆTHER STRIP is on
Zoth Ommog. With that established ,let me now explain why we all commonly
come across either LEÆTHER STRIP songs or album swhich appear to be other
labels.
For all of us over here in North America, many of the LEÆTHER STRIP albums
which you will come across will seem be on Cleopatra. Actually LEÆTHER
STRIP is just distributed in North America by Cleopatra, and if you look
really carefully you'll find the Zoth Ommog logo on there somewhere.
Additionally, some LEÆTHER STRIP works are released on Ras Dva. This is
because Ras Dva is actually a fan label of LEÆTHER STRIP's(as well as some
other Zoth Ommog acts). Usually, Ras Dva releases will consist of rare
tracks and the like, but all the major LEÆTHER STRIP albums will be
released on Zoth Ommog. Also, the album _Penetrate the Satanic Citizen_
was released by Cargo Records/ Reconstriction , but this album was
basically a compilation of early LEÆTHER STRIP material which had
previously been released on vinyl via Zoth Ommog and had never really made
its way to CD format. See the next question for more information on
_Penetrate the Satanic Citizen_.
Too make it even more confusing, LEÆTHER STRIP's popularity in the genre
has caused tracks to pop up on miscellaneous compilations released by a
bunch of different labels. Once again, ignore these and remember Zoth
Ommog. Incidentally, I wouldn't be making such a big deal out of this if
it weren't for the zillions of people I have met that get confused by the
whole process.
Q: Is there a best of album out for LEÆTHER STRIP?
There is a best of early LEÆTHER STRIP(pre '93) called _Penetrate the
Satanic Citizen_ which was released by Cargo Records/Reconstriction. Be
careful not to mix the album with _Science for the Satanic Citizen_ or the
_Pleasure of Penetration_ which were both early Zoth Ommog releases.
Q: Where I can get LEÆTHER STRIP stickers, shirts etc.?
Good question. You best shot is probably from G.A.W.M.U.S. See below for
more details about G.A.W.M.U.S and Ras Dva.
Q: What online sources can I use to learn more about LEÆTHER STRIP/Klute?
RMI is, of course, an excellent forum for discussion concerning LEÆTHER
STRIP. Additionally, there is a LEÆTHER STRIP Web page at
http://isl-garnet.uah.edu/claassen/leatherstrip.html/
Also, the President of G.A.W.M.U.S.(Ric Laciak) can be contacted at
Lac...@aol.com.
Q: What is Ras Dva and G.A.W.M.U.S.?
Well, G.A.W.M.U.S. stands for "Getting Away With Murder in the United
States" and is taken from the LEÆTHER STRIP song of the same title. Ras
Dva is the fan label division of G.A.W.M.U.S, and both were started by Ric
Laciak (Radio DJ turned writer for Industrial Nation magazine) over 4
years ago. They were started as the fan club for Zoth Ommog's "LEÆTHER
STRIP" and other Music Research bands.
For ordering information or whatever write:
Ras Dva Records
PO Box 92575
Milwaukee, WI. 53202-0575
FAX: (414) 271-2173
or e-mail: Lac...@aol.com
Claus Queries-
Name: Claus Larsen
DOB: 13 November, 1967
SIGN: Scorpio
HEIGHT: Approximately 6 foot 2 inches
WEIGHT: Fluctuates between 185 and 200 pounds
HOBBIES: Gardening and fishing
PETS: Nitzer and Zombie--cats (deceased), Daffy--parrot/parakeet, gerbils,
2 snakes--a ball python and another kind, rabbits, mice (he raises his
own to feed his snakes,
since the pet shop near his house sells mice from a breeder that raises
them for testing labs), and I think he may have a lizard or two.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT: Lives on a lake that is home to one of the few mated
pairs of storks in Denmark, and therefore has loads of conservationists
and bird watchers hanging about the place.
ODD HABIT: Often steals lighters that people leave on tables in clubs
FAMILY PLACEMENT STATUS: The baby.
FAVORITE FOOD: Right now, it appears to be ice cream. He even went out
and bought himself an ice cream maker to support his habit. He's
intrigued by the concept of chocolate-chip cookie dough ice cream, so I
have to get him some when he comes next week.
BRAND OF CIGARETTES: LOOK cigarettes.
FAVORITE DRINK: Coffee.
TATTOOS: Two tribal ones on his chest and a lizard crawling up his thigh.
Q: What is Claus Larsen's relationship to the band Klute?
The band Klute is the side project of Claus Larsen. It was developed by
Claus to blow off steam accumulated from the perfectionism and pressure
that LEÆTHER STRIP causes him to undergo. Unlike LEÆTHER STRIP, Klute
songs tend to be quickly composed and often employ guitar along with the
standard proliferation of electronics. The result is a very hard, fast
sound which is quite appealing. Although not as good as LEÆTHER
STRIP(what is?), Klute has also gained much respect in the Industrial
community for its abrasive edge, and is a must for a fans of LEÆTHER STRIP
and Ministry alike.
Q: Has Claus Larsen been in any other bands besides LEÆTHER STRIP and Klute?
To quote Claus Larsen from an interview by Ric Laciak, "I've been in 3
bands, but I've always left them, because the other guys were too busy
with everything else. I had another name before LEÆTHER STRIP. I was
called Forbidden Art, and I made instrumental melodic techno."
Q: Did Claus really record all the vocals the Klute album "Explicit" naked?
Yep. Claus himself confirmed this rumor, and added that he was also alone
at the time.
Q: According to his lyrics, what are Claus' positions on various issues?
1)Perhaps Claus' most overt message is that he has no tolerance for
fascism, racism, or oppression. These views are encoded in almost
everything he touches, but for an extremely blatant examples listen to the
song "The White Disgrace"1 Also, the message found in the inside cover of
that same album echoes these beliefs.
1-from the album _Underneath the Laughter_
2)Claus Larsen strongly dislike all religions. I mean all religions:
Christianity, Judaism, Islam etc. Songs like "Atheistic Sermon"2 and
"Khomeini"3 should make this quite apparent. Also, it should be clearly
stated that Claus does not necessarily hate those who practice
religion(although I would image he would get annoyed if you tried
preaching to him), he simply does not respect the entire concept of
religion.
2-from the album _Underneath the Laughter_
3-from the album _Fit for Flogging_
3)Claus neither does drugs nor agrees with the concept of doing drugs.
Quotes like those below can be found throughout his work, indicating a
strong dislike of narcotics.
"It will take all my strength to keep my body clean."
-"Turn to Stone" on _Underneath the Laughter_
"Al Jourgensen is the most crazy person I've ever met; I met him when I
was supporting for Revolting Cocks in Copenhagen. Besides the fact that
he is full of drugs, he's OK."
-Interview with Claus Larsen from Industrial Nation.
Also, the song "Nosecandy" is of an anti-drug nature.
It should be pointed out that Claus is NOT straight edge. He does smoke
and is definitely not an opponent of fornication. Proof of the latter is
easily implied from the motif of the album _Solitary Confinement_ where
many of the songs like "I am Your Conscience" and "Mortal Thoughts"
discuss the irrational feelings of guilt which we all feel from time to
time. Also, the message, "Submit to Your Fantasies" is scrawled on the
accompanying booklet of the album. This theme can easily be joined with
the attitude of rebelliousness found in song "Don't Tame Your Soul"4 and
the quote, "Don't kill your dreams, you can't live without."5 Lastly, I
would say that is unfair to trivialize the above messages by believing
that they are strictly sexual in nature. Although they can easily pertain
to human sexuality, it is quite obvious that they stretch much farther
than that.
4-from the album _Underneath the Laughter_
5-from the song "Turn to Stone" on album _Underneath the Laughter_
4)Mr. Larsen dislikes self-serving apathy, corruption, and greed
especially on a political level. The lyrics, "So United States you kill
your own race. Keep your progress to yourself."6 directly attack the
aforementioned behavior in the reference frame of the United States.
About these lyrics Claus said, "The states have this urge to be the best
at all things no matter what the price. You chose to go to the moon...you
choose to forget the poor and homeless."7
Another set of lyrics along those same lines would be "As long as it's the
third world there's nothing to fear, just send in the cameras so
everything is clear."8
As are these: "One who has the strength to cure the water. One who has
the strength to save the land. One who won't be scared to stop the
slaughter. One who'll choose to speak for those who can't. We need, we
need, another leader."9
6-from the song "Antius" on the album "Fit for Flogging"
7-from an interview with Claus in Industrial Nation
8-from the song "Nothing Seen-Nothing done" on the album _Solitary Confinement_
9-from the song "Another Leader" on the album _Solitary Confinement_
5)Claus has excellent taste in horrific literature as it made apparent on
the actual CD of _Serenade for the Dead_
Q: Is Flemming Larsen of Psychopomps a relative of Claus Larsen?
No. Claus has done work for Psychopomps so they most certainly know each
other, but they are not related.
Musically Related Queries-
Q: What does G.A.W.M. stand for?
Getting away with murder. The phrase seems to have caught Claus' liking
as it has keeps popping up over the years. Initially, it was the title of
a song found on _Fit for Flogging_. Since then it has been utilized in
the title of the song "Murder/Getting Away With It"(I think that is demo
track of G.A.W.N.) found on the Zoth Ommog compilation called _The Colours
of Zoth Ommog_ and more recently, was the name of the limited release(500
in Europe/500 in North America)containing live tracks and unreleased
material.
Q: What does "Antius" mean?
Anti-US. Pretty tricky, huh? Quite a fitting title for the song really...
Q: Are there two versions of the song "Nosecandy"?
Yes. One is the Klute version while the other is the LEÆTHER STRIP stab
at it. Each project handles the song in a manner which is consistent with
their style, thus creating a huge difference between the two
interpretations. The versions are much more than simple remixes of each
other, and make an interesting comparison when juxtaposed.
Q: You call LEÆTHER STRIP aggressive, but _Serenade for the Dead_ is
quite mellow...
The most recent of the "new" full length albums(albums filled completely
with nascent material) is _Serenade for the Dead_ and it shocked many with
its exploration into a different genre of music. The album, although
still executed on synths, consisted completely of melancholy Classical
pieces, containing no vocals. Each track is very well composed and
orchestrated, resulting in an excellent album on par in quality with other
Classical greats such as Bach, Beethoven, etc. With a proliferation of
electro bands attempting to evolve their sound by integrating guitars,
_Serenade for the Dead_ stands out from the pack by showing that there are
most certainly other pathways to be explored.
Since _Serenade for the Dead_ was released, Claus has also put out an EP
entitled _Positive Depression_10 which merges the sounds of the _Solitary
Confinement_ + _Underneath the Laughter_ with the haunting melodies of
_Serenade for the Dead_. Imagine hearing an Electro/Classical hybrid
complete with pounding bass drums, aggressive, distorted vocals, and
LEÆTHER'S STRIP trade mark samples. Well, Claus did it!
10-the four songs found on _Positive Depression_ also occupy the first
disc on the _Double or Nothing_ box set.
Q: What equipment does Claus generally use?
To quote Claus Larsen from an interview by Ric Laciak, "Well, I have a lot
of different equipment and I use a lot of time to do the sounds,
especially on the old analog synths. I just love to work with them. I
use: MOOG SOURCE, ROLAND SH-101, MATRIX-6, DX-7, EMAX, AKAI S-950, TG-77,
ROLAND S-550, KAWAI K3M , and different drum machines.
In reference to his voice Claus said, "Well, I use an old guitar
distortion, and I experiment with other effects."