SOURCE – It’s a real honor to have you here again. What are you up to lately?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – We have been touring the world over brother. With the release of the new CD called the Witch-hunt things have been rocking. The last several years have found us on the road all year every year with small breaks. Things are really happening for Master at the moment. Of course this is what we live for so no complaints here my friend. It’s always nice to chat with you my friend!
SOURCE – Let’s talk about the new album, The Witchhunt. It’s a great album. It’s a lot more diverse than what I’ve heard from you before. Well it wasn’t planned really.
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – I write riffs over the years on my micro-cassette recorder and simply play back the riffs and pick out the ones I think will work. Nothing really special about the process. I have been writing the same way for the last 12 years or so. The key to writing for me is that I listen to only old Rock and Metal and this gives me a fresh approach to arranging the songs. There are no influences from the newer generation of clones this way.
SOURCE – How close is it to the band’s classic sound?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – The classic sound never really changes in my opinion. I write and record the same way I have since moving to Europe in 2000, if something is not broken, then there is no need to fix it. We record at the same studio in Czech and hope for the best every time. The studio technology improves and the sound as well on every record or at least I hope so!
SOURCE – What will be your strongest memory of the recording of The Witchhunt?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – I will always remember how quickly it was recorded all tracks finished in 5 days, but this is always the case for us these days.
SOURCE – How would you characterize the band’s sound now compared to back in the ’90s?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – This is hard for me to answer as in the early years everything was done analog and if the drummer made a mistake the whole band had to begin again. Today these mistakes can be fixed in minutes, so it is easier actually. I never like to look back regardless, I live for the future.
This is the secret of longevity!
SOURCE – You’ve seen a lot of changes in the music industry over the past 30 plus years.
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – What, if anything, can be done to fix its current state? There is nothing thaat can be fixed my friend, it it what it is. Ruthless snakes rule the music world today. Only the underground labels like F.D.A Rekotz and Vic Records can be trusted!
SOURCE – Is it difficult to balance the obligations of three bands (MASTER – ABOMINATION – DEATHSTRIKE)?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – No I only work with Master these days with an occasional Deathstrike performance from time to time with the same members.
SOURCE – Do you have plans to write or release more books in the future?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – I have yet to release the first book due to a delay, the book will hit the market in February!
SOURCE – What do you do to keep yourself occupied during travel and down time on tour?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – I read many books as it is boring as hell travelling! It’s always the hurry up and wait sindrome on tour for sure.
SOURCE – You guys have a strong social media presence. Has that translated into things like increased album sales, tickets, merch etc?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – Sure you have to be online all the time these days to have any success with all the competition today.
SOURCE – We are expecting to in Brazil for some live shows.
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – Yes begins in January we will play 5 dates in Brazil and we certainly look forward to this as always brother.
SOURCE – Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – Sure be on the lookout for the book called Speckmann Underground Survivor very soon.
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