Interview by John Wisniewski for MK ULTRA Magazine
As the founder of Leæther Strip is a Danish musical project founded on 13 January 1988 .Its influence has been most felt in the electronic body music and electro-industrial genres. Leæther Strip was one of the earliest and most prominent acts on Germany’s now defunct Zoth Ommog record label. For distribution outside of Europe, the music has been licensed to the U.S. labels Cleopatra Records and Metropolis Records. After the demise of Zoth Ommog in 1999, Larsen signed to Bloodline Records, which only released a single before also going out of business. In 2005, Leæther Strip signed with the Belgian-based label Alfa Matrix. On 3 June 2011 Larsen announced his split from Alfa Matrix in order to self-release future material.
The band name was intended to convey the literal meaning — a small band of leather — though Larsen has been guarded as to the reason. During some early shows, the racy implications of the name “strip” led some to believe that his act was explicitly pornographic to the point where one show was scouted by a pornographic magazine.
John Wisniewski: How and when did you form Leather Strip?
Claus: I starting recording the first Leæther Strip songs back in 1988, after leaving a band I was signed to a major label with. Got enough of label dictatorship and control. I needed complete artistic control of what I did and they wanted to control everything. Can’t work with people like that. But something amazing came out of the situation if you ask me. Been doing exactly what I wanted artistically ever since.
JW: Did your early albums incorporate more of an Industrial sound?
Claus: I have always kind of explored different genres through my career. I was a bit more “angry young man” back in the early days though. Sometimes I go very Industrial, sometimes avantgarde, and sometimes more Pop. I have a very broad taste in music so that reflects on what I do. I don’t wanna be a “one track Pony”, I mean, people know very fast that It’s one of my songs so I must have a “sound!
JW: any music artists that you like?
Claus. I always get attracted to artists/bands who has something on their mind. I need heart and passion in what I listen to. Some bands that had a huge impact on me was Fad Gadget, Jean-Michel Jarre, Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Abba, Yazoo (Yaz), Erasure, Skinny Puppy and many more.
JW: What inspires you to create your music?
Claus: Words mainly. I read a lot and watch a lot of movies, But the main purpose for me writing songs is to get stuff out of my head. It’s my therapy. I was diagnosed with Chronic Depression, I was born with it and it runs in my family. I never took meds for it. Ever since I was a kid I learned how to make the dark clouds go away. Music Music Music.
JW: What are you working on now?
Claus. I am releasing two new albums in February, an original new album titled “Fucking Perfect”, and a Soft Cell Tribute album titled “Anal Caparet”. I am working on new songs now, and a Pet Shop Boys Tribute Album for release later this year. Yes I am very productive.
JW: What was the industrial music scene like in 1988 when you began?
Claus. It was very fresh, provocative and very underground. So many amazing bands popped up and so many labels released great stuff.
I was lucky nad I had instant success from my first release “Japanese Bodies” and went on sell out tours. Good times but a bit overwhelming with that much success so fast. But Im still around so I must have dont it well enough.
JW: What are your live shows like?
Claus: A shit load of energy. SInce I am a solo performer and not into theatrical stuff, its all about the power between me and the audience. I feed off them. No better feeling then when that connection is there. I addicted to it. The smiling faces, the sweat and the power. It’s a drug.
JW: Your music has inspired many bands. How do you feel about this?
Claus. Look, I am living what I dreamed about as a 14 year old, and the fact that I got to inspire anyone, is mind blowing to me. I am very honored to have done so. No one around believed in me back when I started. I was just this queer closeted punk with no future to them. I did this with my own power and determination. I never dreamed of fame and fortune. I just wanted to write my songs, tell my story and perform.
JW: What was it like working with Ra/Hen and Andreas Tomalla on “Pleasure of Penetration”?
Claus: Ra/Hen was amazing to work with. Such a sweet guy and talented guy. I only recorded with them for the first 12″ and album. I’m not a professional studio guy really, I do a lot better on my own, in my own studio. The most important thing for me is the creativity and the spontaneity, so ever since that first album I’ve recorded at my own studio. Zoth Ommog gave me a chance that I am very grateful for today.
Too bad it all ended up in theft, drama and a lot of knives in my back. I quit music for 4 years because of that shit.
JW: Any favorite albums in your discography?
Claus. All my albums are very personal for me so It’s hard to pick.
The most important album was “Solitary Confinement”. That album is still opening doors for me. I’m proud of what I created over the years, I only release what I stand behind 200%, that’s the power I have, then after the release it’s on its own and it’s for the listeners be the judge. I have so many passionate followers and it’s their fault that I keep doing this.