By John Wisniewski for MK ULTRA Magazine
After more than three decades as the vocalist of the famed German band Oomph!, Dero Goi decidedly walked away from the band after the album “Ritual” in 2021. Since that time, Dero has released a series of stellar singles that ultimately led to his debut solo album entitled “1984”, which was released by Dependent Records. This new album features a twisted blend of catchy retro-synth sounds, synth-wave and EBM with a touch of metal for good measure. Dero was kind enough to give MK ULTRA Magazine some of his time in order to discuss the past, present and future.
John Wisniewski: What was it like going back in the studio and recording “1984?”
DERO GOI: It was absolutely refreshing and thrilling the same time! For the first time in my life I was completely responsible for each single detail of my very first solo-album. I had the luck to produce and record the whole album in my own home studio, so I took the time that was necessary to finish everything in a proper way.
JW: On your new album, what is the significance of the album title “1984?”
DERO GOI: On the one hand, it´s the global dystopian development since a couple of years which reminded my on the same-titled Orwellian novel. On the other hand, I was forced to compose completely on my own during the first lockdown phase, so I kinda like travelled back in time when I was a teenager and began to compose in the middle of the 1980’s and wrote everything alone on my keyboard. That´s how the name of the album was born.
JW: Would you consider “1984” to be a concept album?
DERO: Definitely! It reflects the world as I saw it from 2020 – 2022. As a critical thinker and independent artist, I see it as my duty to put the finger where it hurts the most. I will continue with this approach as long as it´s possible…
JW: Are you pleased with the reception the new album has received from press and fans?
DERO GOI: So far, yes! Most fans really applaud my ability to change and evolve. To me, repetition means death as an artist…
JW: Was making “1984” a completely different experience than making albums with Oomph! in the past?
DERO: Definitely! With OOMPH! there was always much struggle and fight over each single aspect of the production. With “1984” I could work far more intuitively and much faster.
JW: You’ve made quite a few videos for “1984,” do you think that format helps you express your vision and message?
DERO: I hope so, as the album is very versatile, IMHO, so that I want to reflect this musical width with as many videos as possible.
JW: Can you talk about your faith as a source of musical inspiration?
DERO: Absolutely! Jesus gives me so much love, light, hope, strength and inspiration! I´ve recently just written about 60 new songs already, so that there is material for at least 2 more valid albums!
JW: Can you tell our audience about any of your favorite new or contemporary metal or industrial bands?
DERO: I like KITE very much! One of my all time faves is “Visual Audio Sensory Theater” by VAST. Besides current and contemporary electronic and industrial music, I enjoy jazz and classical music a lot.
JW: Will you be playing any live dates?
DERO: Sure. The live situation is the most honest one IMHO! The immediate reaction of the crowd is the best response that an artist can get. I still love to be a frontman on stage…
JW: Any future plans and projects you would like to tell our audience about?
DERO: I´m still working on new material for my solo-project. Hopefully there´s gonna be a new DERO GOI album in the end of 2025. But before this, there´s gonna be a few more Video/Singles from “1984”…
Bandcamp: https://derogoi.bandcamp.com/album/1984