LEAETHER STRIP

For those few who might never have heard of you... Can you tell us about the origins of Leæther Strip and the influences that shaped your sound in the early days?

Claus: I started Leæther Strip back in ‘88 after being in several bands from ‘82 to ‘88, becoming a better musician, producer and songwriter. I’m self-taught so I needed to try out different synth genres and grow up to find my sound. I couldn’t find any other serious synth musicians where I lived so I did it solo. Growing up I loved all kinds of genres. Everything from glam rock, like Sweet and Slade, to J.M. Jasse and Tangerine Dream, to Punk bands like The Skids, Sham 69, and New Wave like Ultravox, Gary Numan.. Fad Gadget’s debut single “Back to nature/ The Box” sparked my interest in buying a synth. Depeche Mode, Twice A Man were also among my favourites in those days. I’ve always been very open to different genres, as long as it’s got heart, I can listen to anything.

What is your creative process like when producing new music? Do you have a specific routine or environment that inspires you?

It varies. Sometimes I got a full song idea in my head where it’s just about getting into the studio before I forget. Other times I just sit down and program sounds and that can easily trigger an idea. My head is full of ideas 24/7

So I’ve never experienced “writers block”.

Over the years, how has your sound evolved? Are there any particular albums or tracks that mark significant changes or milestones in your musical journey?

Hard for myself to see it, but I just try to become a better composer really. The never ending hunt for the perfect song. As for albums, “Solitary Confinement” is the biggest “milestone” for most of my listeners, and that’s fine. That album is still opening doors for me and it changed my life to where I could live from my music. I was in a very dark place writing it so the fact that it flipped my situation upside down was amazing. For myself, my latest work is what I focus on. I am far from done writing new songs, It’s not just a living, it’s a need and my therapy.

Your music often explores dark and intense themes. What inspires the lyrical content of your songs, and how do you approach writing lyrics?

Yes, my songs are like a darkness vacuum cleaner for my soul. Makes the dark clouds go away. I don’t really think “Now I’m writing a dark lyric”, it just happens, and then I won’t boil over.

How do you prepare for live performances? Are there any memorable live shows or tours that stand out in your career?

I rehearse the lyrics in my car when driving, I sometimes hate myself for writing these long lyrics, takes a long time to learn. The key parts just come very natural, as I play by ear. I just play and try not to think.

The ‘92 Solitary confinement tour was mind-blowing, sold out everywhere, but because of very bad routing and no sleep, it damn near killed me. I would do it again though.

Another special one was my comeback show in 2009 at Amphi Festival. Also because that was Kurt’s first time watching me play live. I’ve kinda been on a non-stop tour since that gig. And I thought it was over for me.

You've worked with various artists in the electronic and EBM scene. How do these collaborations come about, and what do you enjoy most about working with other musicians?

Claus: I love working with other artists. They usually ask me if I wanna play. It’s also very inspiring for me. And making new musical friends is always fun. Getting the creativity flowing is good for us all, and we just might learn something.

You are considered to be one of the most productive artists in this scene, and still you find the time to release complete cover albums... Which one of these albums do you feel most satisfied with?

Yes I’ve always been very productive, back in the Zoth Ommog days the label had to put restrictions on my outlet, which I hated. Music in a drawer makes it powerless.

These days being indie, I can do what I want when I want. As an old Punk, thats just what the doctor ordered.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career, and what have been the most rewarding moments?

When Zoth Ommog went belly up, and I found out I was stolen from bigtime by people I considered family.

The most rewarding was when it was announced that I would release new music, back in 2005. Most people thought I was dead and gone. They didn’t forget me, and I’m forever grateful for that.

The fans/promoters/supporters are why I’m still touring, they are the reason that I still get to do this.

How has the advancement of music technology influenced your work, both in terms of production and distribution?

I kinda do things as I always did, so it’s not really had a huge impact. But, one can never have too many toys. The soft-synths are now better than ever, and make it easier for kids to get into making music. Nothing bad in that. I still program all my sounds and sample my ass off as I always did.

How do you engage with your fans, and what role do they play in your music and performances?

I always answer anyone when contacted. People can be extremely private and if they want my advice, who am I to ignore them. My email and profiles are open for everyone, as long as they don’t want to blow my head off as some do. On stage I always have a blast, cause they are friends in my eyes.

What can your Belgian fans expect from your shows in Antwerp on 26th & 27th of October? If I understood correctly you will play two different shows?

Yes, I am already full of ideas for those two dates. Both will be sweaty and fun. I will play some tracks I’ve never played live or not very often. I love the club and Antwerp has always been good to me. I can’t wait!


Thanks for your time busy man!

LEAETHER STRIP will perform TWO different and EXCLUSIVE SETS in Antwerp on 26 + 27 October 2024!
More info & tickets can be found here > www.bodybeats.be < Tickets are VERY limited!

Fred GADGET
31/07/2024