PORNO KARAOKE

After their successful debut performances in Sau Paulo Brazil at the end of 2019 and early 2020, the flying start of Porno Karaoke was unfortunately cut short by the outbreak of the global Covid pandemic. However, with a smashing performance at the Brussels Magasin 4 and the recent invitation to perform at the famous UK INFEST festival an interview with this bizarre project couldn't be missed. We spoke with mastermind and Porno Karaoke frontman Horny B in a crowded hazy bar.

How did Porno Karaoke come together as a band, and what inspired the choice of doing an electro-industrial cover band?

Horny B.: Well the idea of starting an electro-Industrial coverband been maturing in my head for many years. I used to be, and still am, a big fan of the Revolting Cocks early works and sound. The way they covered Rod Stewart’s ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy’ is simply amazing! But I never found the time or opportunity to make Porno Karaoke happen. Until one day I was asked by a Brazilian promoter/friend to come up with an extra act for his festival as one of the acts couldn’t make it. Since I had already a map named Porno Karaoke on my computer for years, a map where I “dumped” my cover version try-outs and demo’s I asked Edson (the promoter) if Porno Karaoke could be an option/solution … He immediately liked the idea, as the Brazilians seemed to, as the gig was a success and Porno Karaoke was invited back to Sao Paulo only 3 months later! As far as the band thing is concerned, I don't see porno Karaoke as a traditional band with a fixed line-up but more as a collective with changing musicians & performers


How do you decide which songs to cover? Can you tell us about the creative process behind selecting and adapting songs for your electro-industrial style?

One of the general conditions is that the song in question can no longer be heard live because the band no longer exists or the artist in question has already passed away. Although we sometimes make an exception to that last condition if, for example, we think a song is just too good not to molest and put it through our Porn Karaoke chop and blender. Regarding the creative process we can be quick too as the original artist took care of the most creative part, trying to make his song sound perfect. We just fiddle around with some sounds and samples until we find it sounds perfect to our industrial music loving ears. Mind you, sometimes our respect for a song or artist is so big and we try to stay as close as possible to the original, without wanting to sound like a perfect copy.


What sets Porno Karaoke apart from other cover bands in the electro-industrial genre?

Porno Karaoke does not try to play a perfect copy of a song. If you want to hear songs as they were originally released, you better sit at home on the couch and put on Spotify, satisfaction guaranteed! If you prefer all the sounds a bit greasier, harsher and sleazier and you feel like partying, Porn Karaoke is your fix!


How do you balance staying true to the original song while infusing it with your own electro-industrial sound? What challenges do you encounter during this process?

A lot depends from song to song, some songs and artists deserve some more respect than others hahaha... We try our best to keep the songs recognizable but we can't promise anything more. The main challenge is usually the vocal parts, as in many songs much of the recognizability lies in those, while I tend to produce a sort of death rattle sound that is reminiscent of everything but vocals. But hey, I'm the leader of our band so they can't sack me for it! Another challenge is, many "pop songs" have a catchy, but mostly cheapish, synth sound that we carefully try to replace with a more acceptable sound in electro-industrial environments. As far as the "band" thing is concerned, I don't see Porno Karaoke as a traditional band with a fixed line-up, but more as a collective with changing musicians & performers.

What has been the most memorable or challenging performance for Porno Karaoke so far?
Of course the first two shows in Brazil are very memorable, it was so great and a relief to see those Brazilians go wild for songs like 'Shoot Your Shot' & 'Sweet Dreams’, shouting the lyrics almost louder than Horny B. did. Another memorable performance was when we, almost exactly a year ago today, played at a crowded Magasin 4 in Brussels. Also here the audience spontaneously started dancing, from the first note we played and was pogoing towards the end of our set. Screaming and shouting for more … sadly our time was up.

What are your aspirations for the future as a band? Are there any particular goals or milestones that you hope to achieve?

Well, we are thinking of releasing an album with some our interpretations in the future and of course hope to make many more people happy by playing at their bachelor parties, weddings, baby showers, divorces and funerals! One of our dreams/goals is to perform a complete Fad Gadget - Best of set...

How do you handle criticism or negative feedback as a band? How do you use it to improve and evolve your performances?

Once, at one of our first Belgian shows, we found ourselves in the wrong place, at the wrong time in front of the wrong audience... The friendly and daring promoter programmed us as a midnight surprise to play after a "very serious act" and before an apparently "very important autoscooter music DJ". Due to delays and technical problems the changeover didn't go as smooth as we would have hoped for so most people left the venue after the "headliner", while hardcore scootermusic fans waited for their beloved DJ hero. About 20 people were standing against the wall in the back...who didn't get our tongue in cheek perfomance... with crossed arms... just waiting for our set to end... But seeing those horrified faces didn't make us feel insecure... Quite the opposite! For us it was the proof we are doing the right thing! We enjoyed every minute of playing that show! Funnily enough we still did get some positive feedback, from people that wish to stay anomynous, in the aftermath! "It was the audience, not you!" hahahaha… So, have any negative feedback? Bring it on wussies!


Can you share any upcoming projects or exciting plans that Porno Karaoke has in store for your fans?

Exciting plans? You bet! This year, for the first time since 2020 (Blame covid!) we're playing , once again outside the EU! :P At the renowned Infest festival in Bradford UK on August 25th! But before that we will be onstage in Antwerp together with Mildreda at the Djingel Djangel music club. And who knows, we even might pop up somewhere as a surprise act! You have been warned!

https://www.facebook.com/pornkaraoke

Catch them live:
11.08 Porno Karaoke + Mildreda @ Djingelk Djangel - Antwerp - B
25.08 Porno Karaoke @ Infest - Bradford - UK

Check out the live video from Porno Karaoke @ Magazine 4 featuring Der Mussolini (DAF) and Ricky's Hand (Fad Gadget) below!

Hamis HIREK
28/07/2023