First of all, a lot of people in The Netherlands got to learn about The Azoic because of the ‘Conflict+Forward’ EP and especially the Combichrist remix which was released through Infacted Recordings over here, but I am sure people don’t know that much more about the band, so introduce yourself please. Who are you and what is your individual musical background?

Kristy: The Azoic is:
Steve Laskarides - keyboards, programming, sequencing, vocals, lyrics
Kristy Venrick - vocals, lyrics, programming

We've also just added Yana Krassilnikova on keyboards as part of our live shows.

I listened to your EP’s and album and I like your sound and especially the good songs that are wrapped into the electronics. Do you have any musical influences or idols yourself as far as songwriting is concerned?

Kristy: Steve and I have several artists we listen to and respect. Everything from 90’s German Industrial such as Evil’s Toy and YelworC (our biggest influences) to EBM, Trance, 80’s, Trip Hop, etc. We have so many that it’s hard to pinpoint...

As far as lyrical inspiration, I really admire Nicole Balckman as an inspiration, but I'm not sure how much their writing style creeps into my lyrics. :) In music, I have a lot of artists that I look up to, but a few that come to mind are: Toni Halliday (Curve), Tori Amos, Halou, Recoil, Battery, Frank Spinath (Seabound), and Heather Thompson (Tapping the Vein). I know there are many more I've failed to mention...

Steve: Over the years I have been influenced by Skinny Puppy, Front Line Assembly, yelworC, Numb, Evil’s Toy and more. I think recently I lean more towards Funker Vogt, T.O.Y., Icon of Coil, VNV Nation, Covenant, Apoptygma Berzerk and Assemblage 23 in our work, but we definitely have our own unique style. 

What’s the creative process like for yourself? Is it a real band effort, or not as i have heard Kristy and Steve are living in different states ? Could you tell us something more about the recording process of the Illuminate album?

Kristy: Steve and I do live far apart. I’m on one side of the US (in Ohio) and he’s on the other (in Arizona.) We’ve been working this way since mid-1997. At first it took some time getting used to, but now it seems natural. As for the process, Steve usually starts with the music and gets it about 50-75% complete. Then, I get a melody and some lyrics roughed out and we discuss the music, song structure, specific keyboard and/or drum parts and how I envision the vocals.

Steve: It’s a real collaborative effort. The fun part is you never know exactly how it will come out in the end!

Somehow it appears like the lyrics on ‘Illuminate’ are very personal and reflect personal emotions and states of consciousness, could you elaborate on that and explain a bit how the lyrics are created?

Kristy: My lyrics do tend to be about very personal experiences. It’s important for me to reveal strong feelings or emotions that hopefully others can relate to. Each song on ‘Illuminate’ takes a situation or experience that has made me see more clearly, in some form or another and it’s how I’ve learned from that experience. I hope the lyrics can relate to many people’s lives because they are situations we all must deal with, whether it’s political, cultural, or relating to relationships. An illumination of sorts…

The musical references which are often made are very labeling, I didn’t dare to call your music futurepop, however this label has become the name that describes your music best, as it is a mix of EBM and trance and focuses on good songs, how do you feel about all this labeling of music and genres? How does that relate to the music of The Azoic?

Kristy: It’s hard to really define us because we blend so many genres and sounds. This album is more up-beat and danceable than past albums, but I don’t think it was a forethought. Most of our fanbase comes from those who hear our music in clubs, so I think it's a large part of the importance to our music.  But, we don't go into each new album thinking "Yes, I have to create this type of dance track."  We are excited by fans from any background and musical taste! So, I think as long as people just keep liking and listening to our music and not worrying where we fit in, we can continue to grow.

Steve: Yes, in some ways, this album and each song had a direction of it’s own.  In other ways, we took some of our more recent influences and let them guide us. We actually hoped for a harder hitting album, but we have no complaints with 'Illuminate' and are very proud of the results!

There’s a lot of feeling, emotion and even soul in the music of The Azoic. How come this approach was chosen? Was it intentionally or did it just happen?

Kristy: I don’t think it was forced or intentional, but expressing emotion is very important to me. It makes the song alive! So, I write about whatever I am feeling at the creation of each song and just run with whatever the song guides me to. It could be anything from the current state of our society to politics to frustrations with the world or any type of relationship. But, a lot of times I try to send across a message or relate to others about something I’ve dealt with or learned over the years.

Why are the beats this heavy pounding on the new album? (Not that I think that’s a miss… ;) )

Kristy: I guess Steve and I gravitate toward dance beats and bass with the fact that we both DJ-ed. (Steve longer than I.)

Steve: Plus, it works best in clubs and makes the live shows more energetic! In saying that, we don’t only try to create dance tracks. Sometimes they just come out like that more than we expect. :)

The voice of Kristy is very strong and beautiful. What was the inspiration to sing like you did on the track ‘The One’ ?

Kristy: Steve and I were actually just playing around with that song. The lyrics call for more of a harsh sound and it fit really well when we found the effects we use. I like experimenting with my vocals and like performing this song live!

Is there a message or central theme you want to bring across to people with your songs? What is important for you when you write a song?

Kristy: With ‘Illuminate’ and ‘forward’ there were definite themes that came through. It was mainly what I was dealing with at the time or what things I noticed around me. ‘Illuminate’ was an interesting word that I tried to build from because it can be a good or bad "illumination" that makes you see more clearly. Not just angelic or pure things. As for writing lyrics, I ultimately want to help others look deeper. I hope I can accomplish that on some small level.

Aren’t you afraid that your music will get negative reactions because there seems to be a dark electro and noise hype going on?

Kristy: I hope the music appeals to more than just a small select audience, but you always worry if your album will be well received. We just hope that everyone from harsh industrial fans to trance can appreciate our music. Perhaps that could happen… :)

What are your opinions on the underground electronic music scene in general? Do you think we live in interesting times or do you think there’s much stagnation?

Kristy: It’s hard because music is all about re-circulation and trends. It’s similar to fashion. There are those styles that are "in" and those that are on their way "out." I think in the past few years, we may have pushed the limits on some styles and genres in our "scene", but hopefully artists can adapt and continue to grow with fresh ideas. It is hard though, but makes for stronger music.

Do you think the electronic scene is more and more regaining interest in synthpop again?

Kristy: It’s so hard to tell. In some ways, it appears the indie rock scene is more open to it with Venus Hum and some of the new 80’s influenced rock bands. But, as you’ve stated, perhaps the industrial scene is looking for something a bit darker or harsher? Personally, for me, it’s all about quality music.

How’s the reception of your music? How do you feel about that? Does it differ from country to country, do you have any insight on this yourself?

Kristy: It is a wonderful feeling to be appreciated in other countries, but it is still hard for us to tell how well the CD is really doing in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe. I hear great things, but only being there will let us see if we are well liked. :) And, it is hard to tell country by country, but we have done interviews for magazines in the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France, Russia, and of course the US/Canada.

Steve: We’re just honored that people are enjoying our music across so many countries!

Is Live Journal or Myspace an essential tool in promoting underground music through the internet? I know i first got to know your band through Mp3.com back in the days. Has anything changed with this?

Kristy: Both are good ways to get your name and music out there and alternate places to connect with your fans. I think MP3.com helped us in a lot of ways early on and have heard several people say that was their first exposure. Both Live Journal and MySpace allow us to connect with people that have never heard of us or those who have, but never knew our music.

How do you feel about the support of your label Infacted Recordings for European affairs? It seems they are doing quite well are they?

Kristy: Infacted Recordings is an awesome label! Torben works very hard, is passionate about what he does and seems to know everyone.

When will we be able to see you guys on stage in The Netherlands? ;-) What does a live performance look like?

Kristy: We definitely hope to play Netherlands and the rest of Europe in 2005! Let’s hope we can book several shows and make it financially feasible. Our live shows are based on interaction with the crowd and a lot of lights and dancing. We want people to leave with less energy and smiles on their faces. :)

Imagine this. You are left alone on a desert island. What records would you take with you? Any literature?

Kristy: Oh dear! I’d take very introspective books and music. Things that would keep me thinking and questioning. I’d have to bring Peter Gabriel’s ‘Passion’, The Golden Palominos "Dead Inside", Curve and tons of electro! Perhaps I’d need an iPod. :) I’d also bring along books from Ayn Rand or Herman Hesse. Maybe more depending on how long I was stuck there!

Steve: Hmm, my old Evil’s Toy albums, The Cure, Skinny Puppy, yelworC, and an XBox for Halo and Halo 2!

How does the average day of Kristy and Steve look like? Do you have a regular day job?

Kristy: Yes, I’m an architect and Steve’s an electronics engineer. So, on top of our day jobs, we fit in our "alter egos" as pseudo rock stars. :) I work every evening and weekends on my record label, Nilaihah Records. Steve is usually creating new music for The Azoic in his free time.

Steve: We work crazy hours and some may wonder why. It’s all for our love of music!

What plans do you have for the future? What can we expect from the Azoic?

Kristy: I hope we can complete a remix CD by April 2005, continue working on new music and play tons of shows throughout the year!

Steve: Perhaps we can fit in some remixes and vocal requests too!

Would you like to say final words for now to the Dutch readers?

Kristy: We are extremely grateful to all our fans and those who support us! Let’s hope we are fortunate enough to play several shows overseas soon. Be sure to check us out at http://www.theazoic.com/azoic or at our label pages: Nilaihah Records – http://www.nilaihah.com or Infacted Recordings - http://www.infacted-recordings.de Thanks Miguel/Teknoir for this opportunity!