Mysterious, Sexy, Intriguing, Comely….even somewhat Scary….all of these describe the Diva from Deutschland, GEMINI, or as she is known by her real life name, Kristina Bode. GEMINI is her project, and she turns out song after song of Alternative, Trance, Experimental, Spiritual, Pop….you name it, she does it; and she does it in a way only GEMINI can…I had the chance to talk with her lately and here’s what she had to say…
GOM: Tell us all about GEMINI…
G.E.M.I.N.I.: Hmm, that is difficult, but I will try…;)…Gemini is the one woman project of Kristina Bode. I produce my songs alone, only with software, as I have no money for hardware right now and the software is really easy to use and relatively inexpensive. The Name “Gemini” came out of the fact that I started to make music when I was sixteen and I took the name from a United States space capsule of the 1960’s that I saw in a documentary on TV. A few years later, I noticed that the name Gemini is also my zodiac sign. Thats Life! And in the beginning of my music career, I simply made techno melodys and raped them with my voice….many people tried to persuade me not to use it. I have worked hard at my voice and my style, bought new software, and use advice from other great musican friends; you are nothing without friends! Now, I am 21, I’m searching for my own style, and I have my voice under control…sometimes! 😉
GOM: Now tell us all about the Woman, Kristina Bode….
G.E.M.I.N.I.: In my non-music life, Kristina Bode is working as a trainee of a businesswoman in The English Theatre of Hamburg. Yes in a REAL Theatre! It is not a real office job (Thank God for that!!) Kristina Bode lives in Hamburg, in my own flat, with my cat (that was a rhyme!) After work, I always go home and work enthusiastically on my music, graphics, videos, pictures and homepage. I can say I work at least 12 hours every day, but I do it with pleasure because I love it.
GOM: If you could describe your work in 5 words or less, what would they be?
G.E.M.I.N.I.: Totally Torn….
GOM: What or Who inspired you to get involved in the music business?
G.E.M.I.N.I.: I was ten years old, and I heard some electronic songs, and I asked myself, “How have they done this song?” It was a question that came from inside that I knew I was going to have to answer.
GOM: Which genre of music do you feel most comfortable with?
G.E.M.I.N.I.: If a genre existed I really felt comfortable with, I could answer this! I don’t really like the fact there are so many different genres that people place your music into…one day they say I produce a Ballad and the next day they say it is Industrial,.the feelings change, and I won’t do only Industrial songs; I love all music styles. However, even though I may have a little resentment towards “categories”, I try to know why one genre is different from another and why a song is placed in that genre. For this you need time and musical experience; you can only learn it when you do it!
GOM: Tell us a little about the Alternative/Experimental/Pop scene in Germany…
G.E.M.I.N.I.: In Germany, it’s not easy for these genres. For some reason, people are fed up to here with commercial music. I’m not against commercial music, I just think there is more to be heard than only commercial music. In my opinion, you can find real emotions and true lyrics only in Independent/Underground music. To me, money is poison for creativity. Sure, we all need money and who wouldn’t want a million dollars? But it is not the end all for all music…there is some excellent independent music here…
GOM: Which one of your various songs do you regard as your personal favorite and why?
G.E.M.I.N.I.: I like all my songs. I may hear some mistakes in it later, though, so I think “the next mix will be better”. To me, all songs are the step in the right direction.
GOM: You appear to be a very sharp businesswoman…tell us all about your calendar…what inspired you to do it?
G.E.M.I.N.I.: Interesting question…and an easy answer; this year I bought a new digital camera and made many pictures with it. When 2002 was over, I went to buy a new calendar for myself, and in Hamburg, I couldn’t find one single calendar that I would want to put up in my apartment. i happened to discover the site you found where you can sell merchandise (calendars, etc.) and it gave me the idea to make my own calendar with my own pictures. So now I have a great birthday present for my mother! I love to make pictures and in 2004 there will be a new calendar with more pictures of me and my home, Hamburg.
GOM: Who are some of your favorite artists in general?
G.E.M.I.N.I.: My absolute favorite on MP3.com would be Chroma Key!!!
GOM: What advice would you have to offer to those who are looking to break into the limelight in the European music scene?
G.E.M.I.N.I.: If I were trying to make it in this business (and I am because I feel I’m not popular, but that’s ok; I know the business pretty well), I would say first you can forget to send hundreds of your CDs to unknown labels; you need personal contacts, and you will get them when you make music and communicate with other artists, managers, etc. Secondly, believe in yourself and stand up for what you’re doing! Thirdly, if people give you advice involving your music, just be patient and think if they really are right, in your opinion, with what they have said. You decide!
GOM: Where can the good people reading this interview hear some of your music?
G.E.M.I.N.I.: Go to: http://www.mp3.com/geministranceworld Or my official site with lots of videos and pictures: http://www.miss-gemini.de
GOM: Best Of Luck, Kristina, in all your future endeavors, and thanks loads for talking with me….
G.E.M.I.N.I.: You are welcome…thank you and Gods Of Music!!
An up and coming Diva in the world of Industrial/Alternative Pop?? We shall see…but she knows what she wants and where she is going, and this Interviewer believes you will be hearing a great deal out of this Electric Lady, and sooner than you think.
