AN INTERVIEW WITH JAMES KOTTAK

By David Iozzia

James Kottak - drummer, vocalist
BANDS: The Scorpions, KrunK
WEBSITES
www.the-scorpions.com
www.krunk-sucks.com
www.jameskottak.com

DI:Thanks for joining us for the interview today. What can you tell us about the Scorpions soon-to-be released studio CD, "Unbreakable?"

JK: "Unbreakable" has 13 new songs, and the single will most likely be "Love 'em or Leave 'em."
It's musical direction is classic hard-rocking Scorpions, in the vein of "Blackout" and "Animal Magnetism." We're releasing it around the end of April in Europe. Probably not in the U.S. until late summer.

DI: Are there any surprises on the CD?

JK: There will be three versions, each with two different bonus tracks. The Asian release will have two bonus power ballads, which that audience really embraces. The two bonus tracks on the U.S. version will differ from the European version.
We also have two DVD's in the works. The first is from a September 2003 concert that the Scorpions did in Moscow's Red Square.

DI: What are the Scorpions' tour plans for 2004?

JK: There are confirmed dates in June for some European music festivals. Unconfirmed Asian shows in August. There are possible North American tour dates in late September, early October.

DI: With a new four-stringer, bass player Pawel Maciwoda.What can you tell us about the new Scorpions bass player?

JK: Pawel's great, a long-haired, sweaty rock and roller.

DI: The Scorpions ripped through one great song after another on the last two U.S. tours. A greatest hits type of setlist. Supporting the new CD "Unbreakable", how many new songs will be played on the upcoming tour?

JK: Six new songs for the European shows, probably down to three when we reach North America.

DI: I recently heard the band Seven Witches nail a cover version of "Rock You Like A Hurricane?" Have you heard a cover version of a Scorpions song that stands out?

JK: I heard a Scorpions tribute band that stood out, called "In Trance."

DI: Did your band KrunK ever play a Scorpions song?

JK: "Holiday." Klaus sang it with us once at an after-show party.

EDITORS NOTE: KrunK is James' punk rock project. He fronts the band; his wife, Athena (Tommy Lee's sister), drums and ex-Warrant bandmate Ricky Steier plays guitar.

DI: Did the Scorpions ever play a KrunK song?

JK: No, but I wrote a song for KrunK that instead appears on "Unbreakable".

DI: What are your thoughts on the future of the Scorpions?

JK: Release "Unbreakable", promoting and touring into 2005. Then, if it was up to me, another rock record.

DI: What's your opinion on the resurgence of metal music?

JK: It never goes away. A couple of big bands like Metallica release an album and it surges.

DI: Nu-Metal?

JK: I like it all. Rock is rock. Anything is better than Britney Spears.

JK: Don't download it, go out and buy it. Better yet, if you're gonna download it, buy it also. My KrunK website is being revamped. It'll be back up soon.
www.jameskottak.com should launch by April 15. And keep rockin'.