Doomed Confessionary: Mono Mojo (Midnight Deadbeats)
Rock. Period. The trio from Basel, Switzerland could easily be compared with big names of past times. Although the music may resemble, the Midnight Deadbeats present their own creation. Grown up in the 80′ and started a rock band in 2017, they combine old-school music with present day minds to a rich, savoury, perfect fusion.
Their music authentically conveys an attitude of life, inspires to smash a windowpane, to jump over barriers, to break out. Whoever stays passive, loses. Energetic passion wins. The very high musical level of the artists a real treat for the ear. Catchy songs refined with fills, breaks and surprising specials raise the Midnight Deadbeats to the level of a true gourmet band.
Additionally, the band’s visible joy of playing multiplies this effect. Watching professionals at work is fun. These three gentlemen know exactly what they are doing. Take the day after a gig off.
Midnight Deadbeats are Mono Mojo (guitar and vocals), Harald Binder (bass) and Jukka Altermatt (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Very loud, heavy, kickass, tritone, distortion, yelling but not metal.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Managing time for rehearsal and shows. Finding a way to discuss bandstuff efficenlty. Getting enough gigs that are fairly paid and fun to play.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Both our albums – the second is coming this autumn. The mixture of our inhomogenous characters, ideas and inspirations. The fact that i stopped smoking in my bedroom.
What was your biggest regret?
Not saying something when I want to say something. Not doing something when I feel like doing something. Listening to people who are not listening to me. Listening to trap.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
I think for me it was an open air gig we played last summer in Bern. It’s a festival called “Anyone Can Play Guitar” and it was totally fun. The headliner band had to cancel their show, so we played a lot later than expected. The crowd was ready to freak out when we got on stage, so we made them freak out.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I never thought autotune would be used in music that’s not supposed to be a joke.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I’m actually not listening to a lot of heavy music these days. But my bandmates listen to stuff like…The Armed, Greenleaf, Sugar Horse, Soft Loft, Oakhead, Sons Of Morpheus, Death Grips…
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
“Don’t play with this wobbly bigass pick. Use this small and hard plectrum instead.” I’ve been playing guitar for several years when I decided to get some lessons. I actually found a teacher who really could play and he told me this. It took me a while to get a grip of this tiny pick, but i could soon improve my articulation and control. Today I still play small plectrums, but made from a material that’s even harder and stiffer.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Watching stupid videos on YouTube. Not getting out of bed when I should. Playing loud music without earplugs.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Basel / Switzerland?
The music scene around here, is in my opinion very split up in different groups. There are lots of musicians, but they are all sticking in their “genre-bubble”. I’m trying to find a place where players of different genres get mixed up and creative.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
At our album release show in Basel. 9.11.24 at the legendary restaurant Hirscheneck. It’s a very cool and alternative Restaurant with nice people, good music and great parties.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Playing as many nice gigs as possible. Writing and recording new songs. Making a music video for the song »Dance«. Playing a tour.
How can people best support your band?
Visit us on our social media channels or on sixteentimes.com. Visit our shows, buy our albums and t-shirts, follow us on Instagram and listen to our music anywhere and as loud as you can.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
More dirt. Fuck the grid. Get up and do something. I love you.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well