Doomed Confessionary: Sheepfucker (Sheepfucker and Kraut)
Sheepfucker and Kraut is an international psychedelic stoner rock’n’roll quartet based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Formed in 2017, the band currently consists of Sheepfucker (Italy), Mr. Kraut (Germany), Dr. Espresso (Guatemala) and Mr. Goodnews (Bulgaria).
Sheepfucker and Kraut’s debut album »Pipes« was released in digital format in 2022 and followed by their second full-length »Bring Your Sheep«, which just dropped on October 11th, 2024 via Threechords Records on vinyl, CD, cassette and digital.
Can you say a few words about your band?
I think the name says it all… or maybe not?
Sheepfucker and Kraut is a mix of everything. I like to say that we play “Stoned music for stoned people”; there are so many shades that you can’t label it in a genre. We are all trying to add something from our style while making music.
The project was born in Sofia (BG), after I posted an announcement that I was looking for a musician to start a band, when I moved to Sofia, following a previous bandmate of mine. Mr Kraut, who moved to Sofia more or less at the same time, was the first one to answer. This formation didn’t last long, as the third member had to move out from Bulgaria. We, on the other hand, decided to continue as a duo and so Sheepfucker and Kraut were born. After nights spent in the punkest rehearsal room you can imagine, the so called ‘Бъкстудио’, we wrote 8 songs and started playing concerts around. Slowly writing our name in the underground scene of Sofia, Sheepfucker and Kraut evolved, resulting in the nowadays 4-member band made up of Sheepfucker (guitar and voice), Mr Kraut (drums and voice), Dr Espresso (guitar and voice), Mr Goodnews (bass and voice).
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Well, we all come from different parts of the world, respectively Italy, Germany, Guatemala, and Bulgaria, and from very different musical backgrounds. I think that during the early period, the biggest challenge was to merge all these playing styles into something that could embrace them all. Personally, by listening to »Bring Your Sheep«, I think we managed it pretty well.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I’m proud we’ve opened Villagers of Ioannina City’s show in Sofia; it was in one of the best stages in here and the show was sold out. It was amazing seeing the crowd reacting and even dancing while we were on stage.
What was your biggest regret?
Perhaps, my personal biggest regret is not being able to play a piano or an organ well enough. I would have loved to alternate some guitar with a synth or an organ in the songs. I guess there’s always time to learn though.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Sheepfucker and Kraut’s concerts are always fun both for the people and for the band! When we supported Mondo Generator last May in Sofia, fresh of recordings, we played at our best and we had a really great show.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I come from Sardinia, so, when I was there, it was pretty hard that a band I listened to would have come to play a show. When I moved to Bulgaria, I had the chance to see so many bands I loved, ’cause most of them are from Greece.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Lately I’ve been listening to Kal-El (»Dark Majesty«) a lot.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
I remember that once I was told that only the first and the last note matter in a show and they must be played together.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Tequila.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Sofia?
There are really nice bands playing around here, and they’re very friendly. It results in many shows that enjoy any type of listener, like one we had in September, with Daily Noise Club (speed rock) and Obsidian Sea (doom). And you can find another type of scene outside of Sofia. I remember we went once in a small bar in Karlovo (Klub Madrid) and we had the first fan crowdsurfing that night. In a bar that could guest maybe 30 people max.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’re trying to play some shows around in Europe next year, so stay tuned!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Playing, playing, playing. That’s what we love, that’s what we’ll do!
How can people best support your band?
I think that could be by listening to our latest release »Bring Your Sheep« and sharing it with their friends.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We got new t-shirts with brand new graphics, and finally a vinyl in 2 different colors! Check our shop on Bandcamp!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well