Interview with Sodom (Andy Brings)

Today we have a chat with Andy Brings who – being just twenty years old – was the guitarist of Sodom between 1991 and 1994, thus recording the classic album Tapping The Vein and taking part in a series of truly legendary dates, immortalized in the recent luxurious re-release of the Sodom album. A few words but a very clear concept: Andy was and is a passionate musician who, regardless of fame or success, pursues his passion on many fronts, even in the cinematographic field. Let’s hand the floor over to herr Andy Brings!

ITALIAN VERSION

So, dear Andy. What shall the fans expect from this amazing re-release of Tapping The Vein? I mean, you worked on a remix and there are alternative takes of the songs, alongside a lot of live tracks…

It´s the ultimate Tapping The Vein package. We focused on the music on what and who we were at the time. No stupiod gimmicks like a Sodom bandana or stuff like that, just to make the box more expensive. We worked very hard for this and are very proud of the result. The three live records are really interesting. It was a very special incarnation of the band.

There are also a lot of physical versions of this release. Which is your opinion about the physical form in this weird digital era?

I´m 100% a streaming guy. Love it. Everything available all the time and everywhere. But I get if you like the physical copy, that´s yours and yours only. Me personally, I gave up collecting stuff years ago.

Which are your fondest memories – as a young musician – to record and produce the album back in the days?

It was all new to me, so the whole experience was very, very special. I learned so much. Recording at Dierks studios, where so many of my favourite bands like the Scorpions had worked really blew my mind. Tapping The Vein has a certain aura, like a true classic. I´m very proud of that.

Can you share a few words about the iconic artwork of the album?

The artwork and the title came from Chris Witchhunter, although I wrote the lyrics for the title track. Sodom´s mascot Knarrenheinz was trapped somewhere and had his blood taken from him. Maybe to get his DNA and to clone a man of incredible strength and power. The artwork is iconic, Tapping The Vein is Sodom´s “blue album”.

A lot has changed in many ways, how has the perception of a musician and producer changed since the early Nineties?

Back in the day we were just musicians. Now we have to be content creators and business people as well. I don´t think it´s either good or bad, just different. I enjoy working on different aspects of my career.

What shall we expect on your solo career’s side? A follow-up to Süden, a live activity?

Thanx for asking. I´m constantly working on songs and putting out singles. I do everything myself so I can do whatever I want and whenever I want it. That´s awesome.

How has been the experience of supporting Gene Simmons last summer?

That was a dream come true. I´ve been a KISS fan for 45 years and have met Gene several times prior to that. But we never played together. My mom was there and met him too. It was all very emotional and I will never forget this for as long as I live.

Can you introduce to our readers your movie Full Circle: Last Exit Rock&Roll? Was it hard to produce such an effort?

With my movie I wanted to show what driven people have in common, why they do what they do. It´s a very inspirational movie, I wanted to make a film that I would have needed when I was 18. It has been a source of inspiration for many people, it can help you get through times of self-doubt and when you feel lost.

One final message and greeting to the Italian fans of Sodom and Andy? Any Italy-related memories in your personal life?

I´ve been to Firenze twice. First time on a school trip in 1990 and then with Sodom in 1992. Loved it so much, but somehow I never made back. Only great memories. I´ve been to Rome on a private trip, that was mindblowing as well. Grazie!