LPG's AREND JAN TALKS TO
SSScene's PETERR
Today I am up for an unusual MSN interview with Arend-Jan, lead singer of the band LPG. We figured it might be a
good idea to follow the band as they are trying to take over the world with their beautiful, semi-noise Indie rock.

LPG are noisy rock, but also play tear-jerking ballads that try to take over your mind, in an attempt to change your
world. You can check out the band’s arty and extremely interactive website www.lpgmusic.nl.
If you want to see a video clip, just go to http://www.faceculture.nl/lpg/video/sparrow.htm. Just imagine that it
cost the fellas only 13 euros producing it!

For the ones who are curious about their music, try to listen at http://3voor12.vpro.
nl/3voor12/luisterpaal2/luisterpaalalbum.shtml?18167809+21884193

Enjoy!

LPG says:
Hi, LPG here!
Peterr says:
Ahoi.
LPG says:
Ahoi.
LPG says:
Arend Jan.
Peterr says:
It’s worth waiting.
LPG says:
Yes! English magazine?
Peterr says:
Yup. Soma Soma Scene.
LPG says:
Psycho soma.
Peterr says:
Lol… So can you tell me a little bit
more about LPG?
LPG says:
We’re a band from Hoogezand (Northern Holland). We’re trying to conquer the world from this demographic poor
area. We try to use our short multi-vocal songs which will uncover their mystery after 3 times listening and turn out
to contain shocking news for the entire universe.  
Peterr says:
Nice. How do you create the mystery? Do you jam the song out or do you plan the song chord by chord?
LPG says:
We always have a writer of the song who has a clear idea of what it should be and he sets out the boundaries. At
our drummer’s place we try to compliment the song as a whole.. with the whole band as one piece.  The chords are
the basis everyone has to work with.
Peterr says:
So you first set up the concept and then you guys start tuning it up?
LPG says:
Yeah, tuning, arguing etc.. But it’s not that fresh in my memory since we’ve been doing gigs only for the last 4
months.
Peterr says:
Now that you mention it, how did you find the gigs?
LPG says:
Being on tour is really cool!! You have the idea that you can change the world, because so many people are listening
to your music. On the other side it also sucks, because a lot of people don’t give us much credit since we are a
starting band.
Peterr says:
I did read something about a show at a university…Car bombed by tomatoes?
LPG says:
That wasn’t the most exemplary show…But it’s more fun to be inaccessible. More fun than to play a predictable set.
Peterr says:
Aren’t you afraid that the audience won’t understand your music and meaning?
LPG says:
On the other hand we wish to let people know that we do really love them, and backwards hopefully…
Yeah maybe, but the audience should be challenged to.
Peterr says:
Does this challenge thing come back in a little poem I found of Louise's, the reporter who followed you for a long
time?
I quote:
Het zuiden is verkend
Het Noorden was daarvoor verwend
LPG die robuuste band
Zal niet rusten tot heel Nederland haar kent
TRANSLATION:
(The southern explored
The northern is spoiled
LPG the solid band
Won’t rest till whole of Holland is on her hand).
Peterr says:
How solid are you?
LPG says:
We are quite uninhibited, want much and therefore we expect much.
Poems aren’t made for me, it’s more Louise’s.. But we get satisfaction from a lot of things, making videos, a groovy
site and artwork etc.
Peterr says:
So in short: your gigs and music are of the same kind? Challenging, diverse yet craving recognition?
LPG says:
Playing live is always cool and we keep getting better. Still we are looking for our little spot on the walk of fame.
Peterr says:
I think you’re trying to say that you want your identity to be accepted. Correct me if I’m wrong.
LPG says:
Craving, like you don’t understand why it isn’t recognized at once, at least we are convinced…But to us the most
important thing is the fact that we want to enjoy the ride. That’s exactly what I mean.
Peterr says:
Ok.
LPG says:
Who are your heroes, Peter?
Peterr says:
Presidents Of USA for starters.                
LPG says:
..Were my heroes when I was 14, still I think they rock somehow.
Peterr says:
Seen them at The Mezz last February in Breda..was cool!
LPG says:
They are not that good anymore are they? Ok!
Peterr says:
Maybe time for a support act in the USA?
LPG says:
Yeah!
Peterr says:
All CD’s are good enough for me, except the one before the last.
LPG says:
Ok, I liked II most; Volcano etc.
Peterr says:
II is the best indeed and Mach 5.
LPG says:
Yeah. And the one with the frog.
Peterr says:
Froggie jumped all over the stage that day? Rolling Stone magazine sucked him dry and made him king.
Peterr says:
Where do you get the inspiration from?
LPG says:
For me inspiration has to do with turning your back on the things that rust in society… Dissatisfaction works for me.
Peterr says:
Would it be different if you lived in another part of Holland?
LPG says:
No, I am a Christian, it’s the same everywhere here. You witness a selfish society. At the same time you’re trying to
do your best with your own principles. This also returns in our live shows.
Peterr says:
How? Rebellion? Recalcitrant? Teaching?
LPG says:
All of those things, but also your debt feeling about your own participation in current society.
Peterr says:
So your deepest ambition is to save the world, or should I say confront the world, using your show, music and lyrics?
LPG says:
You’re always part of your surroundings. Yeah, but I speak for myself at the moment. Our ambition as a group is to
make beautiful songs, and to perform it in a smashing way. Get big in time!
Peterr says:
I do appreciate your opinions. It’s the most valuable thing man can own, I think.
LPG says:
How is that?
Peterr says:
Wouldn’t we be the masses otherwise?
LPG says:
Yeah of course, but our band has a different identity than mine. Still as interesting though. Only a little bit harder to
explain right now.
Peterr says:
Well, maybe we should meet vis a vis sometime and discuss it more!
LPG says:
Ok, cool! We’d like that!
Peterr says:
Another question:
What criticisms bothered you most?
LPG says:
About the applause in the opening song, we mixed it in.
Peterr says:
How do you as a band cope with criticism like that?
LPG says:
We deal with it in all different ways. This came back too often so that wasn’t cool. Not too long ago we had a bad
review for a gig at Waterpop. We didn’t care because we digged the show.
Peterr says:
You stopped mentioning them?
LPG says:
Well, of course we read it, but as our producer once said: 'if you believe the positive things, you have to take
negative reviews serious too.'
Peterr says:
Ok, I have heard that some people think the CD sounds messy. If I would say that to you, your reaction would
be…        
LPG says:
That it’s a shame people don’t listen a little better because the crappy messy thing isn’t that bad at all. I share the
opinion that the CD is not homogeneous, so it can be quite difficult to understand. But hey, Kid A is a lot more
difficult!! We’re only a starting band so I have to keep myself quiet (I mean that). We have to grab every possibility
to make the best out of it, but we’re not that kind of band who wants to make a slick CD, just to get to the bigger
crowd.
Peterr says:
Creative development  above commerciality?
LPG says:
Well, more in between, experimenting, doubting, wanting everything, waaah!
Peterr says:
Keep on breathing!
LPG says:
jaja
Peterr says:
Tough huh, being an artist ?
LPG says:
Quite cool too!!
Peterr says:
I can imagine.
LPG says:
But you also have to pass it over to whoever’s interested, or not interested.
Peterr says:
I dreamt about being an artist too...If you need another songwriter ;-) hahaha
LPG says:
As good as Louise?
Peterr says:
Dunno, she has written more?
LPG says:
Everything. Louise created the whole record but she doesn’t want to get in  the public ;)
Peterr says:
Well concealed! Another question: What’s the best compliment you could give to LPG?
LPG says:
That we kick ass live. That we perform demagogic. Letting the audience believe in you, to create devote people who
can’t think for themselves.
Peterr says:
It doesn’t have anything to do with your religious background does it?
LPG says:
I know a few dictators who had the talent, unfortunately they didn’t use it musical wise…
Peterr says:
That’s true.
LPG says:
No, no..nothing religious in LPG.
Peterr says:
Hey, one of my last questions for now: LPG over 10 years?
LPG says:
Radiohead 2 years ago; of nowadays queens.
Peterr says:
Last question: did I forget anything for now? Anything you want to mention?
LPG says:
No, I hope you have a good impression of us because I talked about everything and nothing. It’s not the standard
interview because of the MSN! And your good questions, of course!
Peterr says:
Well I like this concept too, it’s different for a change. I don't know if I had good questions. I think you just want a
positive review haha!!
LPG says:
Haha!
Peterr says:
You can just offer me money..way more simple ;-)
LPG says:
No, I’ll just send you a religious tinted bomb letter if you don’t…Exploding bibles. Yeah! Only kidding of course ;-)
Peterr says:
Righty then. I’m glad you want to cooperate.
LPG says:
You’re welcome!
Peterr says:
THANKS and see you soon!!
LPG says:
Take care.

Special thanks to Arend-Jan for the interview, Sander for the arrangements of the artwork, lyrics and urls.
Interview/chat by Peterr Van Den Berg.
LPG's AREND JAN TALKS TO
SSScene's PETERR