Present yourself to the readers
AUSTERITY COMPLEX is an English/German Synthpop duo based in Dresden (Germany).The duo Nigel Wheeler (vocals/keyboards) and Andrè Schuster (keyboard/programming) formed in 2011 with the idea to recreate the sounds of the 80s synth movement with a modern day feel.They performed their first show in Dresden in 2012. Many successful concerts followed including support shows for Project Pitchfork, Blind Passenger and Forced to Mode.In 2014 they were voted winners of the Sonic Seducer magazine Battle of the bands contest.
Who composes ?...How does it work in the duo ?
I write the music at home. A basic structure, verse ,chorus and melodies. I then record what I've written at Andrè s home studio.
Nigel tells me his ideas of how he thinks the songs should sound and I will then find the right sounds and arrange the music. He will then go and write the lyrics and we then work together on the final arrangement.
Who writes the texts ?..What are they talking about ?..How does inspiration come ?
The inspiration for my lyrics comes from everyday life! They come from personal experiences and observing the negative sides of human nature. Each song is a small story.
Why the name AUSTERITY COMPLEX ?
Originally we were just called Austerity. I had read a book about the fashion industry during world war 2. They didn't have much material to work with so they produced simple but stylish clothes and called it the "Austerity look". And simple but stylish is what we were trying to achieve with our music.Around this time I was seeing news reports about the austerity measures imposed on Greece. I think everyone has an austerity complex. And so the band name was born!
What are your personal musical tastes and your influences ?
My musical tastes and influences have a very wide spectrum. Naturally the 80s Electronic movement. Artists such as The Human League, Gary Numan, OMD, Soft Cell have been a great inspiration. But I also listen to many different genres. From Classical to Punk to 70s disco. The list is endless.
Generally, what's the reaction of the public during your concerts ?
We've been very lucky! The audiences so far have been really good. Being on stage is the high point for us! And seeing the audience enjoying themselves dancing to our songs is the reason we started this project.
What's your best live memory ? And why ?
To choose a best live memory is very difficult because each show brings something new. Playing in front of a thousand people when we supported Project Pitchfork a couple of years ago was an amazing experience. But every show is different. We rehearse our set, but once on stage everything else is spontaneous.
What are your future dates ?
We will be supporting Blind Passenger in January, and again in March. And we hope a few more offers will come along.
