The L.A. punk band KrunK just crawled out of the California desert, hungry and thirsty. They have a new name, the same attitude, a new record deal, a new lineup, new websites, and most importantly, a new record. Their drummer, Athena, started talking with AAM months ago about the pending record release, but things started changing with the band, and she couldn’t answer all of the questions until now. But it’s all good. It’s rock and roll, things take time, and good things come to those who wait!
September 14, 2006
KOTTAK :: The Band That Won’t Go Away
Interview with Athena
By David Iozzia
AAM: Athena, thanks for the interview. Your band Krunk just finished recording their second album “Therupy.” When’s it being released?
ATHENA: First of all, we’ve changed the band’s name to Kottak. The reason is because of Lil Jon’s band Crunk. Even though we had the name first, we didn’t want any confusion and we didn’t want to spend the first year of press explaining the name KrunK. We just signed a record deal with Escapi Music! They are releasing the debut record of Kottak in 29 countries on September 29, 2006. Our new website is www.kottak.net and our new Myspace page is www.myspace.com/kottak.
AAM: Is Kottak changing its musical direction on “Therupy”?
ATHENA: It’s not much different style-wise. A few songs are more commercial-sounding, reflecting what was going on at the time they were written and the different headspace we were in. But it’s still us! We do a remake of Cyndi Lauper’s song “Money Changes Everything.” We jacked it up pretty hard! "Funday" has some great lyrics, if I do say so myself. It's about the type of person that we all know who acts like an asshole, does drugs or lies, cheats, steals... you name it... then thinks they can go to church one day a week and make up for it. "Song That Won't Go Away " is about a song that could be great, but it ends up pissing you off because you can’t get it out of your head!
AAM: You once joked that Krunk never left sunny Southern California because you didn’t own jackets. What are Kottak’s touring plans?
ATHENA: We’re set with a new wardrobe, and Kottak’s going to be playing everywhere once the record is released. We just got back from Germany where Kottak played at the Wacken Open Air festival. It went GREAT!!
AAM: Kottak’s lineup on “Therupy,” in addition to you and singer Jimmy Ratchitt, includes guitarist Dave Whiston and bass guitarist Rev Jones.
ATHENA: I LOVE the new lineup! Dave played with us for years but scheduling became a nightmare. He’s no longer with Rick Springfield, so we scored and he can now play in Kottak.
AAM: Tell me more about your partner in the rhythm section, the new bass guitarist Rev Jones.
ATHENA: Rev Jones is insane, what a kook. He is one of the best bass players I have ever seen. Rev also plays in the Michael Schenker Group.
AAM: How is Kottak’s live performance different from the studio performance of the band?
ATHENA: Some bands have records that sound great, but when you see them live they suck. Kottak is a better live band, we’re crazy, super high-energy and we’re a lot of fun. KrunK won some awards for “Best Psychotic” band. See Kottak live and you’ll understand why!
AAM: What are the band’s expectations from music fans, especially as Kottak tours outside your home base in California?
ATHENA: Lots of energy! We expect them to leave a Kottak concert with a huge smile and a new favorite live band, if that’s not asking too much.
AAM: How’d you start drumming?
ATHENA: My brother, Tommy Lee, knew I was pissed when my parents wouldn’t let me go to a dance one time. He took me to the garage where he had a sound-proof rehearsal space, and he handed me drumsticks.
AAM: Your husband is James Kottak, drummer for The Scorpions. His alter-ego is Jimmy Ratchitt, the Kottak singer. How would you critique The Scorpions’ drummer?
ATHENA: Their drummer sucks!! Actually, he’s pretty amazing. He’s insane and one of the best. I hate when boneheads with cool hairdos get all of the attention when James is out there busting his ass and playing better than 90% of them.
AAM: Any closing comments for music fans worldwide?
ATHENA: I’d like to thank people worldwide for their support and their love of my art form, music. Without you I wouldn’t be me.
Story and Interview by David Iozzia
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