In the ever-evolving landscape of rock music, GHØSTKID emerges once again with a bold and unapologetic statement: “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE.” This album, steeped in the band’s signature blend of aggression and melody, marks a pivotal moment in their career. The intrigue begins with the album’s name, inspired by the duality of Los Angeles—a city synonymous with dreams and destruction. As we sit down with GHØSTKID, the anticipation is palpable, not just for the insights into their latest work but for the stories behind the creation of an album that promises to challenge the status quo. Their recent journey to Los Angeles has evidently been a crucible of creativity, infusing ‘HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE’ with a narrative depth and musical richness that reflects the city’s complex character.
Through this interview, GHØSTKID delves into the genesis of their latest tracks, revealing the inspiration drawn from the chaotic spirit of iconic figures like the Joker and addressing the challenges of creating art in an era dominated by cancel culture. The partnership with Century Media Records continues to be a cornerstone of their development, enabling the band to push creative boundaries and expand their sonic horizons. The diverse thematic landscape of “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE” is explored, promising a rich tapestry of stories that range from the anarchic to the introspective. The band also discusses the significance of the album’s physical editions, the collaborative synergy with producer Sky van Hoff, and the intricate artwork by Aly Wayne Gacy, all of which contribute to the immersive experience GHØSTKID seeks to offer their audience.
INFRARED MAG: It’s a pleasure to have you with us today, especially with the buzz around your forthcoming album, “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE,” and the release of your visceral new track, “FSU.” Let’s start from the beginning. Could you share the inspiration behind the name “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE” and how it encapsulates the essence of this new chapter for GHØSTKID?
GHØSTKID: Hollywood Suicide basically describes the way of life as an artist.
Hollywood symbolizes the place where most of the people try to make it, where you try to live your dream. The other part is what I call suicide cause you need to go far beyond your limits as an artist to reach your goals. There is a lot of pain, a lot of failure and distractions and even if you made it to the top, it’s even harder to deal with fame, success and money. You’re sometimes surrounded by a lot of negative things and losing grip is part of the deal. You have to pay a lot for every little step of progress…you’re working on an album 30 Minutes long for over half a year or even longer. When you’re sick, you have to perform, otherwise you’re gonna lose money.
Almost no time for family and friends…long story short, you really have to love this shit to keep going. Being an artist is Hollywood suicide.
INFRARED MAG: “FSU” draws intriguing parallels with the Joker’s anarchic spirit. Could you delve into the genesis of this track and its role within the broader tapestry of the album?
GHØSTKID: FSU simply describes the magical passion of a self-destructive and chaotic lifestyle. It’s been inspired by the Joker, cause he’s making his own rules but with a pretty pure intention. He’s not interested in money or power, he just loves the chaos…
He’s creating his own world, with his own values and that means pure freedom but on the other hand, he’s an outsider. FSU is about a lifestyle that doesn’t fit the mold…it’s about being different and weird but with a big self-confidence. The Album is a concept album about the downward spiral of a Hollywood Diva and FSU describes the chapter where she finds power by not playing by the rules. It’s comparable, because as an artist you have the freedom to express yourself the way you want. You can build your own reality.
INFRARED MAG: Your recent time spent in Los Angeles has evidently sparked a surge of creative output. How did the city’s unique mix of declining glamour and persistent artistic vibrancy influence the themes and musical direction of “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE”?
GHØSTKID: I think LA really changed my whole perspective what it means to be an artist in general cause your art, is part of your persona and character. LA is a great place to step outside of the comfort zone and discover a lot more about yourself and your identity. LA is more open-minded in my opinion and art is being celebrated differently, what makes it easier to try new things and to expand your creative vision.
INFRARED MAG: In today’s cancel culture climate, where art often treads carefully to avoid controversy, how does “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE” dare to challenge or provoke, both in its lyrical themes and musical aggression?
GHØSTKID: For me, every track is something that is based on my own thoughts or experiences and I use Ghøstkid as an alter Ego or another part of myself, to tell my story. Through Ghøstkid I can express something that Sebastian probably wouldn’t talk about…and music combined with visual art is a great way to let others feel what you feel. The great thing is if it resonates with somebody out there you feel less lonely.
Even if a track is about something negative, it can help you a lot to overcome tough times. The deeper or more intense your art is, the bigger the impact…sometimes you have to provoke or even hurt someone, to make them think.
Music is just another way to communicate on a different level, it can be home and sometimes your best friend…
It can change your whole life and I can’t tell how many times music saved myself.
I think you shouldn’t be scared to express what you feel…
INFRARED MAG: Continuing your journey with Century Media Records, “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE” represents another significant chapter. How has this ongoing partnership shaped the album’s development, and what impact does it have on the trajectory of GHØSTKID?
GHØSTKID: I’m super thankful that Century Media always let me realize my vision.
Me and the whole team are working together for years now, and we made it through some tough times…and to be honest, I can be a pain in the ass haha!
I’d consider them my little label family and it’s definitely a different kind of workflow.
It’s awesome to realize cool shit with lovely people.
INFRARED MAG: The track list for “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE” hints at a rich thematic diversity. Without giving too much away, could you tease some of the concepts or narratives fans can expect to explore within songs like “S3X,” “HEAVY RAIN,” and “MURDER”?
GHØSTKID: Like I mentioned it before, there is something like a concept behind the whole album but not every track is a part of the timeline. S3X for example is about losing somebody that has always played a huge role in your life. The track is about having sex with the soul of someone who passed away as a coping mechanism but it’s pretty metaphorical.
Heavy Rain, which is probably the most intense track on this record, is based on my personal experiences and it describes the struggle being in toxic relationships and losing yourself more and more… I think the lyrics speak for itself.
MURDER is about a killer who has to kill somebody to keep the person forever. Death is the Moment, where your loved one becomes infinite. It’s basically a track about love haha.
INFRARED MAG: The array of physical editions for “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE” is quite striking. What motivated this variety, and how do you believe it enriches the fan experience?
GHØSTKID: For me especially a physical product is something that you hold in your hands, and it still has a special value. It’s another option to underline the music with some design elements and it completes the whole concept. I’m super proud that we had an amazing artist ( AlyWayneGacy) who hand painted the whole booklet and album artwork. It’s something super special and personal. I think, a physical copy, is always something where you can experience and discover a lot more about the artist.
INFRARED MAG: Reuniting with producer Sky van Hoff for this album must have been a dynamic process. How has your collaborative relationship evolved since your debut, and what distinctive touches did Sky contribute to “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE”?
GHØSTKID: We are best friends and he’s one of the most unique people that I know…and probably the most passionate guy when it comes down to music. What I love about working with him is, that he’s involved with the same passion as me getting the best out of the preproduction. It’s a shitload of work and I fucking hate him sometimes for pushing me to the limits, but I know, he’s the one who’s shaping my vision the best way possible and together we’re creating something unique.
The working process is simple…I’m hitting up the studio with some pre-produced tracks, and he’s doing the magic to let them shine haha.
INFRARED MAG: GHØSTKID is synonymous with fusing melodiousness with mayhem. How does “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE” push the envelope of this signature blend, and what directions do you envision for your sound moving forward?
GHØSTKID: I try to write music as free as possible. The hardest part is always to get rid of the competition and to focus on my own thoughts, but I love so many different kinds of music that I can find inspiration in every genre…
Basically, I don’t know what I’m doing sometimes haha but as long as the track I’m working on creates a vibe and an emotion that resonates with me, I’m gonna keep it.
Sometimes it’s heavy, sometimes not…maybe one day I’m gonna write a record without screams…who knows.
INFRARED MAG: The album’s artwork, crafted by Aly Wayne Gacy, promises to be as intricate as the music itself. How does this visual aspect complement the album’s themes, and what was the collaborative process like?
GHØSTKID: The best part about this collaboration is, that he interpreted the lyrics and the whole album by himself. I gave him a piece of my art and he translated it to his art. It’s a collaboration of different art forms, what makes it even more special to me.
I was always super impressed by his paintings, and we met on a festival, where we’ve been discussing the workflow. After that, I sent all the lyrics, and he started painting.
INFRARED MAG: With “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE” poised to catapult GHØSTKID onto the global stage, what overarching message do you hope to communicate to listeners worldwide, and how do you plan to engage with new audiences through this album?
GHØSTKID: That’s a good question…I think the main message behind Ghøstkid in general is nothing specific. It’s more like, me telling my story and my thoughts.
I just wanna share my mind haha.
INFRARED MAG: Your upcoming U.S. tour marks a significant milestone. How are you preparing to introduce GHØSTKID’s live experience to American audiences, and what should fans anticipate from these shows?
GHØSTKID: I’m super excited for this tour and it’s a chance to present my art to a different kind of audience. I’ve been waiting for a chance like this, since the debut album dropped and I’m more than happy that I have the chance to share the stage with a big band like BVB. I hope, that the people like what we do and that they’re gonna spread the word. I just wanna make new friends 🙂
INFRARED MAG: Reflecting on the journey from your self-titled debut to “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE,” how do you perceive your evolution as an artist and a band? What lessons have been most impactful along the way?
GHØSTKID: Oh…it’s been a hell of ride. What most people don’t know, Ghøstkid is a solo project and besides being the one responsible for the creative process, I had a lot to learn. What it means to be an artist, to understand myself as an artist, how to cope with a lot of pressure and fear and what it means to be a “boss”.
There was no specific moment that had an impact, it was more like the whole process of surviving and learning, that really shaped me and the band.
The biggest evolvement for me as an artist was definitely to focus a lot more on my feelings and the way how I work creatively. I’ve realized the best way to overcome hard times, is to focus on what I love the most…music and art.
INFRARED MAG: As fans old and new delve into “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE,” what insights can you offer about the direction and ethos GHØSTKID is embracing as you move forward with this ambitious project?
GHØSTKID: I’d say this is just another chapter and the story has just begun…it’s gonna get more intense by growing up as being Ghøstkid. This project is not just my baby it’s a different side of myself and I’m discovering more and more facets about it.
As GHØSTKID prepares to bring “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE” to stages across the United States, their ambition is clear: to forge a direct, unfiltered connection with their audience, transcending cultural and geographical barriers. This album is not just a collection of tracks but a manifesto of artistic freedom and a testament to the band’s evolution. Through “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE,” GHØSTKID invites listeners into a world where music serves as a catalyst for reflection, rebellion, and ultimately, transformation. As we conclude our conversation, it’s evident that GHØSTKID is not just navigating the complex dynamics of modern music; they are setting the stage for a new era of rock that dares to confront, challenge, and captivate.
More info can be found on GHØSTKID at:
www.Ghøst-kid.de
www.Facebook.com/Ghøstkid
Instagram.com/Ghøstkiddo
www.Twitter.com/IAmGhøstkid
