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I recently told you about Alien Ken and his newly released single, Cleanse My Claws and I am hooked on it. You can read more from that post here. Today we bring you an interview with Alien Ken as we discuss his upcoming album “Contact”. First you can check out his intensely bold single, Cleanse My Claws here:

Now that you are in love with his work, let’s get to know Alien Ken more with our recent interview:

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Music Junkie Press: How and when did you create Alien Ken?

Alien Ken: Let my start of this interview by explaining that the name Alien Ken refers to both me as a person an as Alien Ken – The band. Just like Marilyn Manson or Rob Zombie.

I took the name Alien Ken back in 2001 when I played in a band called Skelektons. I have always been fascinated by the possibility that there are life on other planets and I guess I had a tendency of talking about it a bit too much. The vocalist in said band baptized me on a rehearsal and it`s been that way since.

When I decided to do my own thing back in 2009 I wanted the Alien Ken name to be a free place for me and my thoughts and ideas. I wanted to do whatever I wanna do without limitations. Not having some grumpy drunk drummer say “naah, that’s to bla bla bla”.

Music Junkie Press: I like it Alien Ken! Cleanse My Claws is such a great contagious song! What inspired you for the song?

Alien Ken: Thank you! I had a bunch of different riffs lying about and if I remember correctly the tune came together rather quickly. I think it was one of the first songs I wrote for the upcoming album. I can`t think of any particular band that inspired writing it but I guess the solo is partly inspired by John 5 which is one of my favorite guitar players!

The lyrics are written by Roy Egeland which is Alien Kens vocalist extraordinaire. In fact he has written all the lyrics for the upcoming record. I don’t want to get too much into what the lyrics mean as I want you to make your own conclusion out of them

Music Junkie Press: It is an incredible song. Tell us about the album Contact and when is the release planned?

Alien Ken: Contact is our new record and its gonna be released worldwide on January 27^th 2014. We`re really proud of the album and can`t wait to get it out. It has been in the works for a loooong time!

The album will feature 9 tracks. 8 of those are brand new and the last one called “Glitter Rambo” is lifted from the Extraordinary EP which was released last year.
The record sounds heavy yet dynamic. Some rocktunes, some heavy ones and we even snuck a little love song at the end of it! The people that likes what we have done in the past will like this one also.

Music Junkie Press: We are definitely looking forward to the album and can’t wait to let everyone know about it. Where did you record it?

Alien Ken: Ahhh, it has been recorded in so many places. Some guitar here, some drums there… Let`s just say Area 51

Music Junkie Press: I can only imagine the intensity behind this new record! If I could peak into your Ipod, what artist or song would I be most surprised at finding in there?

Alien Ken: Hehe… Don’t know? N.W.A maybe? I do listen to the “Fuck the police” tune over and over and over again!

“They have the majority to kill a minority”… I do love some of their lyrics.

Music Junkie Press: That is a good one. N.W.A. has definitely been know for their unapologetic over the top lyrics that we all have loved. Son Extraordinary was absolutely awesome and I loved all the songs. I think Two of a Kind is just an amazing song. Can you tell me more about that one?

Alien Ken: Cool, thanks J. The Son Extraordinary was the first EP released under the Alien Ken banner. It contains 5 tracks, all with different vocalists.

“Two of a kind”… Yes! Funny story ….

The track was originally written as a tune for an art project I was working on at the time. I thought it was to “out there” (pun intended) for the Son Extraordniary EP. I had been working with lots of different vocalists on and off for a good year or so but could not quite find the one who had the full package. I got tipped about a guy named Roy Egeland and I did not really know him but I thought I`d give him a chance!

Did not know what to expect really, but when he showed up in the studio he told me that he`d written some lyrics and melody for the track Two of a kind. I was a bit stunned as I thought he would have picked one of the more “safe” ones to try out. But behold, his lyrics and melody were both awesome and Roy has sticked around as a vocalist for Alien Ken ever since

The title is lifted from a Tv show starring Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. And yes, I think the show is GREAT!!!

Music Junkie Press: I love the Mary Kate and Ashley reference! Do you have a specific song writing ritual?

Alien Ken: I do have my very own den where I can lock myself in together with all the things I enjoy like my Ninja Turtles action figures and my Mary Kate and Ashley dolls. It is important for me to create an environment where I can totally be myself and just do my thing.

I do a lot of jamming with a drum loop and once I get an idea for a cool riff I record it instantly. Before I got Cubase I used to write down some words which I thought would help me remember how the riff went…. Let me just say ; That did not work out so well! How would you recreate a riff that is called “Foo fighters rip off – 03 with bucketroll 068”?

Music Junkie Press: Can you remember what was the first song you learned to play in it’s entirety?

Alien Ken: Sure I do! The first track I mastered on my guitar was “74-75” by the Connels and I was 14 and horny… Still like that song though

Music Junkie Press: If you could go back and talk to your 14 year old self, what advice would you give to yourself?

Alien Ken: Keep an open mind, but don’t let your brain fall out! I would also remind myself that love conquers all!

Music Junkie Press: Now that is great advice for anyone of any age, very well said. Lastly, is there anything you would like to share with our audience?

Alien Ken: Yes!

“Beware the bearers of false gifts and their broken promises.
Much pain, but still time. Believe there is good out there.
We oppose deception. Conduit closing. “

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Now that you know more about Alien Ken, mark your calendars for his January release date of “Contact“. Also his song, Cleanse My Claws has recently been nominated for Best New Song of 2013 and you can cast your vote here for it. Visit his social media sites to stay up to date on all Alien Ken news.

~ Marisol