Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Gothminister

What is your earliest memory connected to music?
-One of my earliest memories is sitting in front of the TV as a child, completely fascinated by Sky Traxx, horror films and larger-than-life performers. I was drawn to dark atmospheres very early. Artists like Alice Cooper and later Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson opened a door for me into a world where music was not just sound, but identity, theatre and storytelling.

How did your passion for creating music begin?
-It started with a need to create my own universe. I was never interested in making “normal” music. I wanted to build something cinematic and visual — something that felt like stepping into another dimension. Over time that became Gothminister.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

-It’s actually a cool story about a friend taking me to my first gothclub where we got drunk and fantasized about a leader of the gothscene, but more masculine and «superhero». His name could be Gothminister and he should be at least 30 meters tall. This is where it started for real. 

Gothminister has existed for more than 25 years now, touring internationally and constantly evolving. The current chapter revolves around our upcoming 9th studio album, We Are All Demons, which will be released in October 2026. The album explores inner darkness, identity, chaos, rebellion and the demons people carry within themselves. Musically it combines heavy guitars, electronic elements, cinematic atmospheres and modern production.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

-Dark, theatrical and cinematic gothic industrial metal with electronic elements a well. Imagine a mix of gothic horror, industrial energy, EDM elements and massive hooks designed for both clubs and festivals. But its really up to others to describe my music, I just have fun making it. And I never feel trapped in one genre.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

-I learned that emotion and atmosphere are more important than technical perfection. A song can be simple if it creates a strong emotional or visual reaction. That realization changed everything for me.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I work with a combination of traditional instruments and modern technology. 

-Obviously drums, guitars, bass and vocal recordings but also electronic elements – some hardware Synthesizers like the Nord Lead and Roland D-50, sample libraries like Splice, Kontakt, and lots of different plugins are important for textures and atmosphere. I use a lot of digital production tools, and other virtual instruments for experimenting with visuals and sound design.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
-I listen to a very wide range of music, but I enjoy artists who dare to create their own universe instead of following trends. I respect originality more than genre. Igorrr is cool. 

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
-A lot of Gothminister is built around contrasts: light and darkness, strength and vulnerability, control and chaos. Personal experiences definitely shape the emotional core of the music, even when the lyrics are symbolic or theatrical.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
-Freedom. Strength. Escape. I want people to feel transported into another world for a while. Gothminister is about embracing individuality and turning darkness into energy instead of fear.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
-That persistence matters more than hype. Building something lasting takes years, sometimes decades. Music is not a sprint.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
-Wacken Open Air and Rock Am Ring have always been iconic, but there are many legendary festivals and venues still on the list. I love performing in front of audiences that fully embrace theatrical and dark performances.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
-Probably someone like David Bowie. He constantly reinvented himself artistically without losing his identity. That level of artistic courage is rare.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

Website: https://www.gothminister.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialgothminister
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@officialgoth

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
To continue expanding the Gothminister universe internationally, create bigger productions, stronger visuals and reach new audiences without compromising the identity of the project. We’re gonna have an insane never seen before liveshow on the We are all Demons tour 2026/2027.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That Gothminister is more than just shock, makeup or dark aesthetics. Behind everything there is real passion, vision and dedication to creating a unique artistic world.

Representative YouTube Video:

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