Dero Goi is the former frontman of 'Neue Deutsche Härte' (new German hardness) pioneers OOMPH!. He has today released a new single entitled ‘Saturday’, a song that is included on his forthcoming debut solo album, ‘1984’.
"I wrote 'Saturday' as an ironic answer to all the hate and malice that were directed towards me after I had publicly confessed that I believe in Jesus Christ,” states Goi. "I have also used original quotes from so called 'haters' on the internet for the lyrics. I was determined to answer with a clear statement of love to all that negativity, which is why I repeatedly reply by stating 'I still love you!' or 'I'll always love you!' to all the slander. I also found it important to counter the vile energy of the 'haters' in a lively and cheerful manner. The video clip for this song is describing some kind of sham trial in which I stand as the pre-condemned accused. Yet as the story unfolds, the tide is turning. Take a look!”
The video for Saturday can be seen HERE.
‘1984' demonstrates that Goi is back with a bang, delivering a massive statement of intent in the shape of an ambitious double album full to the brim with synth hits over the duration of its 23 songs (an abridged version is also being made available). A fascinating fusion of synth-wave, EBM and retro sounds with plenty of contemporary electronic elements, it even delivers a dose of his former life as a rock and metal musician. Always recognised as an outstanding songwriter, Goi has honed his craft to an even sharper edge on this substantial new collection.
‘1984' also sees Goi remaining true to his unwavering stance as a non-conformist artist. Never shy to air his views, the Born Again Christian remains critical of organised religion, while his declared libertarian political leanings have provoked a wide range of reactions. Of course, words can have consequences and there are always limits to freedom, but should those apply to an artist who stands firmly for his country's constitution and is breaking no laws? What is freedom worth, if it does not entail the right to dissent? Goi sometimes begs to differ and that is not a crime.
Neither Goi’s intensive preoccupation with religion or his social commentary are new elements in his work. As the vocalist and drummer in OOMPH!, his lyrics dealt with everything from the global economic crisis to child poverty, while several songs saw the former agnostic tackling organised religion. Born in 1970 in the city of Wolfsburg, he had co-founded the band while still in his teens with a wide range of musical influences to frame his thoughts that included rock figureheads such as AC/DC, The Cure and Faith No More, electronic pioneers like Kraftwerk, D.A.F. and Depeche Mode, plus pop icons Abba, The Beatles and Elvis Presley.
This new single plus three already available EPs containing songs from ‘1984' have demonstrated that Goi has been moving in a more electronic direction, while the album itself is a testament to an artist utilising his influences to further expand his ability to write catchy tunes. Whatever his listeners will make of this massive contribution to the scene, Goi will never be an artist who holds back. What you hear is what you get!