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For a few weeks now, the entire scene has been reading about the latest developments following the split of And One. We, at Viva Music, have also been watching closely the outcome of this separation. Yes, we are selfish. Yes, we chase good bands. Yes we work for the fans! We always hope that each band in our scene will produce great music for the fans to enjoy, so we looked forward to being able to officially welcome the newly formed PAKT! More about the birth and first video of PAKT, here. Read below the first interview with Chris Ruiz and Gio van Oli of PAKT, and do not forget to order their “Freiheit” single out tomorrow here!

Chris, Gio, thank you for agreeing to answer to Viva Music’s questions. We take pride in being the first webzine to interview PAKT, and we know your fans will be thrilled!

 PAKT is such a young project, and still at Amphi festival 2011 we saw an impressive number of fans wearing PAKT T-shirts! So here we are, so curious to find out what is the secret of your success before even launching your first single. Let’s shoot!

VIVA: How did you come up with the name of PAKT?

PAKT.: …I found the name years ago. I liked the name because you can really play with it very well. It has no real meaning like we’re now a PAKT against someone or whatever.

 VIVA: It is very easy to speculate why your first single is called “Freiheit”, considering the split from And One. Does the title of the single mean more than freedom from the past, from And One?

PAKT.: …Everyone says that. But it doesn’t really have much to do with the split. “Freiheit” means more breaking free from the chains of a manipulated society. We see it every day, how easy people take an opinion without asking what is the story behind….

VIVA: For a ‘new’ act, to be eagerly awaited at M’era Luna is an important achievement. Who gets the credit for such great promotion for PAKT?  

PAKT.: …yes that’s really fantastic for us, to have such a chance to be on stage at M’era Luna two days after our first single release. We’re really happy for it, and the Oscar goes to Steven, our Manager ;).

VIVA: When should we expect full-length material from PAKT? You have already planned out a very outgoing release strategy, including four parties in different cities in Germany plus autograph sessions just in August. What’s next? Is there a tour to accompany the single/album release?

PAKT.: …We’re already in the studio to record more songs, we’ve planned to release our first full length album in early 2012. It will be followed by a tour.

VIVA: The tagline you chose for your website reads ‘two guys who just wanna play with you’. Is it going to be just you two guys, or is the studio/live formula of PAKT going to include other artists as well?  

PAKT.: …Live we have a drummer with us on stage, his name is Cani, an awesome guy! He also plays drums in the studio for us. The rest is just Gio and me. Two simple guys who just wanna have fun. :)

VIVA: “A dance-floor-compatible coup that encourages thinking and is perfect for letting go, singing along and going wild”, says your home label, Out of Line. Do you find that description of PAKT satisfying or would you like to add more to it? 

PAKT.: …no, that’s a perfect description for the moment. No more we can say…. PAKT will.

VIVA: Chris, you are a wonderful photographer – and the PAKT artwork is just another proof of your talent. It’s remarkable how you are photographer, and subject at the same time; not too many, if any, artists do that. Do you plan to be the official PAKT photographer?   

PAKT.: …Oh, first of all, thank you! I guess I will be our official PAKT photographer. It’s for free, so… ;) If one day a pic won’t come out right using the self timer, I will let someone else take the photographs for sure.

VIVA: DAF, FUNKER VOGT, FORMALINE – how did the collaboration with them for the “Freiheit” single remixes go?  

PAKT.: …I met Robert (Robert Görl of DAF, Ed.) a few times over the last years, we met in the studio again and he asked me if I wanted to make a video for his next single. I said “of course”, and I asked him if he was interested in doing a remix for us. With Funker we had a barter, I would take pictures for them in exchange of a remix for us. Formalin are really very talented and lovely guys, we met them in the studio and so we arrived to this.

VIVA: Is there anything else you would like to add? Maybe a little bit about your personal life? Any recent changes?   

PAKT.: Everything feels much better now. We are free to put all our ideas into practice, (and we have a lot!) and can’t wait to bring them to life on CD and on stage.

VIVA: What do you know about Romania? What’s your message for your Romanian fans?   

PAKT.: …uhm, not much. So time has come for us to pay Romania a visit and have a gig, I guess :).

VIVA: Thank you very much for answering Viva Music’s annoying questions! We look forward to seeing our first PAKT concert live.

PAKT.: …thank you!  Do you have any coffee??