Last month Metropolis Records released HAU RUCK 2025, a 20th anniversary remixed and remastered edition of industrial legends KMFDM’s 14th LP, HAU RUCK. And just last week KMFDM vocalist and keyboardist (of a quarter century now…) Lucia Cifarelli kicked off her first-ever solo tour, which has her handling opening duties for Lords Of Acid’s Praise The Lords tour, which will be at Underground Arts this Sunday, June 15th. I recently got a chance to chat with Lucia from the road, who tells me about solo LP #3 (2024’s No God Here), playing live without a band for the first time, and her early years with KMFDM.
Izzy Cihak: You’ve played Philly a lot over the years… I feel like I saw KMFDM at The Trocadero alone at least half-a-dozen times… Do you have any thoughts or favorite memories of the city? I often think of the “in-store” you all did at Digital Ferret in 2003 (right after I moved here), but it ended up being a small crowd, so we all just hung out and chatted on the sidewalk for like an hour, so I referred to it as an “on-sidewalk with KMFDM.”
Lucia Cifarelli: I love Philly! Being an East Coast girl kind of makes it a given. I remember the “in-store” at Digital Ferret. It was an intimate crowd to say the least, but those are the kind of moments I never forget. Being able to hang out one on one is always my favorite way to connect with folks, so I was cool with it. The food, people, and atmosphere of the city are electric, and I always look forward to passing through.
Izzy: When I met you back then, you were also promoting your solo debut, From the Land of Volcanos, which I got from you at that show. How do you feel about that album these days, especially considering there were 18 years between that and the follow-up? I still definitely dig it.
Lucia: It’s so long ago now it’s almost like listening to another person. But I’m proud of that album and that girl! Like a first child, it will always be a defining moment in my life. I cut my teeth as a solo artist on it. Looking back, there’s a lot of things I would’ve liked to have done differently, but isn’t that always how it is in hindsight? Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve…
Izzy: What do you think are the biggest differences from your approach to your first solo record, compared to your two far-more-recent LPs? I know that, for No God Here, you did all of the writing and artwork.
Lucia: Over the years my songwriting and artistic abilities have strengthened, expanding my vision of what I’m capable of, so I haven’t been seeking out collaborations as much as before. On my first album I lacked the confidence to assert my position or speak up when I should’ve, which often happens to young artists. With I Am Eye and No God Here I wanted to see what would happen if I approached the process from a different angle. It’s also been out of practicality, because as I’ve become more seasoned at what I do, I’ve also become more opinionated. I don’t want to settle on someone else’s idea of great when it’s not mine.
Izzy Have you had any favorite reactions to No God Here, which has been out for the better part of a year now?
Lucia: My friend’s boyfriend, who’s a psychologist at an elementary school, told me when he heard “Lights Out” for the first time it brought him to his knees. That was a powerful reaction that hit home for me. Also, having a metalhead tell me they dance around their apartment to “Dark Horse” made an impression. But “No God Here” is where some of my favorite reactions came from. When someone thanks you for giving both voice to their pain and peace in the acknowledgment they aren’t alone, that’s everything to me.
Izzy: I love the whole LP, but I especially love album closer “The Creeps,” so I’m curious how that particular track came about?
Lucia: It was inspired by a creepy human who was stalking someone I know, who then began stalking me publicly and casting spells on FB. Writing the song was a way for me to lighten the energy and release the pressure of that uncomfortable situation. In the studio, Sascha had a musical vision that was different from my initial idea, which was much slower and creepier. I was a little apprehensive about speeding it up and going full on punk rock with it, but am super happy with the way it turned out.
Izzy: I know you personally made a number of music videos (official and unofficial) for album tracks. What kinds of things have been most influencing the visual elements of your recent work? It’s definitely cool that you’ve been directing, shooting, and editing the videos yourself.
Lucia: Thank you! I have no formal training in any of those mediums so I’m learning as I go. That being said, I think the home video style approach tied in nicely with the organic nature of the album and what I wanted to convey, which is heavily influenced by the natural world and the Japanese art form of Kintsugi – Which involves repairing broken pottery with gold, making it stronger than before. A metaphor for embracing your flaws and imperfections.
Izzy: You’re just about to kick off this run with Lords of Acid. What can be expected of your live show?
Lucia: I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to showcase my solo material, and of course nervous, as I’ve never been on stage without a band before. So, it will be different for both myself and the audience. To add an extra visual element to my set, I worked with @erik_gen_ai, who created a video wall for each song, creating a visual story to accompany my performance. My setlist includes songs from both I Am Eye and No God Here.
Izzy: Metropolis just dropped the 20th anniversary remixed and remastered edition of HAU RUCK, so I have to ask your thoughts on the album now, 20 years later? I know you still play a handful of tracks regularly.
Lucia: It’s a classic that so many folks love, myself included, so it’s nice to hear it polished up shiny and new. I love the way all the songs turned out but I have a soft spot for “Free Your Hate,” “Hau Ruck,” and “Professional Killer.” They’re iconic songs I love performing.
Izzy: On a related note, do you have any memories that particularly stand out from that period, whether writing, recording, or touring the album? That was definitely another great show at The Trocadero.
Lucia: Those were crazy fun times! Sascha and I were living in Seattle not far from Jules, Andy, and Steve. We all hung out a lot, and were close. Because we wrote and recorded at our house, days bled into night and we’d cook and hang out into the wee hours eating, laughing, and fighting over stupid shit. Touring was wild back then. You’d have to give this interview an NC-17 if I dared to share lol.
Izzy: Finally, what’s next for you? How are you hoping and planning to spend the second half of 2025, whether related to No God Here, KMFDM, or anything else you’ve got going on?
Lucia: First I plan to savor every moment out here sharing my solo side, then I’ll return back to Hamburg, Germany where I’ll continue writing for the next KMFDM album. We’re also organizing our fall tour, and have just confirmed headlining a music festival in Spain – SANTUARIO HISI MADRID 15 Νονember 2025.
*Get your tickets here.
