There is a rumour that rock music is dead or watered down by pop music, windy producers and the music industry. In this respect, the only thing that remains is a look back through back catalogue publications, reunion tours and autobiographies from a supposedly better time. All nonsense, as Greta Van Fleet proves: The quartet from Michigan proves to be the guardian of the Grail and maybe even the future of rock. eclipsed singer Josh Kiszka has been interviewed in Los Angeles.
If you were to meet the 22-year-old on the street, you wouldn't think of having one of the most talented rock singers of our time in front of you. Because Josh Kiszka is a small, slim little guy in a T-shirt, jeans and sneakers, with wildly proliferating curls, nasty acne and a jittery disposition. For him, all this has something surreal about it: making a living with music, giving interviews, talking seriously about his songs. It's embarrassing at times and he can't explain it. For instance where his killer voice comes from, which is in no way inferior to that of the young Robert Plant and is praised by the Led Zeppelin icon itself in the highest tones. That got him invitations from Elton John, Guns N' Roses and the Foo Fighters. But slowly he has to accept and reflect on what he has achieved.
eclipsed: Greta Van Fleet are traded as the future of rock. How do you feel about that? How do you deal with it?
Josh Kiszka: Well. I'm not quite sure yet. But let's be honest, there aren't many bands doing the same thing as us at the moment. And probably we get positive reactions because we are alone in the corridor. But it's hard for me to say whether that's why we're reviving rock music or starting a new movement. I hope so, of course, but I don't want to come across as presumptuous.
eclipsed: Are you a reaction to the current musical uniformity, which is dominated by a few producers?
Kiszka: I would sign that. I think people have had enough of it and want something new, fresh, exciting. But who am I to speak for others, let alone the general public? All I can say is how I feel, and I've definitely had enough of this shit. That's why I make the music that I like to listen to myself. Music that is organic and not completely overproduced. I would be happy if others followed our approach.
eclipsed: What do you think about the Led Zeppelin comparisons you see on the internet and in the media?
Kiszka: That's okay. It could be worse. Led Zeppelin are a great band, one of the best rock bands of all time. In this respect, this is a huge compliment that we can live with well. Even though the comparison has become a bit on my nerves in the meantime. (laughs)
