Double is a fun little unknown musical force born in the late 80’s with some of the great unknown albums of the Blue Era, as well as the timeless Captain of Her Heart and Woman of the World. , released singles such as “Devil’s Ball.”
Felix Haug, the keyboardist half of the duo, sadly passed away in 2003, but vocalist and guitarist Kurt Malou continues to create new music. Gigsrutz interviews Kurt to turn back the clock on him, looking back on the Double era and the current situation at the top.
Could you tell us a little more about your upbringing?
I was born in Zurich, Switzerland, as an only child. My father was a self-made man who grew up in France. He worked as a photographer and moved to Switzerland with his mother at the beginning of World War II. There he met my mother, took night classes to become a financial officer, and eventually became a banker.
What was the first music you remember hearing?
The 78rpm shellac disc my mother used to play Glenn Miller’s In the Mood on. Then I got Harry Belafonte’s first 7-inch Day-O.
What was the first serious music you remember hearing?
I used to listen to Herb Alpert on the kitchen radio while my mom wanted to dance with me, and I was seriously thinking about the Beatles album Rubber Soul. I bought it for Christmas the year the album was released.
When did you first start singing?
I was the leader of a school band called Poor Boys. No one wanted to sing, so I got a job other than playing guitar. They played songs such as “Twist and Shout” by the Beatles and “Route 66” by the Rolling Stones. I then studied guitar soloing at NSU in The Cream.
How did you start playing guitar?
Definitely the Beatles, but when I heard Rubber Soul and tried to play along, I realized my skills weren’t good enough. I took classes there for a year or two. After that, I worked during summer vacation to earn money to buy an electric guitar. Because I was shocked when I heard Jimi Hendrix.
Were you in any bands before forming Double?
After School Bands I was a founding member of a nine-piece art punk band called Troppo. Then I met Felix Haug at a jam session and asked him to join Trio Ping Pong.
How was Double formed?
When the bassist left Ping Pong, Felix and I rebranded the remains as Double.
How did the band’s songs come together?
I used to write all the songs, but when Felix came up with the piano melody that would become the trademark for Captain of Her Heart, I came up with it right away and the result I thought it needed to be included on the album “Blue”.
Who are some bands that have influenced you musically?
We both adored everything Miles Davis. In the early ’80s, I listened to a wide variety of music, from Funkadelic to Dean Martin. I think the album “Blue” is exactly the essence of our musical tastes arranged into pop songs.
Their double debut album, Blue, is phenomenal. Can you tell us how the material for the album came together and why you decided to sign with Polydor?
Our first contract was with Metronome in Germany. Before the album “Blue”, I released 3 maxi singles. Naningo, Rangoon Moon, Woman of the World. Various versions of Rangoon Moon and Women of the World. After “Woman of the World” sold 25,000 copies in Germany, the record company gave us money for the album. Metronome is part of the Polygram family and when the album came out they wanted us to move to Polydor International in London.
Captain of her heart. What is this song about and how did it come about?
Felix always had Blackbird’s version of the story. He was jamming on the piano with the windows wide open when a blackbird joined him, insistently singing his typical two notes (e – g – e – g). So he picked them up and worked out a melody based on the calls of blacktards. Great story anyway.
The lyrics came to me quite quickly, more or less unconsciously. In later analysis, I must have been fascinated by the exact moment the woman decided to stop waiting for something she knew was lost. It’s about facing the truth.
women of the world. What is this song about and how did it come together?
This is an ode to elegant women, or women who play elegant games for fun. When I saw an old movie called “Hell the Poppin”, I was intrigued by the conga dance and its rhythm.
your prayers save me. What is this song about and how did it come about?
Prayer is ecstasy. It’s sexual and reflects my love of 70’s funk music.
Was Double playing a lot of shows around this time?
Felix and I played a lot of gigs with Ping Pong, but we had never really toured as a double. There are several reasons for that. One was Felix’s stage anxiety, but he also had a tight PR schedule and pressure to record a second album.
Were you satisfied with the band’s reputation, including TV appearances?
Definitely should have done the tour. The instant feedback from a live audience is unparalleled.
How did Felix Haug feel about the success the band was receiving?
When he recorded DOU3LE, he had more confidence in his composition and arrangement.
Did you know that the original Balearic DJ, Captain Of Her Heart DJ Alfredo, plays this song in his set?
No, but I’m glad he does 🙂
What happened in Dou3le, the sequel to Blue?
Although it still sold very well, the single “Devil’s Ball” only reached number 78 on the UK charts and received no radio airplay in the United States, mainly due to the distorted electronic violin. It didn’t fit into any format. My album Loopy Avenue had a rework in 2006 without the violin, and it turned out much better than the original version.
Did you have a vision that you and Felix had to write an album that sounded different than Blue?
Felix wanted to create a more cinematic soundscape, and I wanted to go back to sophisticated pop songs like On Blue. When we recorded his third album, our differences escalated further, leading to the split of the double.
devil’s ball. What is this song about and how did it come together?
It’s about my inner demons having a ball and giving me a hard time.
Although the band appears to have gone their separate ways after this album, You and Felix hit No. 3.rd album. Why wasn’t this released? What kind of songs were planned to be included on the album?
We called it quits when we realized we couldn’t agree on it musically anymore. This allowed us to remain friends. I was living in Paris at the time, but Felix was still in Switzerland. The only song that breathed life into my solo album “single” from my unfinished third album was the song I wrote in 1987, “End of The Season.”
After years apart, you and Felix reunited to compose and release some tracks, and then worked again to celebrate your 20th anniversary.th Double anniversary. Sadly, Felix passed away and you released that song on one of your solo albums. Did you enjoy working with Felix?
not much. He wasn’t happy in the studio. He missed his family and in the end he knew there was no way back. Interestingly, the only song he offered was a very uplifting song, Shoobedoobedoo.
Will we ever see original demos of these sessions?
i don’t think so.
Looking back at your work at Double, what are you most proud of?
the way we work. Experiment, be open, and go with the flow. There are no musical boundaries. If the song worked for us, that was fine.
What are you currently working on musically?
I released an EP called “Off the Record, Vol.” 1. A song written without a concept. It’s a bit similar to Double. Let’s see if there are volumes 2 and 3.
Finally, what’s on your turntable right now?
Classical music and jazz from the early 60’s.
Kurt Maloo can be found on his website
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