CAMOUFLAGE HISTORY
Part nine 2002-2005: |  |
 |
After the release of an album no longer seemed realistic with Virgin, new discussions were
started with other record companies. During February 2002 a new contract was negotiated with
Polydor, which included the production and release of the long-awaited album "Sensor". The
production efforts were begun quickly with producers Rob Kirwan and Toy in London and
Gerret Frerichs in Hamburg. Three production teams were expected to quickly provide diverse
recording results. There wasn't a plan for how Sensor was intended to sound - really only a
feeling for how it should be. One thing had been determined - it was important to emphasize old
strengths such as songwriting and to return to an electronic presentation for the songs.
The distance between residences of each of the Camou members and the producers was
overcome by means of a dedicated website for the production of the album which allowed for
transfer of sound files and opinions related to the work in progress. The first problems appeared
too soon after work with Rob Kirwan was ended due to differing views about the desired results;
problems continued when Toy left in the Fall of 2002 during a period of when work was well
under way. The anticipated finish and release schedules were no longer realistic and couldn't be
met.
The Sensor production efforts were continued by Gerret Frerichs in Hamburg and Heiko Maile
in his Saal 3 studio in Stuttgart. Along with the recording work, the band played three concerts
during 2002 where several of the new songs were performed. The path from the single "Thief"
in 1999 to the album "Sensor" had required the investment of much time, energy and patience.
By the beginning of 2003 this path was finally drawing to an end; the first single "Me and You"
was released on April 14th followed by the album on May 26th. "Me and You" reached #53 in the
German charts and "Sensor" reached #26. After playing at several festivals, the "Sensor Tour"
began in the Fall of 2003 with performances across Germany and for the first time live concerts
outside of Germany (e.g. in Russia). The second single release "I Can't Feel You" charted at #75
in the German charts. As was occurring with all record companies in Germany, Polydor
experienced a major organizational restructuring in an effort to minimize pending losses. The
greater emphasis on international artists had a negative impact on Camouflage. The planned
third single "Perfect" could not longer be released and the work for a new album was being
pushed off in the distance. The band was not to be discouraged and continued work writing new
songs.
During 2004 Camouflage had successful performances in Germany and in other countries and
the band completed a small tour of Eastern Europe. Since Polydor was still unwilling to lay out a
timeline for a new album, Camouflage decided to leave Polydor. During August 2005 the band
signed a new contract with the record company SPV. Heiko Maile moved his residence from
Stuttgart to Berlin and set up a new studio there. With this move the recordings and work on the
new album were to become easier, since Marcus, Oli and Heiko were now living in the same
city. Heiko took the responsibility as producer for the new album. During 2005 Camouflage
played only two concerts in Germany in order to concentrate on the production and completion
of the new album.
|
