Love, pain, fantasy, agony and shimmering seduction are only a few ways to describe the soul of Sub Version. The music is dark and melancholic, but comes across beautifully. Led by John Koviak, who in the past did work with Propaganda Magazine and was a member of the notorious London After Midnight, but was smart enough to go out on his own. The following interview with John was conducted by Marcos in March’98…

How exactly did Sub Version come about and what’s the meaning behind the name?

Koviak: "After being in several dead end bands, I decided to go at it alone in 1991. Sub Version is the name that I decided to go under at the time. It just came to me."

When playing live, do you perform all the music alone or do other assist?

Koviak: "When I play live, I have friends that fill in as temporary live players.

How do crowds take to your music?.....You have a loyal following out in CA?

Koviak: "I’m quite satisfied with having a small but dedicated following. I don’t play live that often, but when I do, it’s always seemed to be memorable experience for myself and the audience."

Tell us some of your inspirations.

Koviak: "I’m not sure what inspires, I just know when I am."

What were some of your musical influences? What groups do you like now?

Koviak: "There are far too many to name. I’ve cited Joy Division and Kraftwerk in the past as most likely primary influences. Nowadays, there are not to many exciting musical projects. The Aphex Twin, Delerium are a few."

Any plans to tour around the East Coast?

Koviak: "I’d love to tour the East Coast, just as soon as I’m ready."

Your music has a very dark dungeon sort of atmosphere. How would you describe the sound of your music?

Koviak: "It’s almost impossible for me to describe my own music. I prefer to listen to other people's opinions.

You have any other occupations when not doing music?

Koviak: "Yes. I work 9-5 everyday like most others. Music rarely pays the bills."

How has "The Winds Of War" CD been doing?

Koviak: "The reviews are have been better than I could of ever expected. It means a lot to me that so many people have taken this album very personally."

Did you get various offer and interests from other labels? What made you go to Mere Mortal Prod.?

Koviak: "I’ve always been wary of labels and their real intentions. Guy Addams of Mere Mortal and I seemed to meet at the right time and we’ve been moving forward ever since."

Something else?

Koviak: "I’m currently working on a new album that I would like to put out sometime around August."