Lars Eric Mattsson, guitarist, song writer and producer living in Finland. Interview October 10, 2012
Lars Eric Mattsson Interview
1. Could you tell me about the recording and writing process for your new album Obsession/Book of Reflections – Relentless Fighter?
Lars Eric Mattsson : Obsession which has recently been reissued was written and recorded in 1998, I think it took about 6 months in total. the new Book of Reflections album took about 6 months as well, of which half the time was spent writing, but these days I rent to write and record at the same time as I don’t really do any demos, I just take the bulls by the horns from the beginning. Both of these albums were recorded in my own studios, though that don’t mean the same place.
2. What would be some the amplifiers and guitars used in the recording to create the tones?
On Obsession the main amp was a German amp called Kitty Hawk, I don’t think they are made anymore. As for Book of Reflections new album I used a Peavey 6505+ with a Mesa Boogie cabinet. Rhythm guitars on the new album were done with a Boel MC7 string, while solos were either played on a Stratocaster with Seymour Duncan stacked humbuckers, or my 1991 Valley Arts Custom Pro, which was also used on the Obsession album. My wah wah is a cry baby, except from that I don’t really use any pedals.
3. How do you manage your time as a musician?
I usually work very intensively for, say six month and then I might not even touch an instrument for months, but in my head I am always working on something. I don’t really do much practicing anymore, though I might when I record if something does feel impossible at the time:-) I prefer to jam… When I am about to start on a nerd project I work very hard, get up early and force myself to work. You can not just wait for inspiration if you want a result.
4. What products are you currently endorsing?
Nothing at all:-)
5. Without Social Media could bands today manage to survive?
yes sure, a band can evolve though playing live frequently, but of course it has helped quite a bit I suppose.
6. What’s your vision of the internet for musicians in the future?
It’s not only positive. There seems to be too many bands and projects fighting for the same group of fans who are getting less interested in supporting bands by actually paying for their music. There is a big risk that bands drown in the flood of other bands sounding the same and it might become impossible to rise above the others. This means that new bands won’t have a chance to compete with older already well know acts.
7. What could we find interesting in your Music collection today?
I don’t really listen to much new music, I often listen to stuff I am working on to see how I can improve it. I only listen to music in my car where I have a huge selection of stuff all from the 70s to quite new stuff, I listen to very different genres like 70s fusion, classic hard rock, jazz, prog metal… but I don’t really have any favorites at this time.
8. Any tours lined up in the near future?
Unfortunately not…
9. What other projects could we be seeing from you in the near future?
I will be moving at the end of the year and will make a new studio so I will probably not be doing anything new for a while.
10. Where do you see Music in 100 years from now?
It’s probably really bad, everyone is making some sounds from preset machines and no one will bother to learn to play anymore as you just need to press a button instead….
11. Any words for musicians starting out?
Learn different kinds of music, learn how to handle an audience. Join a band a play for real people, don’t worry too much if it’s not exactly your favorite genre, it’s very important to learn how to survive on the stage, even in small shitty places.
http://www.larsericmattsson.com/
Related Progressive Metal Interviews