Jakob Samuel and Henrik Bergqvist from the Swedish hard rock and glam metal band The Poodles. Interview June 2, 2013
The Poodles Interview
1. How was it recording the latest album for the Poodles Tour de Force?
Even though the fact that we were under time pressure we had a really smooth and easy going recording session, as always with Mats Valentin. We had a month of rehearsing sessions before going into studio which haven’t happen before. This made everything easier to nail and everybody was more content with the material and could concentrate on putting their best effort putting heart, soul and extravagant playing into the songs. Normally we spend at least 4 month in the studio now everything was mixed and ready in 6 weeks. Well marched;-)
2. Where did most of the influences come from for writing and making Tour de Force?
We have a big variation of influences since our musical background is long and weary and it’s hard to tell where the ideas come from but the ideals what makes a good song is the same as always. A good melody is always the fundamental and this you can find in all types of music and in general I get inspiration by situations in life, books I read, films I see, music i hear or people I meet. I don’t reflect that much where it comes from, I’m just thankful for the flow.
3. Where did the idea for the album come from Tour de Force?
Well we’ve been away for over a years time, doing various other things, me myself did a solo album and went for a long sailing trip and the other guys on their adventures so once back together we felt very inspired and happy to do what we do. This album is our power statement and shows more than anything else what the core of this band is all about. Bombastic, melodic, musically driven and full of heart and soul.
4. Where will the Poodles be touring this summer?
This summer we tour Sweden extensively and during the fall we plan to take the circus on the European roads. It all depends on how the album goes, it’s very recently released, and hopefully we can cover most of mainland Europe.
5. Would you say that Facebook is a great way to attract attention towards bringing in new crowds to concerts?
I would say mainly it’s a fantastic tool to spread music to all bands and there are many that wouldn’t got the chance without it. Of course it includes a lot of rubbish too but never the less it’s a way to spread your achievements. I just got of the phone from interviews in South America and all them says that a lot of people got to know us through our videos on YouTube.
6. What’s your vision on the Internet as a way to releasing Music Online now days?
Henrik: I recently heard someone say that “the gate-keepers are leaving their posts” with regard to the changes in the distribution of music and literature that are currently taking place. I don’t know what’s going to happen with the music industry in the future and neither does anyone else. One thing is for sure; people will continue to do music and they will also have an interest in letting others hear that music. How this will happen is anyone’s guess.
7. What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
Henrik: I have a quite varied CD-collection which ranges from classical music to jazz and rock. The most interesting, or strange aspect of it, are the gaping holes that are there; I don’t have albums such as ‘Let it be’ or ‘Exile on main street’, or even ‘Defenders of the faith‘, but I do have ‘Led Zeppelin IV’ and ‘Highway to hell’
8. Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician?
Henrik: Life as a working musician means travelling and waiting around; a lot! When we are in the studio that usually concludes a long period of pre-recording and demoing and writing, which is the really good part aside from the precious moments on stage which are, of course, what you live for.
9. Where do you see the future of music going?
Henrik: The future of music is there in the music of the past. It doesn’t matter what instruments or tools you have for making music; the end game is the same – you want to feel something! If you listen to some piece of music and you don’t feel anything, then you listen to something else. You want to move and be moved in making music. We’re not in it for anything else. Any good thing that results from making music starts with having played something that inspired the listener in some way. That’s the future of music.
10. Any words for future musicians?
Keep pace and stay the course! Play what you love with people that you love playing with. Find your voice in your writing and your performance. It’s as simple – and as hard – as that!
Extra questions for Jakob Samuel and Henrik Bergqvist from the Poodles
Life without music would be: unimaginable; it’s like contemplating what life would be like without love.
Favorite movie: Scent of a woman
Favorite sport: NFL
Favorite food: Vegetarian asian food; any kind.
Favorite drink: Beer
Favorite saying: If you’re standing on a ledge, a step back is a step forward
Favorite car: the electric kind
Favorite book: American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Favorite band: Led Zeppelin – who else?
Star Wars or Star Trek: Star Wars
PC or Mac: I swithing to Mac…