ROYAL HUNT (Eng.)
– First of all thank you so much for answering to our questions. How has been the final outcome of the recording for your album «Show Me How To Live»?
We all are very pleased with the album: the songs, playing, arrangements, general sound/production… and we do expect this one to be quite successful.
– In this effort you have again DC Cooper at vocals; how did everything start and how has been its return to the band?
It all started very sinple without any “masterplan” in mind: DC and I started talking on Skype and such and after a few chats decided to “test the waters” – so to speak – and do a little tour, just to make sure if we could still recreate the vibe we used to have…and it worked out beautifully. So – obviously – the next step was to try and record an album and I´m happy to inform you that the whole process went down smooth and easy.
– Listening to the album, beside the track «Show me how to Live», which lengths 10 minutes, the rest of it lasts more or less the same; did you want to make a more straight-forward piece or did things just happen naturally?
I never really thought about it… songs are coming out naturally to me, without any specific pre-plans about their length or general arrangement.
– It’s obvious with DC vocals, ROYAL HUNT comes back a bit to albums as «Paradox» or «Moving Target»; was this the main idea? I mean going back a little bit to this old-fashioned style of you.
It all came together quickly: any change in your line-up forms – to a degree – the style of your album. DC sings/sounds in his own specific way and that kind of creates your state of mind while writing/recording… as a producer you have to accommodate each member in such a way so their strongest assets are shining through.
– Another things that has caught my attention has been those crystal clear solos. Where and how did you discover Jonas Larssen? I think he fits perfectly the ROYAL HUNT’s sound.
Our ex-singer – Henrik Brockmann – has recommended Jonas Larsen; he invited me to a Highway Jam´s show and convinced me that Jonas will fit in – on a personal level – into our little “RH family”. After watching the show I invited Jonas to jam with us on a few occasions and it felt right, it felt comfortable – he understands the sound and the style we´re after and it fits his way of playing perfectly.
– And concerning the cover artwork and the album’s lyrics; what’s ROYAL HUNT singing about in 2011? Is there some kind of link between all the tunes?
All lyrics are quite personal and it would be impossible to try and explain it in writing (as this email interview); a personal, emotional contend which fits the mood/sound of the album perfectly… including the title.
– Your are a band with a vast story; how were the first steps of the band back in the early 90’s?
I had this idea about a band I´d like to play in, I had a bunch of song ideas and a place to work – so I started looking for people to play with. We played tons of club gigs, recorded countless demos and – finally – got a record deal. Our first real tour followed, second álbum etc… and it´s been like this for 20 years now. 🙂
– During that decade were it seemd Rock or Metal music was taking a more modern direction, you guys were always loyal to a epic/symphonic style, with both melodic and progressive elements; was it a good idea for the band? What do you think was your best moment?
All our albums are a bit different, we never stop experimenting with our music: finding new ways to express ourselves differently while not going away too far from our original concept. We´re playing the kind of music we like so there is no reason for us to follow any kind of current trends – just stay true to what you want at it all will work out… and your best moment will always be your next moment: a new album, a new tour…
– And coming back to the present and to your latest opus; was there some kind of contact with any other singer as John West or Mark Boals or did you have clear the best voice for the band was DC Cooper?
If – for some reason – it didn´t work out with DC we would have continued with Mark Boals.
– How’s the album’s promotion doing? Do you have live dates for a tour or some festivals?
Our label, management and us are doing plenty of promo work at the momento and reaction we´re getting from fans and media has been great so far. As for the tour: I expect us to start playing some shows in the Spring of 2012, but there´re no solid plans – or dates – as of yet.
– And facing your future, do you already have in mind any ideas for upcoming albums? What could you like to do you haven’t done yet (musically)?
No idea at the moment… but I´m sure it will be something interesting… I guarantee 🙂
– That’s everything from our side; our best wishes and hope to see you in Spain supporting this masterpiece you have just released which for me is, without any doubt, one of the best albums this year.
Thank you very much… hope to see you at one of our shows in the near future.
