The stunning
new Time Requiem album 'Optical Illusion' is the bands third release
to date and also Virtuosity One's April 06 album of the month.
Therefore, it seemed only right to interview band leader and the
metal world's best keyboardist Richard Andersson; as well as the
bands new addition, vocal legend Göran Edman to get the low down
on the making of the album. The interviews are available is
two parts with Richard's words at the top and Göran's further down
[here], be sure to check out the review and
buy a copy of the new album 'Optical Illusion'.
Richard,
first of all congratulations on the new Time Requiem album ‘Optical
Illusion’, it’s a stunning release.
Thanks man! I am glad you like it.
What
may surprise many is how quickly you wrote and recorded ‘Optical
Illusion’. I am guessing you were very inspired by writing with Göran
Edman in mind?
Yes! That was one of the reasons everything went very fast. Another
thing was that I decided a date to start compose and a date to be
finish. As usual I was right on target.
How do you go about writing a song, what can your initial inspiration
be? and how do you take that initial seed and make it grow into a
finished track?
It
normally takes me about one week to complete a song. I simply start
around a complete idea which I have in my head. Then I work my way from
beginning to end. At the same time I do the vocal lines as well. The
lyrics are often put together as the last thing.
When recording the album, in what order were the instruments recorded?
I
normally do the drums and bass first and then add the rhythm guitars as
well as the keys. Then I add solos and vocals. The mixing procedure
takes about two weeks to complete.
The guitars and keyboards are really working well together throughout
the album, how do you and Magnus arrange your parts?
I
have everything written in my head before Magnus adds his parts. We
though re-arrange many of the guitars while we record. My musicians feel
good about me taking care of the arrangements etc.
What led to you bringing the cinematic soundtrack touches on tracks such
as ‘Sin To Sin’, the title track and ‘Ocean Wings’?
When I create a song I don’t just want to do it the traditional way. I
often spend most time doing the intro, outro the solo parts etc. I want
to put some magic touch to the specific song.
It’s
a great new dimension to the music and adds superbly to the overall
sound one that helps keep the sound fresh yet doesn’t take away anything
from the sound of Time Requiem all the fans love. The production
of the album is also superb. How do you go about getting an album “its
sound”? Is it a case of twiddling knobs and faders until you get the
balance you hear in your head?
That’s right. I do a lot of the mixing during the recordings. I have a
“sound picture” in my head which I simply just can’t let go until I am
satisfied. I have no education at all about recording, mixing and
mastering. I simply do the things I feel are right. If it sounds good it
is good in my opinion.
I especially like the more apparent use of acoustic guitar on tracks
such as ‘Ocean Wings’, was this yours or Magnus’ idea?
All the songs are created by me as well as the arrangements. I wanted to
start the song almost as a ballad or so. Unfortunately it ended up in a
progressive piece. I though brought back the intro a bit in the middle
of the song. I love Göran´s vocals!!!
You’re recorded output has been extremely prolific the past few years.
How do you remain so focused to produce quality album after album?
Since I work alone with no interruptions from other people I can focus
to 100% on my vision. That goes for the sound and selection of musicians
as well. I simply don’t let my music away until I am satisfied.
This is the second album of yours Göran
has sung on, how did you initially hook up with him and what do you like
about his voice?
First I
must say that Göran is one of the finest musicians I’ve ever worked
with. I came in contact with him after my fellow Jonas Reingold told me
about having Göran on next record. I simply just called him up and asked
him if he wanted the job. Göran never does this kind of music nowadays.
He knew about me and my music and he also liked what he heard so he said
yes. He is an extremely talented and professional musician.
Did you write this music with his voice in mind and what were you
looking to get out of him vocally on the album?
Since I knew I was going to have him on vocals there was no limit in my
song writing.
Yesterday
I actually compared his vocal progression over a number of albums (John
Norum’s Total Control, Yngwie’s Eclipse/Fire & Ice, Johansson – The Last
Viking) and I really do feel that ‘Optical Illusion’ is his best
performances to date, that goes for power, range and executing a vocal
line. Its great to hear a vocalist getting better as many start to
loose it after 10 years or so in the business.
Well! He sing on my songs!!! Laugh!!! Göran has got a better expression
nowadays compared to the Yngwie stuff. Yngwie also put a lot of pressure
forcing him to sing in a special way. With my songs I did a demo with me
on vocals which I send to Göran. He listened and called me up and we
discussed about different solutions.
Speaking of Yngwie, what led to using Yngwie’s Fire & Ice progression in
the title track for a solo section?
I
am glad you refer to that! It’s a kind of tribute to that particular
record. I really liked Fire & Ice.
When I heard it I kind viewed it as a tribute to Göran’s
time with Yngwie rather than trying to pass anything off as your own.
That’s
right.
If we can talk a little about Magnus, who’s another great musician that
has really grown in his time with you. What is it that you like about
his playing and what do you feel his gives the music?
Me
and Magnus have known each other for 20 years now. We started to play
together when we were about 13 years old. We know each other like no
other musicians. He knows exactly what I am looking for in his way of
playing the guitar.
Will we see any tour dates in support of ‘Optical Illusion’, even if
just one gig which could be filmed for a live DVD?
That’s up to the record companies do decide. I am armed and ready having
Göran and the gang on the roads.
What are your plans for 2006 and beyond?
Creating more interesting music.
Finally, give our readers one sentence which sums
up the Richard Andersson philosophy on life.
Oh! That’s a tricky one. Well! Do what ever you want with your music.
Just as long as you are satisfied it will give you a great deal of
pleasure. Compose and play for yourself and not for anyone else.
Goran
Edman Interview
Göran,
you first collaborated with Richard Anderson on 2005’s ‘The Richard
Andersson Collection’, how did you get to know Richard prior to
appearing on that album?
Jonas Reingold suggested me to Richard. That’s how I got involved
originally.
What led to you getting back into the heavier end of the rock/metal
spectrum after a few years exploring more traditionally progressive and
eclectic waters?
I guess the timing was right and I trusted Jonas. I was in the right
mood you could say.
When did you first get to hear the initial
ideas for the tracks that ended up on ‘Optical Illusion’ and what was
your first reaction?
Richard send me all the background files with his guiding vocals on
separate mono files in Sept./October and I went to work immediately when
the deadline was in November. I was expecting it to be intense high
pitch vocals so mentally I was prepared I guess.
So you recorded your vocals locally and then
sent them to Richard for him to add to the instrumental tracks, is this
a standard way of working for you?
Yes in most cases. My home studio is up to date and I have a great set
up so why not. It’s more relaxing for me without the time pressure and
someone hanging over my shoulder.
Did this private space allow you to experiment
more without distraction before laying down takes?
When it comes to Richards guidelines with his lyrics attached it ´s more
about interpretation and finding the attitude in the character.
With XsaviouR though it was a different ballgame that allowed me to
experiment more.
Did Richard give you a guide tracks/guide
melodies for what he wanted the vocals to do with the lyrics?
Yes that’s right
Richard said that initially you were a little
afraid of the high pitch lines, why was this?
I ´m not 30 anymore (joke)… I had the same feeling working
with Yngwie. Worried about nailing all the high tunes with an accurate
vibrato and tone. Nothing is for free and it ´s always a struggle to get
it right. Might be that I ´m a little lazy.
My review of ‘Optical Illusion’ states a few
times who this is the strongest metal vocals I have heard from you to
date (including work with Yngwie), how do you feel your voice has
changed/improved over time?
My voice has become deeper if you know what I mean. More mid. I have
lost a little brightness on the top but I can live without it.
When it comes to the expressive abilities it has grown with knowledge
and experience.
I loved the way you threw down inflections on
certain words, or phrases such as ‘The Talisman’ and ‘Ocean Wings’, it
sounds like you were having fun with this material.
At least I was going for it. Yes I enjoyed the material.
‘Miracle Man’ sounds like it was tailor made
for you, do you still enjoy singing the more melodic commercial numbers?
I guess melodic fits better for my type of voice then aggressive and
loud. Normally my voice is very clean and bright.
Goran, any thing else you would like to tell us
about the making of ‘Optical Illusion’?
Not that I can think of. I hope my answers bring some light to the
making of the album for the reader. It ´s been a pleasure.
Links
