What was the beginning pint for your music career? How did it all start?
My music career started when I was very little. I have been playing since I was around 6 years old. It all started with my family and my parents who were playing different instruments and encouraged us kids to play. They played a lot of classical music and orchestral stuff. My father was playing both the trumpet, the trombone, and the tuba at the time. I played the trombone for a little bit but I soon got stuck with the guitar and never ever left it again. It has been my friend and partner through all my life really.
Was there any bumps on the road? What kind of challenges did you have to deal with?
During my musical journey there has been quite a few bumps and challenges. I think every musician recognizes the hardship it takes to be able to work with music now. You have to practice and be passionate about it and very strict to yourself, so you really do the work. I have had people around me telling me that music is not a real job, not a career to pursue and I have had people laughed at me when I chose to practice or do a gig instead of other activities. I have had to leave people out of my life because all this negativity was bringing me down and I even have had times that I kind of agreed with them. Its dangerous to let those kinds of people get to close. You must bring out the trash so to speak to be able to live your life the way you want.
Another big bump was when I was working at a music school. Someone broke into the school and they stole my two main guitars. The second one was a Gibson Les Paul, studio, but I have loved that guitar. But the main guitar was a guitar that I have had and played for over 20 years. It was my first bought pro guitar. A pearl white American fender Stratocaster. I had made all the bumps and bruises on that guitar… and it really broke me when it was stolen. I could get a new one but I didn’t. That guitar was my first real guitar love and I am sure there is a lot of guitarist and instrumentalist who understands that the loss of this instrument is still hurting me. I only hope that wherever she is now, she is well treated!
What was the most fulfilling and satisfying moment so far?
There is many fantastic moments to remember and enjoy. I really cannot choose. I mean, first real rock guitar lesson. The moment I understood the technique and theory behind it all. The first time I gave my first guitar lesson. The first time on stage. Winning Rock Song of the Year ! Well there is many different occasions. But if I have to mention one. My first real rock show. I think I was in eight grade and during eight grad we didn’t have any regular music lessons, but those who wanted could form a band and perform for the whole school at the end of the year. So we formed a classic 80/90 hard rock band and practiced A LOT! The teachers said they never ever had seen that kind of devotion. So when the night came for the show we got to play last on the bill! The others were ok, but they had done this not get some extra points and stuff but we have given it all. We just got two songs to play so we opened up with Joan Jetts “I love rock n roll” and all the students and teachers suddenly stood up and sung along! It was big for us. And then we played Twisted Sisters “We´re not gonna take it” and it just got so wild. I knew then and there that this was my life from now on.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Melodic hard rock based upon true stories. Much vocal harmonies and melodic solos. Not shredding kind of solos, instead very well planned! Heavy drums and bass to give the extra punch.
What is your creative process like?
I usually start by collecting stories and emotions. I am out there listening, experiencing and trying to live life to experience life. That’s something of a mantra for me. “How can you write about life if you doesn’t dare to live life?” So I start by finding the foundation, the story, and that often gives me an song idea, it can be a lyric, or a riff but then I build around that. I usually go into kind of a trance state of mind and write the whole song from A-Z. I record everything, bass, drums, guitars, vocals and everything. And after that I am so exhausted. Its like squeezing out your bones and then try to stand up. When I am satisfied with the draft of the song I show it to the rest of the guys in the band. Often Olof, the singer and messenger of Pressure takes over and rewrites the lyrics and melodies to fit his style and then I redo some of the draft to adapt. Emil is usually reviewing and coming with good and creative tips along the way. When we are satisfied with the draft we record it for real and send it to our producer.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
More money from streaming services and less profit for those who runs them .And then I would like it to be a bit harder for anyone to publish songs online. Its not easy to reach people when all good music drowns in the noise! If you take spotify alone there is over 40 000 songs released a day and much of it is very good and some of it is very bad. I think its good that people can release their songs but it should be different levels or something…
If you were asked to give a piece of advice to upcoming bands, what would that be?
Never give up and believe in what you do. There will be people around you trying to change you but you know what is the right way for yourself. Do everything with passion and believe in yourself. And learn from other but do not follow advices that you are not ok with.
What has been the best performance of your career so far?
I really cannot compare them. Each and every one of them. I love to perform!
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing now?
Probably being a trainer of some sort and trying to motivate and reach people that way. The body is a strong channel to self-confidence.
What is new with the band at the moment? What are you currently working on and would like to share with the world?
We are rehearsing our live show and building new songs. We will be so ready for the day that all the current restrictions are lift and we can get back out there and play. We miss being out on the road so much and need to be able to connect with people for real again.
We are also working on our upcoming album “Path of a Shadow! That will be released in early may
If you want to check out what we are doing and perhaps listen and follow us here are some links
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pressuresweden
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pressuresweden
WWW https://www.pressure.band
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/Pressuresweden
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/7a9rKp03MYJv4leDN7Mm8k
Merch https://shop.spreadshirt.se/pressure
