One of the hottest names in melodic rock/AOR/hard rock scene nowadays is without any doubt the talented singer/guitarist/songwriter/producer Erik Mårtensson. We found Erik in the studio putting the final touches in W.E.T.’s sophomore release, so we took the chance to ask him about Jimi Jamison’s latest opus “Never Too Late”, his own band, Eclipse & of course W.E.T… just keep in mind that the interview took place before there were any announcements about the release date of the W.E.T’s new album. Erik talked about everything on Grande Rock… Don’t miss this earnest & intriguing interview…
Hi Erik… Once again you did an amazing job! Jimi Jamison’s new album is amazing by any means! The same goes for Eclipse’s new work! Congrats!
E: Thanks! I’m also very happy with how they both came out.
You are a singer, songwriter, a producer, a multi-instrumentalist… so which role do you enjoy the most?
E: I like doing all of that. But I see myself as a guitarist cause that’s where it started when I was a kid. But I really like the different roles I have when creating and recording music even if the work load and resposibility sometimes is enormous.
Lately, it seems that you’re on fire – as I wrote on Jamison’s review. You have released the album with your own band Eclipse but you’ve been working hard on other projects and solo albums as well. I think there’s no break for you whatsoever huh?
E: No, not really. It’s been a absolutely manic year and so far I have written and produced five(!) albums and written for other artists as well as mixing for other bands... On top of that I have two kids so I have to be really focused and effective when I’m at work. (i.n.: Un-freakin-believable!)
It’s like you’re a hit-writing machine. You have delivered so great & catchy tunes on your latest works. Where did you get all your inspiration?
E: I’m always inspired to write, well, most of the time anyway. The truth is that I can write office hours without a problem. For many other writers they have to wait until they get inspired by something or spend years to write an album while I’m more like, Ok, let’s write a new song and I’ll get going on it. (i.n.: I dig the way you work dude…)
Tell us… how did you meet Jimi Jamison and how did this cooperation occur?
E: Well, initially I wrote for the album he did together with Bobby Kimball from Toto. Later our label, Frontiers, teamed us up together to do this album. I then met Jimi at Firefest when we did a gig with WET and had a long talk. But the album was written and recorded with me in Sweden and Jimi in Memphis, USA. Worked like a charm. (i.n.: That’s more than obvious judging by the amazing outcome…)
I believe that you were/are a Survivor-Jimi fan so you must have been excited in the first place, right?
E: Of couse I have a couple of Surivor albums and I think that Jimi Jamison got THE best voice in AOR music. He’s got the voice that everyone wants to have. And Steve perry of course but I prefer Jimi’s voice. But I’m actually not that much into listening to AOR, I’m more of a hard rock/metal fan myself. (i.n.: Jimi is one of the top 3 AOR/melodic rock voices of all time… wanna know the other two?!)
Did you have any songs already left on the shelf or you started writing new ones as soon as the deal was done? What did you have in mind when you were writing songs for Jimi?
E: I didn’t have one song laying so I started from scratch. Of course, I had Jimi in mind when I started to write. I wanted to create the album I’d like to buy with him. Thinking as a fan. (i.n.: And you hit right on the spot!)
You also had some valuable help by Magnus & Miqael Persson if I’m not wrong, huh?
E: Absolutely, I always try to write with others as songs always take a different turn when writing with others instead of doing all yourself. Both Magnus and Miaqel are great songwriters.
How did Jimi & the label react as soon as they listened to the songs?
E: He wrote he actually cried when I sent him the mixes as it was so good! Frontiers love the album as well so I’d say it’s been extremely well received. And let’s not forget all the fans and journalist that love the album as well. (i.n.: We totally do!)
I never thought that there could be a better duo than Jimi & Jim Peterik but you proved me wrong! I believe that this is Jimi’s best & hardest work to date!
E: Thanks man! (i.n.: You’re so welcome Erik…)
Can you tell us a hint about the songs on “Never Too Late” that you wrote?
E: “Everybody’s Got a Broken Heart”: First song we wrote for the album. I love this one.
“The Great Unknown”: Sounds a little Springsteen mixed with Journey but Jimi made the song his own. Jimi’s a great vocalist!
“Never Too Late”: The record label didn’t like this one when I presented it to them. But they were wrong; it became title track and first single. It’s a very classic sounding Survivor song. This is really a “give the fans what they’re dying to hear” song.
“I Can’t Turn Back”: Love this song. Starts out as a ballad and evolves into this massive arena chorus. Very unpredictable and cool.
“Street Survivor”: Wrote this song when I was out walking with the kids. I sang all the riffs and melodies into my phone and recorded it the day after in the studio more or less identical with the original idea.
“The Air I Breathe”: One of my favourites on the album. Fantastic melodies and lyrics. A real wedding song!
“Not Tonight”: I was at a Bryan Adams concert in Stockholm. I thought it was so great and inspiring that I wrote this song the day after together with Magnus Henriksson from Eclipse and my good friend Miqael Persson.
“Calling the Game”: Classic hard AOR. Cool song with many nice key-changes.
“Bullet in the Gun”: One of my favourites from the album as well. Great lyrics about having one chance to live this life as no one can avoid death.
“Heaven Call Your Name”: Beautiful Hammond organ ballad that Jimi songs with so much passion and devotion. Great lyrics on this one too.
The production has some 80s touches even though it’s contemporary and very fresh. Once again you added your personal stigma, isn’t it?
E: Yeah, I did. I like the way many old records sound but still I don’t want my productions and mixes to sound old. I want to have the same way of thinking as they had back then but to bring it into the 21th century. I want hard hitting drums and in your face guitar sound. (i.n.: So do we!)
I’ve noted: …“This album could have easily been the new Survivor one with an updated & efficient sound…”. What’s your say?
E: I don’t know. Maybe. Jimi’s voice is so connected with Survivor that everything that he sings on will sound Survivor. But it’s definately in the Survivor ball park.
So, what are you up to this time period? As you told me, you’re recording/writing the new WET album. Are the tunes ready? Has Jeff Scott Soto heard any of them?
E: The new WET album is already recorded and will be released through Frontiers records February the 22nd 2013. (i.n.: As I said before the interview took place before the announcement about the album’s official release date.)
Since the first WET was a pure blast… I’m longing for this. And it is not only me but thousands of AOR/melodic rock lovers as well. What will it be like and when can we expect it to be out?
E: Personally, I think the new album is much better and has a lot more personality than the first one. It’s more W.E.T so to say. We discussed what we liked about the first album and took those elements and buit it on that. We wanted to have a more uniqe WET sound and I think we have found it. (i.n.: Can’t wait to listen to it…)
I’m sure that there’s a lot of stress in your job but you’ve managed to become one of the most eminent “new” composers/producers in a very short period. How has that affected your life so far?
E: A lot more to do. I’m very focused when I work as I got two small kids as well so there is quite a pussle to lay every day to make it work. But since several years back this is what I do for a living.
I know that I shouldn’t ask you but which album do you consider to be the most successful and the one you fancy more as yet?
E: If you mean my own production I would definately say the latest Eclipse album. I really love that album but I also rate the new WET and the latest Jimi Jamison very high. But Eclipse is my own band and the music that lies closest to my heart. (i.n.: It’s hard to find more sincere artists in the scene dudes… take my word for it…)
We see that labels and bands/musicians are suffering from people that are only downloading and not buying. Even though there are some guys (like myself) that still buy music… that’s not enough for the music industry and the bands/musicians to survive nowadays… right? Will the CDs and LPs be left only for the romantics in the end? We are on a terminal point here. What will the future bring though?
E: I have no idea, but the album will probably loose in populatity, well it has for several years, and its individual songs that will play a more dominat role. But real music fans and especially fans of rock music will continue to buy albums or at least listen to albums through different streaming services as Wimp or Spotify. I have absolutely nothing against streaming. It’s just that more money has to come to the writers and artists. As it is now, record labels are ripping off their artist and writers worse than ever. They say records sales are bad but they make tons of money through streaming but they just don’t want people to know that. (i.n.: You’re so right fella…)
It’s time for our some weird questions now! Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
E: “Powerage” by AC/DC as it’s a great, geat record by the best rock band on earth. (i.n.: I wasn’t expecting that answer… but what the heck!)
There are people who support that even if we have everything we would still find or invent flaws in our life. Do you believe people need troubles so as to appreciate blessings given to them?
E: I don’t know but people complain so much all the time. It’s a state of mind for a lot of people. I complain too but I try to do something about the problems and I don't look for errors, I look for what’s good instead. If someone or something has ten good sides and one bad, most people will focus on the one bad thing.
Which will be the best soundtrack to play in the day we will be forced to evacuate planet earth?
E: Ha, ha. That’s a weird question. I’d choose “Guns for Hire” by AC/DC for the same reasons as above!
Can music re-unite the whole world and make humans respect each other, respect life and live together without evil in their hearts and, if so, which music style?
E: Absolutely not. But maybe something by death metal band Unleashed? Love them.
What do you think of Charlie’s quote: Beers, Pizza, Hookers? Which one is the most tasteful of all?
E: I’d definately go for beer over any of them! Best food/drink ever created by man. Nothing goes up against a bitter Ale or a hoppy India Pale Ale.
Imagine that your life partner/girlfriend is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
E: Ha, ha. She’d probably have her reasons if she did that. Probably write more music people actually buy! And, it would have me the pleasure of going to second hand record shops and buy them all again. (i.n.: haha I like the way you dealt with it… let’s hope she won’t read this interview though…
)
Thx very much Erik! Just close this interview in your own way… Add anything you want to…
E: Thanks man! Nothing to add, I think you covered everything with that beer & pizza question! Cheers…
E: The new WET album is already recorded and will be released through Frontiers records February the 22nd 2013. (i.n.: As I said before the interview took place before the announcement about the album’s official release date.)
Since the first WET was a pure blast… I’m longing for this. And it is not only me but thousands of AOR/melodic rock lovers as well. What will it be like and when can we expect it to be out?
E: Personally, I think the new album is much better and has a lot more personality than the first one. It’s more W.E.T so to say. We discussed what we liked about the first album and took those elements and buit it on that. We wanted to have a more uniqe WET sound and I think we have found it. (i.n.: Can’t wait to listen to it…)
I’m sure that there’s a lot of stress in your job but you’ve managed to become one of the most eminent “new” composers/producers in a very short period. How has that affected your life so far?
E: A lot more to do. I’m very focused when I work as I got two small kids as well so there is quite a pussle to lay every day to make it work. But since several years back this is what I do for a living.
I know that I shouldn’t ask you but which album do you consider to be the most successful and the one you fancy more as yet?
E: If you mean my own production I would definately say the latest Eclipse album. I really love that album but I also rate the new WET and the latest Jimi Jamison very high. But Eclipse is my own band and the music that lies closest to my heart. (i.n.: It’s hard to find more sincere artists in the scene dudes… take my word for it…)
We see that labels and bands/musicians are suffering from people that are only downloading and not buying. Even though there are some guys (like myself) that still buy music… that’s not enough for the music industry and the bands/musicians to survive nowadays… right? Will the CDs and LPs be left only for the romantics in the end? We are on a terminal point here. What will the future bring though?
E: I have no idea, but the album will probably loose in populatity, well it has for several years, and its individual songs that will play a more dominat role. But real music fans and especially fans of rock music will continue to buy albums or at least listen to albums through different streaming services as Wimp or Spotify. I have absolutely nothing against streaming. It’s just that more money has to come to the writers and artists. As it is now, record labels are ripping off their artist and writers worse than ever. They say records sales are bad but they make tons of money through streaming but they just don’t want people to know that. (i.n.: You’re so right fella…)
It’s time for our some weird questions now! Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
E: “Powerage” by AC/DC as it’s a great, geat record by the best rock band on earth. (i.n.: I wasn’t expecting that answer… but what the heck!)
There are people who support that even if we have everything we would still find or invent flaws in our life. Do you believe people need troubles so as to appreciate blessings given to them?
E: I don’t know but people complain so much all the time. It’s a state of mind for a lot of people. I complain too but I try to do something about the problems and I don't look for errors, I look for what’s good instead. If someone or something has ten good sides and one bad, most people will focus on the one bad thing.
Which will be the best soundtrack to play in the day we will be forced to evacuate planet earth?
E: Ha, ha. That’s a weird question. I’d choose “Guns for Hire” by AC/DC for the same reasons as above!
Can music re-unite the whole world and make humans respect each other, respect life and live together without evil in their hearts and, if so, which music style?
E: Absolutely not. But maybe something by death metal band Unleashed? Love them.
What do you think of Charlie’s quote: Beers, Pizza, Hookers? Which one is the most tasteful of all?
E: I’d definately go for beer over any of them! Best food/drink ever created by man. Nothing goes up against a bitter Ale or a hoppy India Pale Ale.
Imagine that your life partner/girlfriend is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
E: Ha, ha. She’d probably have her reasons if she did that. Probably write more music people actually buy! And, it would have me the pleasure of going to second hand record shops and buy them all again. (i.n.: haha I like the way you dealt with it… let’s hope she won’t read this interview though…
)Thx very much Erik! Just close this interview in your own way… Add anything you want to…
E: Thanks man! Nothing to add, I think you covered everything with that beer & pizza question! Cheers…