It is always a big thing when bands like Pretty Maids are releasing new works… especially if the new albums are exciting and enjoyable as well. After the band’s amazing live release last year, they returned with a brand new album that’s awesome by any means. We had a little chat with the band’s keyboardist, Morten Sandager, and he revealed us various things about the new album, “Motherland”, the band and so forth… For more, read below…
Hi Morten… almost a year after the stunning “It Comes Alive” 2CD/DVD and various touring, you’re back with a great studio album! It seems that you’re on fire or something huh?
M: Hi everybody... and thanks. Glad you like them. Well, it seems we’ve found a line-up that really works well. On-stage, off-stage, writing songs etc. We get along great and have a lot of fun when we're hanging out and rehearsing, which is really important in my opinion. All those things add up to the finished product. So hell yeah!!! We’re on fire.
Did you have a specific concept on mind while you started working on this album? Music, lyrics etc.? Or you just went with the tide of the moment’s inspiration?
M: We had some ideas about serial-killers, but it ended up just being two songs on the album (“Confession” & “Iceman”). The rest ended up being a lot more political and critical than we’ve ever been I guess. And of course some rock-ballads, but even those have a message and deeper meaning. (i.n.: The political concept is great dude...)
Which is the “Motherland”? Is it a fantastic or futuristic place or not?
M: I think It’s whatever you want it to be J In my mind it’s a safe place, a place you turn to if you need strength – a safe haven - a place you would defend with honor and your life.
Does Lucifer – as we see on the cover artwork - rule “Motherland”? What’s the hidden message of the artwork, if there’s one?
M: Well, luckily there are a lot of ways to interpret the cover-art. The obvious (I see) is the “David against Goliath” type message. The little man against the System – Power vs. helpless – rich/poor subject. Lots of symbolism in there. And you could say that Lucifer/the devil symbolizes the big machine - standing in the way of the little man just wanting to go his own ways. The powerful playing their flute so we all dance along, blinded and trustful.
Please give us hint about the tracks…
M: “Mother of All Lies”: Fakers... Liars... Hypocrites…
“To Fool a Nation”: Growth of terror, a recent tragedy…
“Confession”: Repenting Hitman…
“The Iceman”: …“Inside the mind of a serial killer”.
“Sad to See You Suffer”: Love song…
“Hooligan”: Be who you are. Fight your fights.
“Infinity”: Believe in each other. Feel the unity, grab the moment.
“Why So Serious”: Never regret your mistakes – they only made you wiser.
“Motherland”: Defend your causes and beliefs – fight those who tell you otherwise...
“I See Ghosts”: Paranoia, insecurity.
“Bullet for You”: I’d die for you...
“Who What Where When Why”: Stop the bullshit. Tell it to my face.
“Wasted”: What if we lost the fight? Live like it’s the last day – every day!
There was quite a fuzz with the song & video “Mother of All Lies”. Do you believe that the politicians and the guys in suits are responsible for the shitty situation we’re dealing nowadays?
M: Hmmm that’s a tough one... I think we’re all responsible for the world 2013! No man in a suit can be responsible for how other people end up or chose to live their lives. Are there a lot of lies? Yes! Is there a lot of corruption? Yes! Does a few make all the money? Yes! But people tend to forget that “we” - the big majority – have an amazing power if we stand together - united... We could stop the world for a day if we joined forces... and if we wanted to. We actually do have the power! We just can’t figure out to agree on how to use it. (i.n.: You’re so right fella… people need to realize the power they possess…)
Are you planning to release any other video in the next months? If yes, for which song?
M: We have talked about a second video, but right now it’s on the drawing board. I can’t tell you which song…
Your cooperation with Jacob Hansen has given an amazing final outcome. You always have to team up with the best if you wanna succeed… is this how it goes?
M: Well it definitely helps when your sound makes you music come out exactly as you had it in your own head + 25% J and Jacob delivers every time! I’ve recorded with him in all my previous bands since 1997, and that guy is always one step ahead... So yes. For upcoming bands it’s definitely worth going out and raising the money for a decent producer – That will bring you ahead of the others!
How have the live appearances been so far? Is the audience familiar with the new songs as yet?
M: So far we’ve only done two shows. Awesome to finally be playing these songs we’ve had close for a year now... But yes, already on the first night a lot were singing along. Can’t wait to go out this summer and blow the festivals out – and our fall tour...
I’ve read that you are planning to come to Greece at Corfu Festival on your site … is this true? Can you give us any further details?
M: Heh... Nope. That one was cancelled – blown by the promoter. I’m so pissed over this, would love to go back to Greece... but not this time apparently… (i.n.: Shit that’s bad news…)
There are always some “unsatisfied fans”, as I like to call them, that say the album is not very heavy and Pretty Maids have gone too melodic. I believe that good tunes, generally, will always be good no matter if they are heavy or not. What’s your say?
M: Well, you can’t please all. But I’ve only heard a very few of those on this album. And the last two albums (“Pandemonium” & “Motherland”) definitely have a bit of everything. We can’t make only fast & heavy songs... that wouldn’t be Pretty Maids. We make what we feel is right at that specific moment. Then we take it where it needs to go. Some ideas end up hard and fast – others end up gigantic and symphonic – others turn into ballads... At least people will always know that it’s 100% true Pretty Maids and who we are at that specific moment. (i.n.: I feel you…)
I’ve noted in my review that you do keep the hard rock/metal flag up high after all these years. How hard is to do so? What are those things that give you the strength not only to carry on but also be creative?
M: Keeping the flag high is not hard. That’s what we do and that’s what we love, so that actually comes quite natural.
The creativity however, comes in many shapes and forms... and at different times. You can’t always decide when to be creative. I remember one specific part when we did the song “Pandemonium”. We had been working most of the day to get my intro riff connected with the rest and couldn’t make it work properly. Then suddenly - at 2.30 at night - Ken Hammer woke me up (looking very sleepy, but very intense in his eyes)... I got it, I got it... come on.... Then we went back to the studio room and got it settled in a short period of time… recorded and back to bed...Guess he dreamt that one up!
Best place for me to do the big symphonic or string based arrangements/intros, piano parts etc., are at home in my own little cave. Once I get started, it almost writes itself. Especially with candles and wine... and rain outside of course…
M: Hi everybody... and thanks. Glad you like them. Well, it seems we’ve found a line-up that really works well. On-stage, off-stage, writing songs etc. We get along great and have a lot of fun when we're hanging out and rehearsing, which is really important in my opinion. All those things add up to the finished product. So hell yeah!!! We’re on fire.
Did you have a specific concept on mind while you started working on this album? Music, lyrics etc.? Or you just went with the tide of the moment’s inspiration?
M: We had some ideas about serial-killers, but it ended up just being two songs on the album (“Confession” & “Iceman”). The rest ended up being a lot more political and critical than we’ve ever been I guess. And of course some rock-ballads, but even those have a message and deeper meaning. (i.n.: The political concept is great dude...)
Which is the “Motherland”? Is it a fantastic or futuristic place or not?
M: I think It’s whatever you want it to be J In my mind it’s a safe place, a place you turn to if you need strength – a safe haven - a place you would defend with honor and your life.
Does Lucifer – as we see on the cover artwork - rule “Motherland”? What’s the hidden message of the artwork, if there’s one?
M: Well, luckily there are a lot of ways to interpret the cover-art. The obvious (I see) is the “David against Goliath” type message. The little man against the System – Power vs. helpless – rich/poor subject. Lots of symbolism in there. And you could say that Lucifer/the devil symbolizes the big machine - standing in the way of the little man just wanting to go his own ways. The powerful playing their flute so we all dance along, blinded and trustful.
Please give us hint about the tracks…
M: “Mother of All Lies”: Fakers... Liars... Hypocrites…
“To Fool a Nation”: Growth of terror, a recent tragedy…
“Confession”: Repenting Hitman…
“The Iceman”: …“Inside the mind of a serial killer”.
“Sad to See You Suffer”: Love song…
“Hooligan”: Be who you are. Fight your fights.
“Infinity”: Believe in each other. Feel the unity, grab the moment.
“Why So Serious”: Never regret your mistakes – they only made you wiser.
“Motherland”: Defend your causes and beliefs – fight those who tell you otherwise...
“I See Ghosts”: Paranoia, insecurity.
“Bullet for You”: I’d die for you...
“Who What Where When Why”: Stop the bullshit. Tell it to my face.
“Wasted”: What if we lost the fight? Live like it’s the last day – every day!
There was quite a fuzz with the song & video “Mother of All Lies”. Do you believe that the politicians and the guys in suits are responsible for the shitty situation we’re dealing nowadays?
M: Hmmm that’s a tough one... I think we’re all responsible for the world 2013! No man in a suit can be responsible for how other people end up or chose to live their lives. Are there a lot of lies? Yes! Is there a lot of corruption? Yes! Does a few make all the money? Yes! But people tend to forget that “we” - the big majority – have an amazing power if we stand together - united... We could stop the world for a day if we joined forces... and if we wanted to. We actually do have the power! We just can’t figure out to agree on how to use it. (i.n.: You’re so right fella… people need to realize the power they possess…)
Are you planning to release any other video in the next months? If yes, for which song?
M: We have talked about a second video, but right now it’s on the drawing board. I can’t tell you which song…
Your cooperation with Jacob Hansen has given an amazing final outcome. You always have to team up with the best if you wanna succeed… is this how it goes?
M: Well it definitely helps when your sound makes you music come out exactly as you had it in your own head + 25% J and Jacob delivers every time! I’ve recorded with him in all my previous bands since 1997, and that guy is always one step ahead... So yes. For upcoming bands it’s definitely worth going out and raising the money for a decent producer – That will bring you ahead of the others!
How have the live appearances been so far? Is the audience familiar with the new songs as yet?
M: So far we’ve only done two shows. Awesome to finally be playing these songs we’ve had close for a year now... But yes, already on the first night a lot were singing along. Can’t wait to go out this summer and blow the festivals out – and our fall tour...
I’ve read that you are planning to come to Greece at Corfu Festival on your site … is this true? Can you give us any further details?
M: Heh... Nope. That one was cancelled – blown by the promoter. I’m so pissed over this, would love to go back to Greece... but not this time apparently… (i.n.: Shit that’s bad news…)
There are always some “unsatisfied fans”, as I like to call them, that say the album is not very heavy and Pretty Maids have gone too melodic. I believe that good tunes, generally, will always be good no matter if they are heavy or not. What’s your say?
M: Well, you can’t please all. But I’ve only heard a very few of those on this album. And the last two albums (“Pandemonium” & “Motherland”) definitely have a bit of everything. We can’t make only fast & heavy songs... that wouldn’t be Pretty Maids. We make what we feel is right at that specific moment. Then we take it where it needs to go. Some ideas end up hard and fast – others end up gigantic and symphonic – others turn into ballads... At least people will always know that it’s 100% true Pretty Maids and who we are at that specific moment. (i.n.: I feel you…)
I’ve noted in my review that you do keep the hard rock/metal flag up high after all these years. How hard is to do so? What are those things that give you the strength not only to carry on but also be creative?
M: Keeping the flag high is not hard. That’s what we do and that’s what we love, so that actually comes quite natural.
The creativity however, comes in many shapes and forms... and at different times. You can’t always decide when to be creative. I remember one specific part when we did the song “Pandemonium”. We had been working most of the day to get my intro riff connected with the rest and couldn’t make it work properly. Then suddenly - at 2.30 at night - Ken Hammer woke me up (looking very sleepy, but very intense in his eyes)... I got it, I got it... come on.... Then we went back to the studio room and got it settled in a short period of time… recorded and back to bed...Guess he dreamt that one up!
Best place for me to do the big symphonic or string based arrangements/intros, piano parts etc., are at home in my own little cave. Once I get started, it almost writes itself. Especially with candles and wine... and rain outside of course…
How do you see all this “free download culture” of our time? Do fans/downloaders have the right to claim that if a band wants to make some bucks it must go on tour while it’s their “right” to download the albums for free? What must be done to get people to buy the actual product in the end?
M: That’s always a difficult and loooong discussion. First off – If I really like something, I buy it! Sometimes I buy it online, but I’d rather have the CD and cover in my hands. I know that might be old-fashioned. But it’s no-one’s right to download for free. That’s just pure stealing!! A lot of bands have worked really hard and long to make something that people download in 2 minutes. I’m also not a fan of the new services like Spotify and so on. The money goes the wrong way... not to the band. But again... those services may also help to spread the word, so maybe you’ll get new fans. Fans that would never have heard of you in the first place... I think if you do great live shows, people will buy the albums, and hopefully come back with their friends the next time...
It’s time for the Weird Questions now!!! How did you come up with the name Pretty Maids… whose idea was it back in the day?
M: I think it was Hammer who thought of it – He took it from a book called, “Pretty Maids All in a Row” written by Francis Pollini.
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
M: Metallica – “Black Album”… That’s just a classic.
What is missing from today’s music industry? Are most albums missing the quality they used to have back in the 70s and 80s?
M: What’s missing? - Individuality - Creativity. Be who you are, not who the radio stations want you to be. Music had more life and sound in the 70s – today everything is pumped up to be as loud as the other, and that takes something away dynamics-wise... Melodically (quality-wise) it’s the same – great melodies and albums are written every day.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music evolution, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
M: There’s no album that represents the whole music evolution...I would give them “A Vulgar Display of Power” by Pantera... Don’t mess with the humans!!!
If music were banned by law (CDs, Vinyl, cassettes, Mp3s everything), which 3 albums would you risk to hide even if it would be a risky thing to do cuz the penalty would be jail?
M:This is one of those with waaay too many choices but...
Queen – “Live at Wembley 1986”…
Iron Maiden – “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son”…
Danish stuff called “Carpark North” – Grateful…
What are your 3 beloved songs of all time regardless of any music genre?
M: Man... again too many choices!! Ground breaking songs for me though have been (amongst others!!!):
“Change of Seasons” by Dream Theater…
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen…
“The Divine Wings of Tragedy” by Symphony X…
Which is that band that has influenced most of the bands & musicians since rock music begun…?
M: The Beatles – they had most of the elements covered.
You have the opportunity to have sex with the porn-star/movie celebrity of your choice. Who would it be & why?
M: Haha no way!! … (but Elisha Cuthbert... she’s a cutie)
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife/life partner is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
M: Sell all her clothes and buy it back! (i.n.: hehehe…)
That’s all for now Morten. Close this interview in your own words.... Thx for the music! Take care dude!
M: Hey – thanks for reading along all the way. Hope to see you out there in “Motherland” on tour in the months to come. Thanks to all who supported the Maids so far. Spread the word, bring your friends!! \,,/ Rock \,,/
M: That’s always a difficult and loooong discussion. First off – If I really like something, I buy it! Sometimes I buy it online, but I’d rather have the CD and cover in my hands. I know that might be old-fashioned. But it’s no-one’s right to download for free. That’s just pure stealing!! A lot of bands have worked really hard and long to make something that people download in 2 minutes. I’m also not a fan of the new services like Spotify and so on. The money goes the wrong way... not to the band. But again... those services may also help to spread the word, so maybe you’ll get new fans. Fans that would never have heard of you in the first place... I think if you do great live shows, people will buy the albums, and hopefully come back with their friends the next time...
It’s time for the Weird Questions now!!! How did you come up with the name Pretty Maids… whose idea was it back in the day?
M: I think it was Hammer who thought of it – He took it from a book called, “Pretty Maids All in a Row” written by Francis Pollini.
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
M: Metallica – “Black Album”… That’s just a classic.
What is missing from today’s music industry? Are most albums missing the quality they used to have back in the 70s and 80s?
M: What’s missing? - Individuality - Creativity. Be who you are, not who the radio stations want you to be. Music had more life and sound in the 70s – today everything is pumped up to be as loud as the other, and that takes something away dynamics-wise... Melodically (quality-wise) it’s the same – great melodies and albums are written every day.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music evolution, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
M: There’s no album that represents the whole music evolution...I would give them “A Vulgar Display of Power” by Pantera... Don’t mess with the humans!!!
If music were banned by law (CDs, Vinyl, cassettes, Mp3s everything), which 3 albums would you risk to hide even if it would be a risky thing to do cuz the penalty would be jail?
M:This is one of those with waaay too many choices but...
Queen – “Live at Wembley 1986”…
Iron Maiden – “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son”…
Danish stuff called “Carpark North” – Grateful…
What are your 3 beloved songs of all time regardless of any music genre?
M: Man... again too many choices!! Ground breaking songs for me though have been (amongst others!!!):
“Change of Seasons” by Dream Theater…
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen…
“The Divine Wings of Tragedy” by Symphony X…
Which is that band that has influenced most of the bands & musicians since rock music begun…?
M: The Beatles – they had most of the elements covered.
You have the opportunity to have sex with the porn-star/movie celebrity of your choice. Who would it be & why?
M: Haha no way!! … (but Elisha Cuthbert... she’s a cutie)
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife/life partner is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
M: Sell all her clothes and buy it back! (i.n.: hehehe…)
That’s all for now Morten. Close this interview in your own words.... Thx for the music! Take care dude!
M: Hey – thanks for reading along all the way. Hope to see you out there in “Motherland” on tour in the months to come. Thanks to all who supported the Maids so far. Spread the word, bring your friends!! \,,/ Rock \,,/