I think it’s impossible to hide my feelings towards this band! Royal Hunt is a band that I always enjoy each time I listen to their music and I have kept following them for many years. Their comeback with D.C. Cooper almost two years ago was great for me and all the band’s fans. Now, two years later Royal Hunt are back with a brand new album entitled “A Life to Die For”. We caught up with the band’s mastermind, keyboardist, songwriter and producer Andre Andersen so as to learn about the new album, the band, music and many other things. Do read below for more…
Hey Andrè… “A Life to Die For” continues that Royal Hunt legacy which started back in the early 90s. What a wonderful album this is! Way to go!
A: Thank you very much, glad you like it.
It’s really phenomenal that almost all of your fans have related Royal Hunt with D.C. even if he ain’t an original member. What is that “special magic bond” that there’s between Royal Hunt and D.C.?
A: I think this question should be addressed to a RH fan – I simply don’t know the answer… but for as long as it works – I’m not complaining.
“Show Me How to Live” was also an exceptional album. It didn’t take you that much to get back to the studio. Do you feel that this “second” (?) or third (?) “band youth” is due to what? It’s been years since I heard you so full of life & energy. That permeates the album I must tell you.
A: I’m glad that our recent albums have this effect on you. The band is in great shape and the energy level is quite high, which creates an inspiring environment for everybody involved – and it’s clearly noticeable on the album.
How’s that “second journey” with D.C.? Was it something that you (firstly) and the fans (secondly) needed? Wish to see you going with this line-up for a long-time.
A: It wasn’t something what was carefully pre-planned: in around 2010 our cooperation with Mark Boals came to an end and – as our fans expressed their interest in a reunion – we thought that it was the right time to do it. As for how long will this situation be stable – nobody knows, but so far so good.
Back to the new album again. What’s that Life to Die for? What are those things that one must live or die for?
A: “A Life To Die For” is a very individual thing as it has completely different meaning for any person you might ask. “One man’s heaven is another man’s hell” they say and this play of imagination became the main theme of this album… we all have our individual perception of that perfect life, but should be aware of what we wish for – it might just happen.
On the cover artwork we see a child on the roof of one building and wolf on the opposite roof… all that in a big “modern” city. What does it symbolize?
A: I’d say having a kid on one side (at the beginning of his life path) facing a wolf (who’s traditionally symbolizing freedom, power and danger) and having a cold, dark city between them (which this kid’s supposed to cross in order to reach that symbol on the other side) creates a picture with an atmosphere which resonates perfectly with the album’s theme and title.
How did you decide to include a bonus DVD on the special edition of the album which features live footage from last year’s tour, tour documentary and interviews?
A: We always try to give our fans something extra and – in this case – it was possible to insert a second disk in the package… so the idea of including a bonus DVD was quite obvious.
Jacob Kjaer also made a guest appearance on the album. That was quite something! How did that occur?
A: I still see most of RH’s ex-members regularly, so one of these days JK was visiting and – while having a drink or two outside – he asked if we had a spot for him to play a lead over. Jonas didn’t mind so I just gave him a rough mix of that one song and a couple of days later he came back and did his thing – sounding highly melodic and appropriate… very much JK.
Tell us also about the two guest vocalists that participate in the album… Kenny Lubcke (Andersen - Laine - Readman, ex-Narita) & Alexandra Popova? Kenny has worked with Andre in the past as well.
A: I’ve been working with Kenny since 1997 (“Paradox” being the first album we recorded together) while Alexandra joined the fold on our 2011 tour and since participated in recordings of “Show Me How to Live” and “A Life to Die For”. Both Kenny and Alexandra are very professional, easy to work with and able to give our backing vocals the flavor we’re looking for.
What strikes you right away, from the moment you play the album, is the wonderful orchestrations. How did the classical /orchestra players and the choir (CV Company) updated the overall sound in the end?
A: We worked with classical musicians before – but only on the individual basis, small parts here and there to create a special atmosphere needed for a specific part of the song. This time around there’s a larger group of them playing/singing alongside the band, reinforcing arrangements and giving the entire production more of the organic feel – a new thing for us yet very entertaining.
You also did the production and the mixing of the album. I’m sure you know exactly how Royal Hunt should sound like and how to achieve that, right?
A: After all these years I’d say I do!
Yet I’ll give the rest of the band (Allan, Jonas and Andreas) a large portion of the credits for their creative and critical input on each and every production. It’s a pleasure to work with musicians of their caliber and I feel quite privileged in that department.
What are the band’s future tour plans? Any chance to see you in Greece anytime soon?
A: Our tour will start by the end of February and run until April 2014 – you can see dates and details on www.royalhunt.com.
By the way what about Cornerstone? When we shall expect something new from the band? Have you talked about it with the other guys? (this question was initially addressed to the band’s drummer Allan since he also plays for Cornerstone.)
A: They went on an indefinite hiatus a while ago (which I sincerely think is a shame as I really like the band) but you never know – they might just pop up again one day… I hope they will.
A: Thank you very much, glad you like it.
It’s really phenomenal that almost all of your fans have related Royal Hunt with D.C. even if he ain’t an original member. What is that “special magic bond” that there’s between Royal Hunt and D.C.?
A: I think this question should be addressed to a RH fan – I simply don’t know the answer… but for as long as it works – I’m not complaining.
“Show Me How to Live” was also an exceptional album. It didn’t take you that much to get back to the studio. Do you feel that this “second” (?) or third (?) “band youth” is due to what? It’s been years since I heard you so full of life & energy. That permeates the album I must tell you.
A: I’m glad that our recent albums have this effect on you. The band is in great shape and the energy level is quite high, which creates an inspiring environment for everybody involved – and it’s clearly noticeable on the album.
How’s that “second journey” with D.C.? Was it something that you (firstly) and the fans (secondly) needed? Wish to see you going with this line-up for a long-time.
A: It wasn’t something what was carefully pre-planned: in around 2010 our cooperation with Mark Boals came to an end and – as our fans expressed their interest in a reunion – we thought that it was the right time to do it. As for how long will this situation be stable – nobody knows, but so far so good.
Back to the new album again. What’s that Life to Die for? What are those things that one must live or die for?
A: “A Life To Die For” is a very individual thing as it has completely different meaning for any person you might ask. “One man’s heaven is another man’s hell” they say and this play of imagination became the main theme of this album… we all have our individual perception of that perfect life, but should be aware of what we wish for – it might just happen.
On the cover artwork we see a child on the roof of one building and wolf on the opposite roof… all that in a big “modern” city. What does it symbolize?
A: I’d say having a kid on one side (at the beginning of his life path) facing a wolf (who’s traditionally symbolizing freedom, power and danger) and having a cold, dark city between them (which this kid’s supposed to cross in order to reach that symbol on the other side) creates a picture with an atmosphere which resonates perfectly with the album’s theme and title.
How did you decide to include a bonus DVD on the special edition of the album which features live footage from last year’s tour, tour documentary and interviews?
A: We always try to give our fans something extra and – in this case – it was possible to insert a second disk in the package… so the idea of including a bonus DVD was quite obvious.
Jacob Kjaer also made a guest appearance on the album. That was quite something! How did that occur?
A: I still see most of RH’s ex-members regularly, so one of these days JK was visiting and – while having a drink or two outside – he asked if we had a spot for him to play a lead over. Jonas didn’t mind so I just gave him a rough mix of that one song and a couple of days later he came back and did his thing – sounding highly melodic and appropriate… very much JK.
Tell us also about the two guest vocalists that participate in the album… Kenny Lubcke (Andersen - Laine - Readman, ex-Narita) & Alexandra Popova? Kenny has worked with Andre in the past as well.
A: I’ve been working with Kenny since 1997 (“Paradox” being the first album we recorded together) while Alexandra joined the fold on our 2011 tour and since participated in recordings of “Show Me How to Live” and “A Life to Die For”. Both Kenny and Alexandra are very professional, easy to work with and able to give our backing vocals the flavor we’re looking for.
What strikes you right away, from the moment you play the album, is the wonderful orchestrations. How did the classical /orchestra players and the choir (CV Company) updated the overall sound in the end?
A: We worked with classical musicians before – but only on the individual basis, small parts here and there to create a special atmosphere needed for a specific part of the song. This time around there’s a larger group of them playing/singing alongside the band, reinforcing arrangements and giving the entire production more of the organic feel – a new thing for us yet very entertaining.
You also did the production and the mixing of the album. I’m sure you know exactly how Royal Hunt should sound like and how to achieve that, right?
A: After all these years I’d say I do!
Yet I’ll give the rest of the band (Allan, Jonas and Andreas) a large portion of the credits for their creative and critical input on each and every production. It’s a pleasure to work with musicians of their caliber and I feel quite privileged in that department.What are the band’s future tour plans? Any chance to see you in Greece anytime soon?
A: Our tour will start by the end of February and run until April 2014 – you can see dates and details on www.royalhunt.com.
By the way what about Cornerstone? When we shall expect something new from the band? Have you talked about it with the other guys? (this question was initially addressed to the band’s drummer Allan since he also plays for Cornerstone.)
A: They went on an indefinite hiatus a while ago (which I sincerely think is a shame as I really like the band) but you never know – they might just pop up again one day… I hope they will.
And some weird Questions to relax somehow!!! What are the biggest life lessons you’ve learned over the course of your career?
A: I always right... if not – I never wrong.
What do these trilogies mean to you? Please use no more than 3 words…
A: “The Lord of the Rings: Overrated…
“Back to Future”: 80s kitsch…
“The Godfather”: A true classic…
“Star Wars”: No idea…
“Terminator”: Arnold rules
…
“The Matrix”: An interesting plot…
“Mad Max”: Entertaining 80s kitsch…
What is missing from today’s music industry?
A: Passion, dedication and a “fair play”…
What are the albums missing?
A: We went from albums to singles and now we’re down to 60-seconds soundbites used as an environmental background noise while we’re texting or Google something.
Is it that quality they used to have back in the 70s and 80s?
A: A decade ago you had plenty of albums from people who could write, play and record. Today a good album is hard to find in an endless flow of McMusic.
Who is the most overrated artist/band today?
A: Any other copycat of sorts.
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?
A: I’d pick “A Life To Die For” but I’m afraid the majority of Earth’s population wouldn’t agree with me.
Which is the strangest thing you’ve ever done?
A: Ordered Gin ‘n Tonic in a bar once while they had Jack Daniels on display… years later it’s still a mystery to me. (i.n.: Hehehe…)
If Royal Hunt’s career was a movie… which movie would it be and why?
A: “7” so I could kill a record company guy a week. (i.n.: How about that?! Hahaha!)
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
A: I’d thank her and take the ring.
I think we come to an end Andrè! Thx so much for talking to Grande Rock. Close this interview by sending your message to our readers and to the band’s fans.
A: Hi guys! Hope you’re enjoying our latest album “A Life to Die For” immensely and don’t forget to check out our website for tour dates – see you all soon.
A: I always right... if not – I never wrong.
What do these trilogies mean to you? Please use no more than 3 words…
A: “The Lord of the Rings: Overrated…
“Back to Future”: 80s kitsch…
“The Godfather”: A true classic…
“Star Wars”: No idea…
“Terminator”: Arnold rules
…“The Matrix”: An interesting plot…
“Mad Max”: Entertaining 80s kitsch…
What is missing from today’s music industry?
A: Passion, dedication and a “fair play”…
What are the albums missing?
A: We went from albums to singles and now we’re down to 60-seconds soundbites used as an environmental background noise while we’re texting or Google something.
Is it that quality they used to have back in the 70s and 80s?
A: A decade ago you had plenty of albums from people who could write, play and record. Today a good album is hard to find in an endless flow of McMusic.
Who is the most overrated artist/band today?
A: Any other copycat of sorts.
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?
A: I’d pick “A Life To Die For” but I’m afraid the majority of Earth’s population wouldn’t agree with me.
Which is the strangest thing you’ve ever done?
A: Ordered Gin ‘n Tonic in a bar once while they had Jack Daniels on display… years later it’s still a mystery to me. (i.n.: Hehehe…)
If Royal Hunt’s career was a movie… which movie would it be and why?
A: “7” so I could kill a record company guy a week. (i.n.: How about that?! Hahaha!)
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
A: I’d thank her and take the ring.
I think we come to an end Andrè! Thx so much for talking to Grande Rock. Close this interview by sending your message to our readers and to the band’s fans.
A: Hi guys! Hope you’re enjoying our latest album “A Life to Die For” immensely and don’t forget to check out our website for tour dates – see you all soon.