Baltimoore’s new album, Fanatical, has been released and already received some very good reviews. The mastermind of this Swedish band, Björn Lodin, was happy to answer MER questions about Baltimoore’s reappearance and his future plans.
Metal Express Radio:
Thanks for taking the time to talk to the MetalExpressRadio.com readers, and congratulations on your latest album Fanatical.
Björn Lodin:
You’re welcome! Thanks.
MER:
Who were the composers in Fanatical?
Björn Lodin:
Mankan Sedenberg and I co-wrote 6 of the tunes and I wrote the other 4.
MER:
Who is responsible for the lyrics?
Björn Lodin:
I wrote all the lyrics and made all melody lines.
MER:
How important are the lyrics to you?
Björn Lodin:
As important as the rest. It’s easier to write lyrics than come up with original music. The words are as important as any riff to a song. They have to make sense and sound right. Put the wrong word in there and you’re song isn’t 100%. Happens all the time.
MER:
What is your writing music process? Do lyrics or music come first?
Björn Lodin:
It varies. Sometimes I do both at the same time, especially when I write on an acoustic guitar, but most of the time lyrics come second. I might have a song with melody lines ready for months and then when I sit down to write lyrics I change the melody and rhythm completely.
MER:
Did you face any problems or difficulties during the production of Fanatical?
Björn Lodin:
Not really, besides the same old b******t of finding the time for everyone to do their part. Actually, it went smoother than it has for years. I hope we can keep that up!
MER:
Is the video for “Give Me What You’ve Got” ready? Are you satisfied with the result?
Björn Lodin:
Yes, we launched it on our web site, www.baltimoore.net, a couple of days ago. I think it turned out alright! We’re not writing history with it but it works for that track. And of course it has a good looking chick!
MER:
What is Baltimoore’s current line up? How did you all come together?
Björn Lodin:
This time it started in January 2004, when I phoned Hempo Hildin (drums) and asked him if he was up for putting a line-up together and making a record. He knew of Mankan Sedenberg, an excellent guitar player/songwriter/engineer/producer, and the three of us hooked up, and after 5 minutes we were on the path. Stefan Bergström (lead guitar) and Weine Johansson (bass) joined later when the songs were done.
MER:
Why do you change the band’s line up in every album?
Björn Lodin:
I don’t have a rule about it. First of all, it’s not a big money-making machine. Second, most of the players over the years have been involved in other projects – and their hearts have been elsewhere. My gain is that I get to work with a lot of talented musicians. It might have been different if we would have been a heavy touring act. It’s not a problem for anyone involved. It might be for the fans, but I think they’ve gotten used to it by now. Also, some players keep coming back, so …
MER:
You have chosen to self-produce the Baltimoore’s albums. Is there a special reason for this?
Björn Lodin:
Yes, this is how I do music. This is how I do my thing.
MER:
Do you produce/mix albums as a regular job?
Björn Lodin:
No, I work as a music teacher. I have my studio in the basement to make my own music. I used to run it commercially, but not anymore. I might produce/mix for others someday.
MER:
You’ve been in the music business for almost 20 years. Are you satisfied with how things turned up for you and Baltimoore? Any regrets?
Björn Lodin:
My biggest regret is that I drank my first beer. That really screwed up my life and career for a while. Other than that, I couldn’t ask for more. I’ve done 8 albums and I’ve learned a lot during the making of them.
MER:
Why did your collaboration with Nikolo Kotzev cease to exist? I mean, you made two successful albums and this was a sign of a very good collaboration.
Björn Lodin:
We were more like a couple that stopped respecting each other. We didn’t have more than 2 albums in us. Ok, 1 1/2.
MER:
Is Björn Lodin difficult to work with?
Björn Lodin:
When I drank people said I was — now, I know I am 🙂 It’s never a problem. I’m the boss!
MER:
What do you prefer — being in the studio or performing live?
Björn Lodin:
Both. It’s been a while since I was on the road but we’re ready to go. We’ve been rehearsing all summer.
MER:
You have a very distinct and powerful voice. Are there any vocalists that you look up to who possibly influenced your performing style?
Björn Lodin:
Oh yes, Brian Connolly, David Coverdale, Bon Scott … those are my top 3.
MER:
Can you imagine yourself ever stopping writing/playing music?
Björn Lodin:
Hmm, no. But if I got sick or something, I believe I would handle the transition well. After I got sober, I realized life can be a lot of things.
MER:
Baltimoore’s musical direction is Hard Rock. Do you think that Hard Rock scene is viable these days when NuMetal is on top?
Björn Lodin:
Forgive me, but I don’t follow trends in music that much and I for sure don’t know all the labels and categories. I have never made music on speculation, but I hope we’re not too far out with the sound on Fanatical.
MER:
Are you satisfied with the situation in the music business?
Björn Lodin:
Of course it’s better for musicians and bands if people buy the record instead of stealing it. I believe it will work out though.
MER:
What are your touring plans?
Björn Lodin:
We are booking dates in Sweden now to start with. We’ll see how it goes.
MER:
What can we expect from Baltimoore in the future?
Björn Lodin:
A new album is in the pipeline. We’ll start recording in December and are scheduled for release in March. We have a good vibe going so we might as well …
MER:
The last words are yours.
Björn Lodin:
I’ll take the opportunity to ask all of you who steal music from musicians and bands to re-think what you’re doing! It’s hard as it is … we need the sales!
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