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Andreas Olsson - interview September 2003 |
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Victory: Hi Andreas, you are one of the more busier musicians I know. But I think many of our readers don't know how many bands you are involved in, and please introduce yourself to us. Andreas Olsson: Well, I'm 25 years old and I'm a bass player. My two main bands are Narnia and Stormwind. Besides that I freelance a lot, recordings with Wisdom Call, Work Of Art etc and now recently I played on the new Harmony album "Dreaming Awake". I have loved melodic rock/metal ever since I was a kid. I started my listening journey with bands like Europe, Queensryche, Metallica and Yngwie. (I also play in a Europe coverband with the guys from Eclipse.) Then I went to more progressive stuff like Dream Theater, Symphony X and Pain Of Salvation. Music is my passion and it always will be. Victory: Which of these do you consider to be your primary band? Andreas Olsson: It's a tough choice. but I have to say Narnia. The music of Narnia is closest to my personal preferences. Very melodic with a progressive touch. But Stormwind has a very high priority too. Victory: For how long have you been playing bass? I also know that you dig some progressive stuff, so have you taken influences from some famous progressive bassists? Andreas Olsson:I have been playing bass since I was 15. My main influences are Billy Sheehan (Mr Big), Eddie Jackson (Queensryche), Marcel Jacob (ex-Yngwie, Talisman) and John Myung (Dream Theater). One of my new favourites is Dick Lövgren, who plays with Time Requiem and Last Tribe. He's a really great bass player. Victory: What's up at the moment? Any new recordings on the way? Andreas Olsson Right now, we are mixing the new Narnia Live DVD. Other than that, I'm doing a little bit of gigging more locally in various projects. I like to play all kinds of music. Everything from smooth jazz and soul to aggresive metal. A good mix of genres is the best! Victory: Can you tell us something about the Narnia DVD? Is it great? ;) Andreas Olsson: It will be really great. I have only heard the music and it sounds very good. I think Calle (Grimmark, guitarist of Narnia) is doing a great job with the mixing. It's always hard to get a good sound on tape when you record a live concert. Victory: I heard some time ago a rumour about Narnia tourning with Rob Rock, will that happend? Andreas Olsson: It was an idea for this summer, but I think it was some schedule problems, so it didn't work out. Hopefully it will be sometime in the future. We would love to tour with Rob. Victory: If you were to play in Any band, which one would you choose? Andreas Olsson: It's a really tough question! There are so many bands I admire. One of my all time heroes is Yngwie J Malmsteen. It would be really cool to play with him. I also like Nightwish. They are a great band, and I really like their music. Victory: Finally, name your 5 best CD's, favourite movie and favorite food. Andreas Olsson: CDs: Dream Theater - Awake Pain Of Salvation - The Perfect Element Symphony X - The Divine Wings Of Tragedy Last Tribe - Witch Dance Black Sabbath - Headless Cross Movie: "The Lord Of The Rings" movies Food: Pasta in all forms! Victory:Thank you very much and good luck with your future as a musician! /Victory |