written by Marko Jakob
Pix666: Hello Johan. Thanks for your time. How are you doing these days, are you alive and well? How are the other guys oft he band?
Johan: Thanks for having me. I’m ok, I guess. Fighting exhaustion syndrome, depression and anxiety. But I do what I can to stay afloat. It’s been a tough year, to say the least. We’re quite eager to do some playing.
Pix666: You have been on stage with Evergrey for more than 10 years now – but what was your inspiration to become a musician? Who are your idols?
Johan: I’ve always been an avid music listener. I started playing bass because my music teacher wanted to start a school band when I was about 10. All the ”cool” instruments were taken, so the only thing left was the bass. Early heroes were Gene Simmons and Steve Harris. Guys I look to for inspiration these days include Anthony Jackson, Tony Levin and Pino Palladino.
Pix666: What have been the most unforgettable experiences in your time as a musician?
Johan: There are a few highlights, for sure. Playing Sonisphere/The Big Four. 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise. But one that stands out is playing with Jeff Scott Soto in Talisman. Major fanboy moment.
Pix666: This year the video clips ‚Eternal Nocturnal‘ and ‚Where August Mourns‘ were released – really great clips. Where did you shoot the clips? Who was part of the team and were there any complications during the shoot due to certain Corona restrictions?
Johan: Thank you. They were both done by our long-time collaborator Patric Ullaeus. ”Eternal Nocturnal” was shot on a tiny airfield outside of Gothenburg and ”Where August Mourns” was shot in a theater in Halmstad, about two hours south of Gothenburg.
Pix666: The clips have several hundred thousand views on YouTube. How have the fans‘ reactions been so far? Do you know in which countries Evergrey is listened most often – nowadays there are great statistics tools ?.
Johan: The response has been fantastic. Just amazing. I don’t know where we are most listened to, no.
Pix666: The new album ‚Escape of the Phoenix‘ was released at February 26th. In which versions can the fans buy your album, and above all, where??
Johan: There are a few options, like different coloured vinyls, the digipak cd, and a really cool limited edition artbook. But I think that one is sold out. You can buy it from our record label AFM at www.afm-records.de
Pix666: What is special about your 12th studio album – are there any major differences to the previous albums?
Johan: One major difference is that James LaBrie from Dream Theater sings on one of the tracks. Aside from that, we’re continuing on the path we chose for ourselves – scaling that mountain, one step at a time. Maybe some songs are more ”direct” and to-the-point than before. Hard to say.
Pix666: I saw you have a concert planned for the autumn in Scotland. Are there any other plans for live shows earlier this year?
Johan: I don’t think so. I don’t think there will be a festival season this year. So autumn is our best bet.
Pix666: What is the current situation regarding the Corona pandemic in Sweden and especially the mood among the people?
Johan: We’re finally starting the vaccination process, but we are way behind. I suppose most people are sick of this and want things to turn around. It will. In time. We just need to be a little more patient.
Pix666: As a musician, you certainly spend most of your time creating music – but what else do you do in your free time when you want to get your mind off things – are there any interesting hobbies that you pursue? ?
Johan: I have a family, so I don’t have a lot of ”free” time. I used to love reading books, but I haven’t been able to concentrate enough. I do try to maintain a meditation practice. I need it.
Pix666: Do you have any other news, that you would like to share with the fans?
Johan: Yes, I also play in Hollingshead. It’s a prog-something band. Vocals, organ, bass, drums. No guitar! We have our debut album out now on GMR Records. It is called ”Stay Dead”
Pix666: Thank you very much for the interesting answers – Good luck with the Album and stay healthy!!!
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photos © Patric Ullaeus, Giannis Nakos
