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Can you remain to us the story of Space Odyssey ?
Richard Anderssons SPACE ODYSSEY
project was formed by Richard Andersson and guitar player Magnus Nilsson.
After the two having a dinner they decided to do something together and
the guiding principles were set. Richard and Magnus have known each
other for years but never got together in studio. Richard describes
Magnus as: One among the best guitar players I have ever played with.
Extremely good sense for music in general, which you can hear by his
huge vibrato and great felling for the guitar. I'm Very happy to
introduce him to you and the metal scene.
As Richard composed the songs and Magnus recorded the pre-production
they both thought it could be fun to work with well-known musicians,
since it more was like a project. Very soon well known Marcel Jacob (bass)
and Patrik Johansson (vocals) were contacted and introduced to the
material. Marcel with a history in Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force.
Pre-production CDs were sent to the different musicians and recordings
took place. Richard's friend Jonas Reingold introduced Zoltan Csörsz to
him. Zoltan's got this fusion/metal touch in his drumming and that's
very suitable for this kind of music, since there are different parts
including these elements.
Richard Andersson's SPACE ODYSSEY Project was recorded September/October
in Reingold Studios and released august 2003.
The second SPACE ODYSSEY concept came up after Richard had completed a
record for his other band Time Requiem. As usual Richard was full of
energy when it came to creating music. He very early said to himself
that this second Space Odyssey must be really something. Richard then
concentrated on the songs and melodies trying to make the music even
bigger and powerful not to run away into power metal.
This time Richard asked Magnus if he could try to play the bass for the
record. Magnus saw it as a challenge as the music is very complex. The
reason not to having Marcel Jacob on this one as well was because of
this curious idea that Richard had. Since Magnus already recorded the
guitars he could fill in the bass in a very satisfying way. Personally
Richard thought this move was brilliant.
Later on Richard was sent a video of a hell-playing drummer. His name
was Andreas Brobjér. Andreas was very fond of Richards’s music and
really wanted to play in his band. Richard saw the video and was blown
away. It reminded him on his own talent when growing up. Later on
Richard sent Andreas the pre-production for Space Odyssey, which Andreas
copied to Richards satisfaction. Since Zoltan was kind of busy this time
with The Flowerkings Andreas filled his place like no one else could
have done.
The recordings were done in two studious. Guitars, keyboards, bass and
vocals were done in Richards Lipton studio. Especially the vocals were a
bit magic to record. This time Richard were in total control over
everything from the sound to the producing part. The vocals were
recorded in just a few days exactly the way Richard wanted.
After having all the instruments on place Richard took the production to
his old friend and producer Jonas Reingold (Midnight Sun, Reingold, The
Flowerkings etc.). They both completed the mix in ten days. Since the
songs were so well played and performed Richard wanted to have a “close
in the face” mix with not that much of effects etc. The record were
finally Mastered by Peter In de betou at Tailor Made Production. This
guy has done most of the metal coming from Sweden lately such as (Hammerfall,
Evergrey, Meshuggah, Europe etc. and even many of the ABBA records).
The third record became reality after Richard deciced to work close with
Magnus and recording the stuff at the same time as it was composed.
Patrik Johansson couldn’t do the vocals at the time Richard wanted to
have them so he decided to go for another singer. David Fremberg from
Swedisch band Andromeda was invited to do the vocals. The vocals were
done in just three days.
Can you tell us more about your new album called « Tears Of The Sun » ?
The songs
were composed in just three weeks so everything moved real fast. Magnus
and me recorded along the composition parts. Magnus also did the bass
tracks on this one as well.
Can you speak to us about the recording sessions ?
Everything is recorded in my own studio. The drums were recorded as
normal with chance to do some editing afterwards. My keys were recorded
at the same time as the songs were written. That was about the same with
the guitars. The vocals were added as the last thing.
How did you proceed for the composition ?
We pretty
much composed the songs in the running order on the cd. I wanted to do
it simple and plain and not overwork the material. Just like in the good
old days.
What are the lyrics talking about ? Where do you find inspiration ?
It’s small stories about different things! There are no concept at all
behind the lyrics. It’s about life and death good and evil
For you, what are the biggest differences between this new album and the
previous ?
This one is very much down to basic with no progressive elements at all.
What are your favourite songs out of this new album? And what makes them
so special for you ?
I like them all in different ways.
What are your favourite bands and all times albums ?
I am very fond of classical music like J.S. Bach. I also like Rainbow,
Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Malmsteen, Symphony X, Dream Theater etc.
What's your opinion about the international metal scene ?
I have no opinion since I never listen to music nowadays. I am though
sure about that the music scene will go through a big change since we
have the Internet.
Can you remember your first gig ? How did it go ?
It was a warm-up shop I Halmstad Sweden just before the Japan tour. It
sounded awful!!!
Can you tell us an anecdote which particularly marked your career ?
I am
probably the tallest fast playing keyboarder on earth!!!
What are your projects for the future ?
Oh! Much!
I will drop a huge bomb in the nearest future!!!
And as a conclusion, can you say some words for my radio show called
Metal Choc ?
I am glad
you people get the same good feeling about my music as I do! STAY METAL
and se you on tour!
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