Interview: Kristoffer Gildenlöw

Hello Kristoffer, how are you doing? Its nice to have you here for an interview and I thank you for this chance. So here are some questions for you.

1. Please introduce yourself in a short sentence please.

Kristoffer: What can I say. Just trying to be the best I can. Even if it’s not enough.

2. Since you are a little boy you always been playing bass... was it always your biggest dream to become a well know bass player?

Kristoffer: Actually, I didn’t start to play the bass until I was 14. I started out with the piano but grew tired on that due to bad teachers (sadly). After that I actually wanted to be a drummer but there was no spot left for lessons. So, by more of a coincidence did I stumble over the bass guitar. My father bought me my first one and it went very fast from there. Actually, I was asked to join PoS less than a year after I started playing the bass. Although I still love playing the drums, the bass guitar will always be my no. 1 instrument. I have never seen my self as a well known bass player and probably never will. I’m in it for the music and the chance of performing it on a stage and touching people with it.

3. Have you got many musical projects you are involved with at the moment? Searching for more projects or having enough with the ones you already have?

Kristoffer: I’m always interested in different session jobs, people asking me to record or tour with them. That always broadens my horizon and gives me new ideas and the chance to meet new people and learn new things. But mostly I’m not involved in the making of that music. My own music is taking many shapes and sizes. I usually record every idea I have, in my studio, memo recorder or simply on a piece of paper. At this moment I have so many musical ideas that I simply don’t have time to work or act on it all. I have DIAL, that’s kind of an “out-of-hand-going hobby project I started up together with my wife and a good friend of ours. This was when I still played in PoS as a way to stay active while living 2000 kilometers away from the rest of the guys. Not really an opportunity to rehears every weekend ;) On the side of DIAL, I have 3-4 other musical projects that I’m working on alone. For the more progressive project I recorded four songs as a demo a few years ago and they can still be heard on my MySpace-page. But I’ve put those ideas aside for a while to focus on my upcoming album of a complete different genre. This album needs my complete attention and 100% of my feelings to create the right sphere.

4. You went to the Music Fair in Frankfurt... Was it the first time or were you there before? Did you liked it and which people did you meet there?

Kristoffer: This was the fifth time at the Frankfur Music Fair. I’ve also played there a few years ago, at the Mayones stand. It’s a wonderful thing and there is just sooo much to see and behold. I’ve been there together with several friends over the years but you also build up a certain relation ship with the people that you meet there. For instance, I have good “friends” that I only see once a year at the Frankfurt Music Fair. That’s the way it goes, and every year, that family grows bigger. You meet someone who knows someone else and he introduce you and so it goes on.

5. What is Kristoffer Gildenlöw doing at the moment?

Kristoffer: Besides running a completely normal life as a family guy with a 9-5 job, I’m busy, busy, busy trying to get as much music done as possible. I’ve just finished two session recordings and I’m just about to record three more albums. This plus getting my own album together is quite a task. But lots of fun and I wouldn’t want to miss it for the world.

6. You are playing bass for The Shadow Theory too... and we are all exited about this project and the music which will be released some time.... how did the story of TST began for you?

Kristoffer: It actually began during the recordings of the debut album of DIAL. As you might know, we recorded it at Devon Graves studio and he mixed and produced it as well. It just really clicked between us and we have so much in common. Already back then (2006) did he start to talk about this new project he had in mind. Over the years we’ve kept in touch and little by little did he give me more information about the progress. Further than that, I have never been involved in the creating of the music but I sure will put my own touch to the bass lines.

7. Which are your favourite bass guitars and which brand do you mostly play?

Kristoffer: I was endorsed by Mayones for more than four year. I’m no longer under contract by them but I wouldn’t want it any other way.They have the greatest instruments (guitars and basses) and it’s like being part of a big, comfy family.

8. Which music do you listen to in your free time?

Kristoffer: I don’t have that much time to listen to music of my own. Either I’m making music or I want it to be quiet. Well, over day I have the radio on but mostly for the news and sometimes there’s a rock classic popping by. If I do put on an album it’s either hard rock (Skunk Anansie, Clawfinger, Rammstein or wonderful SIXX AM.) or something much softer (Blackmore, David Sylvian, Mike Oldfield or even a nice sound track).

9. You are supposed to release an album too ... can you already tell us which kinda style it is?

Kristoffer: This album contains some of the Nordic melancholy in me. Pretty basic and soft songs featuring simple melody lines and simple arrangements. It’s dark, sphere-full and dynamic. Songs about choices and memories. Think David Sylvian at his more acoustic moments. I’ll try my best to make this album sound as natural and real as possible. It’ll be one of those albums you’ll get into the best while lying down with the lights turned of. ;)

10. What is something only a few people know about you and you would like to tell us?

Kristoffer: Well, I have no secrets. I’m just a very regular person. We all have things we’re good at and things we’re not so good at. I’m pretty good at playing music, I’m totally crap at many other things so. I have friends that say “gee, I wish I could play guitar like you can”. My answer: “I wish I could repair my car, I wish I could make a home page, I wish I could play football the way you do..” We all have pro’s and con’s. That makes us human.

11. Is there anything you would like to add?

Kristoffer: Well, to make a little promotion for my upcoming album. It will, at first, only be released on an exclusive, limited edition (500 copy) colored vinyl. Each copy will be hand numbered and signed by your truly. Sign up for my newsletter to get the latest news on how to (pre)order the album, cause it just might be too late.

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/KRISTOFFERGILDENLOW

Thanks so much for sharing this with us Kris. I wish you a nice weekend and all the best. See you on the road soon. Susi

Kristoffer: Thank you Susi. It was my pleasure. Let me know when it gets official.

Peace!
Kris

Interviews '10:

Interview: Kristoffer Gildenlöw