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Colorstone

Interviewed by Gary Hill
Interview with Fredrik Bergenren of Colorstone from 2012
MSJ:

Can you catch the readers up on the history of your involvement in music – both individually and as a band?

I started playing together with the drummer (Olle NIlsson) a long tome ago in a band called “Tricky Track.” We then went separate ways and I started the band Time Gallery which was produced by "big time" producer Keith Olsen (he had produced bands/artists like Fleetwood Mac, Sag, Rick Springfield, Night Ranger). Time Gallery nearly made it big in the early 90s and did a second album produced by Nik Foss (DAD). I then went on and worked as a guitar player for Swedish artists and produced several albums (for example Pete Sandberg’s first solo album). I then took a couple of years off from music and worked in the film production industry. I then teamed up with Olle Nilsson and Johan Dahlstrom (vocals) in the mid 2000. We started to write songs just for fun and with no one telling us what to do! We were back at our roots and why we started to play music in the first place. In late 2000 Jonas Sandquist (bass) teamed up and Colorstone was complete. We started to record about 30 songs and then narrowed them down to 17.

Colorstone’s first album "Into the Garden..." was released digitally worldwide by RoastingHouse/Universal in May 2012 and we've got a really good response from both press and radio! It's also physically released in Sweden, Germany, Japan, Korea so far.

MSJ: If you weren't involved in music what do you think you'd be doing?

Definitely something creative! But I can't think of my life without music! I'm a bit crazy, but I like doing paper work.

MSJ: How did the name of the group originate?

We thought a long time about that. All the good names are already taken. (chuckle) The most important thing about a group name, I think, is that it in someway reflects what the band is about. In Colorstone’s case, we thought about that we've been around for a while, have different influences and somehow would tell the listener what they could expect. And also, would look and sound good.

MSJ: Who would you see as your musical influences?

Our influences are: Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Nazareth, Areosmith, Arc Angels, Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, U2 (to name just some old ones) and: Alter Bridge, Audioslave, BCC, 3 Days Grace, John Mayer (To name just some new ones). But my main all time influence is Jimi Hendrix!

MSJ: What's ahead for you?

Colorstone has right at this moment, finished the preproduction of our second album. We're taking some time off during the Christmas holidays, but in early 2013 we will finish recording and mixing the album. Hopefully it will be out in May 2013!

MSJ: I know artists hate to have their music pigeonholed or labeled, but how would you describe your music?

I would describe it as "heavy, groovy rock with strong melodies.”

MSJ: Are there musicians with whom you would like to play with in the future?

Sorry…can't think of anything better than being a part of Colorstone. Okay, a jam with Jimi Hendrix, of course but...

MSJ: Do you think that illegal downloading of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians?

 I think that we all have to adapt to this new music industry world by embracing the opportunities with Internet and the digital era. You just have to find other ways to earn your living by going out touring, meeting the fans more personally than before, selling merchandise, doing workshops, selling physical albums with add-ons when you're touring and so on...

MSJ: In a related question, how do you feel about fans recording shows and trading them?

The answer to that is, as you write in your question, related to the answer above. If you can't stop it, embrace it. It spreads the word about you as a band. And that's a good thing!

MSJ:

If you were a superhero, what music person would be your arch nemesis and why?

It would surely be the Jimi Hendrix son "Freedom!” I would simply be the superhero "Freedom.”

MSJ: If you were to put together your ultimate band (a band you'd like to hear or catch live), who would be in it and why?

I would choose the original line-up of Black Sabbath, mostly because it's possible (they are alive).

MSJ: If you were in charge of assembling a music festival and wanted it to be the ultimate one from your point of view who would be playing?

I have to be a bit boring and that there already is a festival like that here in Sweden: "Sweden Rock!”

MSJ: What was the last CD you bought and/or what have you been listening to lately?

I bought the new album from Three Days Grace and it's on in the car every day.

MSJ: Have you read any good books lately?

I've read some music related books lately that I think were really entertaining: Ozzy, Keith Richards and Kee Marcello.

MSJ: What about the last concert you attended for your enjoyment?

Just a week ago I saw the Swedish bands Mustasch and Europe.

MSJ: Do you have a musical “guilty pleasure?”

I have to the say the 80s band "Go West!” I really like their first album and I know that it's not a rock band. But good music is good music!

MSJ: What has been your biggest Spinal Tap moment?

It must have been when I was playing in my first band as a 15 year old kid. We were going to play at our school ending for about 1,200 people at a big stage. I started out with my back to the audience, my guitar close to the speaker to get some noisy feedback and then turned around and the big intro chord and broke two strings at that one hit! I had no spare guitar and had to continue playing with four strings for three songs - not really Spinal Tap but close enough.

MSJ:

If you could sit down to dinner with any three people, living or dead, for food and conversation, with whom would you be dining?

Jimi Hendrix, Einstein and my father.

MSJ: Are there any closing thoughts you would like to get out there?

Myself and Colorstone really appreciate the attention from the dedicated rock lovers out there. We're really looking forward to get out on tour and meet you for real. That would be an awesome 2013 experience.

MSJ: This interview is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2013  Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.
 
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