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Progressive Rock Interviews

Wolverine

Interviewed by Gary Hill
Interview with Stefan Zell of Wolverine from 2009
MSJ:
Quite a lot actually. On the private level I've married and become father to a beautiful baby girl. I've also just moved from an apartment to a house which also is quite a big change for me. Last but not least I've finished two and a half years of studies and started a new job. In other words, I've been keeping busy.

Unfortunately the band itself has suffered from all of this. We haven't been very effective the last couple of years. However, we have just put together all the structures for our next album so hopefully we will be able to start recording soon. It's been far too long since we released our last album, Still.

MSJ:

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

Probably what I'm already doing since the band has never brought any real income for any of us. I'm now working within the Swedish Police and I couldn't be happier. The band is only a great bonus that has brought tons of great memories and experiences through the years.

We've been fortunate to be in a band only for the fun of it and still be able to travel around Europe, releasing albums and meet lots of interesting people. Sometimes I think that's better than to be in a band where you have to earn money since everything becomes much more serious then and a lot more is at stake. We don't have to worry a lot about such things. We create music because we love doing it and not for any other reason.

MSJ:
Actually my main focus now is to record our next album, Communication Lost. If we get to do some touring that would be nice as well, but the album comes first. I'd love to have it out during next year. After that we'll have to see what happens. We don't have any plans beyond that.
MSJ:

Do you think that downloading of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians? It’s been said by the major labels that it’s essentially the heart of all the problems they are having in terms of lower sales – would you agree?

I think it might be both. I know a lot of people that say they wouldn’t have bought a certain album hadn't they downloaded it first. On the other hand, theft is theft. Personally I'd say that the solution to all of this is spelled Spotify. I love the service and I pay for the premium version so I can use it via my Iphone. I think this is a service we should have seen several years ago. Maybe then the problem with illegal download wouldn’t have been that big of an issue?
MSJ:

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

I'm all for it! Don't see any problems at all with that but that's my opinion. I'm sure lots of bands disagree.
MSJ:

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

Probably all the corporate guys that are only in the business for the money and can't care less about the people they work with.
MSJ:

If you were to put together your ultimate band, who would be in it?

Tough one... There are so many people out there I musically admire that it's impossible to pick a certain line-up. Let's say I wouldn't mind sitting down with an acoustic guitar and jamming the night away Paul Stanley.
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?

To keep the amount of bands on an acceptable level I'll go for a festival focused on rock/metal: Kiss, Whitesnake, Judas Priest, Fates Warning, Saviour Machine, Veni Domine, Symphony X, Queensrÿche, Dream Theater, The Gathering (if Anneke were to join them again)... and of course Wolverine.
MSJ:

What was the last CD you bought, or what have you been listening to lately?

The last CD was Sonic Boom by Kiss which I think is a great return to form for them - can't wait to see them next summer.

As for music I've listened to it's been very song-oriented. I've not listened to one particular artist. To mention a few “Sex on fire” (Kings of Leon), “Crazy” (W.A.S.P.) and “What there is” (A-ha).

MSJ:

What about the last concert you attended for your enjoyment?

I'm looking forward to Kiss in Stockholm next year. I was going to see Dream Theater a few months ago but decided I couldn't afford it.

We played at Rockweekend in Kilafors, Sweden this past summer and there I got to see Queensrÿche once again. I'm sorry to say I wasn't impressed at all... The last three times I've seen them their sound has been all but good and that ruins it for me. I wish they'd bring back the sound guy from the Promised Land-tour. It was like listening to a CD on that tour and an unforgettable memory. That's definitely the best concert I've ever witnessed.

MSJ:

Finally, are there any closing thoughts you’d like to get out there?

Just that we are sorry for the delay in releasing a new album. Take care and hopefully we'll see you on tour some day.
MSJ: This interview is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2009  Volume 6 at lulu.com/strangesound.
 
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