 1) Who is giving the interview and what is your position in the band? Marcus Hammarstrom / Well, I suppose I do everything. All instruments as well as all the production, songwriting, recording and promotion. 2) Give me a history of the band; When did it form? Which of your current members were founding members? ElviraMadigan was founded when a Heavy Metal band called Andalucia split up in 95. I was at that time only bassist/singer with minor skills in playing classical guitar, but got in hard practice to finally be able to record the first set of songs in the fall of 98. The ElviraMadigan project did however not come to be completely official until the release of the first www.elviramadigan.com site in the fall of 99. 3) How did the band's name come about? What is the meaning behind it? ElviraMadigan is a contraction of the name of a tight-rope dancer who actually excisted. She fell in love with a lieutenant by the name of Sixten Sparre, but due to many complications they realized their love was never to be, so they agreed on committing suicide. I tell more about this on the official homepage, but that's the story in short. Fact is, I don't really care much for band names in English. I mean, let's face it, I'm Swedish!! I can't find a reason to have a band-name meaning something "cool" or "evil" in English. Band names like Hexenhaus, Tiamat and such are perfect examples of great band names!! 4) What are the names of the band members and which instruments does each play? Are they currently in any other bands? Marcus Hammarstrom (=me!!), playing all intruments. 5) How many releases have you put out? The name of each release and on which label (if any) were they released? ElviraMadigan has recorded two albums, but only one is now officially released (the latter one). It goes by the name "BlackArts" and has most of the tracks from the first album included as bonustracks (making the total time reach to the impressive 75:38 minutes!). It is released on Northlore Records which is a company I founded myself. 6) Where and when did you first perform live? Anything memorable about it? ElviraMadigan does not perform live 7) What type of gear do you each use? Well, I'd like to keep that unofficial 8) How is the scene where you are located? Do you find it to be supportive or apathetic? I haven't really been confronted with any scene. But then again, this is quite early in the ElviraMadigan history. Although the project has excisted since 95, I suppose the year 2000 will be a fresh start since the album is finally released. 9) What bands do you listen to? How varied is your musical taste? My musical taste is GREATLY varied. To name a few of the bands I'm completly WASTED by; Jethro Tull, Cradle of Filth, Skyclad, WASP, Pretty Maids, Bathory, Ayreon and many many more. I mainly listen to metal/rock in different forms but I also consider myself influenced by Tracy Chapman, Genesis, Chris DeBurgh (70/early eighties) and Tori Amos. 10) Who or what influenced/influences you? See above. The influences always vary from time to time, depending on what mood I'm in and what sort of music I feel speaks to me at the moment 11) What was your childhood like? Where did you grow up? When did you start playing? What was your first band? I grew up here in Sweden in the outskirts of Stockholm. I started playing bass at the age of 14/15 - don't really remember. This was in 1989/1990. After a couple of years I started playing Death Metal in a local band called "Ethnocide" during the rise of the Death Metal scene. 12) Do you prefer to record or to tour? Well, I ONLY record so I'm afraid I don't have anything to compare with. But if I am to look back with hindsight on past performances I'd still prefer to record. I'm not really a good "live-personality". 13) Which area/country do you like to tour the best? Why? - 14) Do you have any upcoming shows or tour planned? When? Where? Nope 15) What is the concept (if any) behind you most recent release? How has it been received? Have the sales been good? Whoaaoow, heavy question! ElviraMadigan IS a concept project. The music is neatly arranged and melodies/riffs occur in many different songs, much as in a "Rock-Opera". The lyrics are however not used this way, they tell of seperate dark tales. So far, the album has been recieved GREAT!! And from all over the world! I have orders coming in from Japan/Brazil/The Netherlands a.o, and I have done NO promotion at all so far. Quite extraordinary is that the albums seems to attract people who mostly don't care about Metal. Thats really a tough quiz! 16) How would you catagorize your music? Progressive/Black Metal with Symphonic & folk influences. And I do consider it to be honest Art, for ElviraMadigan is an instrument for me to express whatever music I feel like. This is the reason the music is stretches between so many genres. 17) Who writes the lyrics? Music? Is it more of a group effort or is there a primary writer? I do... 18) Explain your recording process. Are the songs fully written prior to entering the studio? Are the instrument tracks layed out together or individually? Are the vocals layed out first or last? How are the vocals achieved? Is a harmonizer used? Which studio do you prfer to use? How much input does the producer have in your recording sessions? Don't get me started here!! I can go on forever. How I'm writing the songs is very different from time to time. Sometimes quite alot is pre-written when entering the studio, sometimes alot of the stuff are written during recording. Mostly writing the song never ends until the last piece is put down on tape. A song can also just spring to mind and I have to hurry to get the drumlines/main-parts on tape. Writing songs is not at all that very glorious either, fact is, I often bury myself completely in the writing/recording and often feel sick to my stomach when things don't come out well. Mostly it's just a very small detail that ruins the over all impression of the track and in gnaws away at my mind with such intensity that it is sometimes unbearable. But it is always worthwile when I finally find the solution. Process: First I write the song or some basic line. Then I do the drumprogrammings, and here the song is often rewritten. When I think the structure/drums are good enough, I put the drums on tape. Leading the way to put guitars, bass and everything else. I always record in my own studio... "MadiganStudios", which allows me to record whenever I want to. 19) Are you currently signed? To which label? How is your relationship with the label? Are they supportive promotion-wise? How about concerning touring? I have my own company called "Northlore Records". 20) Politics: (USA Bands):Bush or Gore? (All Bands) How is the political climate in your area? Are they receptive or prohibitive to metal? 21) Are you able to support yourself financially thru your music or do you have another job? Are they familiar with your music/band? How flexable are they abouth your recording or touring? I have another job, which pays for all the costs that comes with ElviraMadigan. I guess I will never be able to make a living out of this. In fact, working elsewhere gives me time to think and reflect about the compositions. And that is valuable time I have to spend. When I'm free from work I don't necessarily record MORE. 22) Do you have any hobbies or interests other than music? Do you prefer to reside in a city seeting or a rural location? No, I don't think so. Perhaps I do paintings a little now and then. I'm pretty interested in graphics but that can also be included in the ElviraMadigan project (on the Homepage & doing the design on the CD-covers). I prefer rural Location. Sweden offers alot of wonderful "Black Metal"-ish scenery during wintertime. 23) How do you feel about signing autographs? Do you collect or want an autograph from anyone? So far, I've never written an autograph!!! And no, I don't collect others autographs. I can not see the point!! 24) Do you respond to fans who contact you thru the mail or via email? If so, are there any criteria or restrictions concerning your response? I answer all emails. I am more than happy to have a closer contact with those who like the music I do. It is actually one of the most valuable aspects of the internet; That is to be able to get closer to the people who enjoy ElviraMadigan. I actually hate the term "fan" because it tends to lower the listeners status. 25) What is your opinion about the Napster situation?: for or against? I am against napster. I do think it IS stealing. 26) What is your opinion pertaining to MP3s in general? Do you feel that they help or hinder the scene? Do you feel that fans may not purchase your releases if MP3s are available or do you feel that this is similar to the "tape trading" days of the 80's underground? Mp3 as format is a very good thing because it allows bands (like mine) to showcase musicsamples for download. The problem is of course that the quality is identical to the original recording, and that is the difference from the "tape-trading" days of the eightes since quality becomes worse and worse every time you copy a tape. I do feel it threatens my financial rights - but it probably also makes the music spread easier. This is a very tough issue. As long as people can handle it without abandoning the CD-purchasing I guess it's OK. But if people don't buy anymore - recordcompanies won't be so keen on paying very much for recording the albums (since they can't expect to make a good profit) - distribution will most likely suffer and the price for the CD might be alot higher. I myself don't think I will ever get tired of buying the music CD as a finished product instead of just loading down the tracks and making a completely sterile CD. I do enjoy endulging in the CD booklet of such masterpieces as WASP:s "The Crimson Idol". Imagine Cradle of Filth without their highly illustrative CD:s with the massive lyrics printed. 27) Do you read many metal related publications? Any in particular? Do you pay attention to the reviews? I have a few magazines on the net I frequently visit. One of the best is the greek "Tombstone" and also the American "Dynamite Metal". 28) What is your opinion concerning "Nu-Metal", such as Korn, Limp Biskit, Slipnot, Coal Chamber, etc? Are they good for the metal scene or are they a disgrace? Terrible! I hate it!! Take what is bad about music industry: RAP/HIP HOP and mix it with secondary metal and you only get a horrible result. I do NOT consider them to be metal at all because they have nothing of the genuine culture the metal-scene represents. They are merely whores who rides on trends even though their image is that of claiming not to. It's pure contradiction I tell's ya!! 29) What about goth metal such as Marilyn Manson, or bands that are now using techno or industrial tracks in their releases? Don't listen to it, don't really have an oppinion about it. I did buy the album "Rebirth" with Pain which is Thomas Tägtgrens (of Hyrpocrisy) little brainchild. And it really kicks ass! 30) Are you pro Euronymous or pro Varg? Killing someone is ofcourse completely utterly disgraceful... but philosphically I do relate to what Varg represents. ADDITIONAL NOTES OF 2005: At the time this interview was done I have learned quite a great deal of the many views Varg represents, and my answer to this question ONLY referred to Vargs more affirming view upon Scandinavian ancient culture compared to a more Biblical "Satanic" viewpoint. I do feel it is a shame that we - especially in Sweden - are quicker to renounce other cultures and nourish not our own - which has been of great importance to our past. 31) Have you read Lords of Chaos? What did you think of it? How accurate did you find it to be? Haven't read it. I do have the Necronomicon though, but I believe I'm too chicken-shit to actually read it... JUST IN CASE IT WORKS!! ADDITIONAL NOTES OF 2005: I have now read it and found that it is one of the most dangerous books I have ever read. The subtle and indirect propagande the reader is subjected to is horrifying and it is obvious the book is written by people with malicious intent. The many ridiculous lines drawn between Black Metal culture and Nazism is horrendous and I pity those who actually believe that rubbish. The reason the book is so dangerous is because it is at times completely objective and suddenly one is fed pure propaganda through sneaky paths. Like for instance the author(s) praise the works of someone who has made a very interesting essay or book. Then the work is presented and it can be such a stupid thing like the ancient God WOTAN possessing Christian minds awakening ancient hatreds thus explaining Nazi fascination with the occult and the heathen teachings and then the same can be seen in Black Metal. Therefor Black Metal is Nazi propaganda. THIS IS BULLSHIT!! And since the author has praised that work as interesting beforehand one is led to imagine that - if not true - than at least as credible as reason for Black Metals point of view and actions as any - in lack of other hard evidence. Bah! And then an enormously ridiculousy amount of time is spent on Varg Vikernes and his right-wing opinions. This is also misleading the reader making him believe that the entire Black Metal scene is of this particular standpoint. It does not matter than Varg himself practically wants nothing to do with Black Metal or that he has moved far away from it and now tries to see his past actions thru his new view and justify what's been done by referring to "newfound" convictions. Black Metal is also drawn into some kind of Nazi projection because Vikernes preferred the German artillery or outfit while playing war when he was a Kid. If One cannot see the RUBBISH of this one is indeed only a tool in the hands of Christian propaganda. Compare the time spent on Vikernes extreme rightwing ideas and Oystens communist views and my point is obvious. SHAME ON THOSE WHO WROTE THE BOOK! PS Vikings are also in this book referred to as "Barbarians" when historians today have found that society in ancient Scandinavia was highly sophisticated and well ahead of many others. Christian viewpoints and subtle propaganda? You bet!! 32) What do you think about the church burnings that have been tied to/performed by members of black metal bands? Do you feel that this is a legitimate attack on Christianity or simply a way of rationalizing an act of destruction? What about grave desercration? I'm glad you ask this question, because I do have very strong feelings in this matter. First off, I'm not a Satanist. I am very fond of the culture & the philosphy of it... that is; the genuine affirmation of the human nature (I believe you have to accept your "darker" sides in order to control them, just look at all the religious fanatics who claim not to hate but does nothing else!). I do hate ALL religions since I believe they are the very root of all evil in the world, and I think that people who practise rituals - wether christian, jewish or satanist - are walking the wrong path. I have studied quite alot into the history of satanism so I do considder myself to have at least fair amount of knowledge to know what I'm talking about. The satanism we know today is actually just pagan rituals translated into "Satanism" by Kings & Rulers during the 16th/17th century to frighten people into leaving their old traditions and accept christian faith (since faith is the most frequent tool of power-play). I do also think that one can not believe in the "devil" unless one believes in "god", since they are counterparts of each other. Many of my lyrics have an indirect attack towards religion & christianity. I can not and will never relate to people desecrating graves. That is one of the most misguided crimes a "Satanist" can commit, because it channels the hate to the wrong target. The only ones ending up pissed off are the relatives of who ever lies six feet under. Personally (although I'm surely not to be considdered as a very "strong" or "agressive" person), I'd like to beat the crap out of those who desecrate graves. In the matters of burning up churches... well, I guess a few wouldn't hurt to be turned into ashes if one takes into considderation what christianity bears in guilt on it's shoulders while spreading like cancer across the world and perishing everything in it's path. But in the end, revenge won't create anything accept alot of cinders. Recomended listening: Bathory "One Rode to Asa Bay" - it says everything!!! 33) What type of literature do you prefer? What are you presently reading or what is the last book that you have read? I don't read much, but I tend to find inspiration sometimes in very old folklore or poetry. 34) What is your current "playlist" ie what do you find yourself listening to most often at this present time? Subway to Sally, 16 Horsepower, Skyclad, WASP, Shadow Gallery, Notre Dame, White Skull, quite little Black Metal actually. 35) Are there any newer/local/unsigned bands that you wish to plug or feel are worth mentioning or supporting? Zines? Labels? Artists? Nope 36) Do you have an official band site? What is the URL? http://www.elviramadigan.com/ ...check it out, it is the epi-centre of ElviraMadigan. I host it myself. 37) How should/can fans contact you? I prefer them sending email 38) How/ Where can fans purchase your releases and/or merchandise? Today the album is only available from the website (shipping worldwide), but I hope to have a few internet-stores helping me out in the near future. 39) Any last words to the readers? Yes, DO BUY THE ALBUM. Wether you like only Black Metal or if your into Progressive/Symphonic/Speed Metal or AOR you will probably like it!! And never feel hindered to send me your thoughts, although it might take a few days for me to answer - I do enjoy every mail I get! |
