Interviews: Åskväder

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Rock band Åskväder from Sweden. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

It was a combination, spoke to my older brother, a really nice and wise guy who told me when I asked him for inspiration that the name should be one word and in Swedish. I thought this idea was good and during a traffic jam listening to some recordings from us rehearsing Åskväder (translates to Thunderstorm) struck me like lightning.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

The music we play is what we would like to listen to - there's no secret we are passioned rock lovers. Also the song writing feels good and the music comes naturally.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Me and Jon knew each other as I was booking gigs for Jons previous band Dödaren. Jon recorded an album with Staffans other band Let Them Hang and that is how we got hold of each other. Nowadays we consider each other not only band members but also close friends.

4. Each band member favorite band?

I will have to pass on answering for my colleagues not to hurt anyones integrity. I can give you three of my favourite bands though, The Beatles, The Hellacopters and Black Sabbath. 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

A lot of things inspire - of course good music but also meeting new people, reading books and living. It is never boring to pick up the guitar and write some rock n roll tunes.

6. Where was your last gig?

Last gig was in Skövde in Sweden and we played an indoor festival called Skövde in Rock. It was an amazing festival and we shared stage with some really great bands like Nekromant, Hot Breath, Second Sun and Skraeckoedlan 

7. Where would you like to act?

We are planning a tour in Spain, that will be great. But of course we would like to play all around the world. Japan, Australia, the US.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Would be great to play with some of our label mates such as The Drippers or Hot Breath who a really great guys who plays great music. But if we are looking at bigger acts it would have been great to play with AC/DC, Black Sabbath or The Stones.

9. Whom not?

Hehe, this one is a hard one. I do not think there are any people we would not like to play with as long as their nice. For us it has more to do with the context or venue. I would say that we would never play in a game show or play on a musical contest, we have one called "Melodifestivalen" in Sweden, where some rock guys have played.. That is not for us.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Nope, though I have been really nervous but would not call it stage fright. The best way is to practice, maybe invite some friends to your rehersals?

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

The heroes of our time such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Hellacopters and AC/DC. There are so much good music out there and I listen to everything from Country to Black Metal as long as it is something I like.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Hmm, we have not received so many strange requests yet... This might have to do with that we are a small band and pretty new in the market. I promise to get back as soon as we get a strange inquiry!

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans are the best, devoted, friendly and easy going.

14. What do you think of our site?

To be honest I have not visited it before, but had a look now and it looks really good! Will be visiting it in the future!

15. Something add?

Listen to Åskväder - our debut album will be out on the 13th of March, have a beer and be nice to other people!