Interview With
Jonas Reingold from the Flower Kings
Interview By Anders Sandvall
Live pictures of Jonas by Anders Sandvall
Pictures from studio Reingold by Anders Sandvall
I met up with Jonas Reingold for a talk about his new band/project Karmakanic, the
future of the project, and what he is planning for the moment. I met him at the Reingold
recording studio here in Malmö Sweden.
How long have you played bass in the Flower Kings?
Since February, 1999. Jamie Salazar asked me to join the band.
The Flower Kings are big around the world but not in Sweden. Why is that?
In
Sweden it is only Top Ten that counts, and what is left for us are festivals. In South
America it is much easier because they are more open to new music than is the case in
Sweden. Our celebrity starts in Denmark and then throughout all of Europe.
Some of the members in The Flower Kings are also taking part of the Karmakanic. Why
did you choose these people?
They suited the music and they are all prog-icons.
Karmakanic: is it a project or a band?
I want it to be a band.
You have chosen to have a lot of people playing on the record. Why is that?
Certain persons were suitable for certain tasks on the record and I have the privilege
to choose the musicians and they are all my friends.
Can you explain the theme of the record?
This is a fiction three-thousand years from now. Some scientists find a whole lot of
stuff from a man’s life from two-thousand and you follow this man’s life. For
example, he preferred to use Internet instead of meeting people. He isn’t obliged to
show his real personality. Therefore it encourages you to think of your own life.
“Entering the Spectra” was recorded last year to be released this year.
Why all this time?
I
have the company Regain records and they wanted the record to be released together with
three other records from the company. The record was finished last Christmas.
You have chosen Göran Edman for lead vocals this time. He sings on your solo debut?
He is a very clever singer and a good friend. He did perform my debut very well.
Is Karmakanic going on tour? In that case, where and when? In Sweden?
Holland has already asked us to play on a great festival next summer. If playing in
Sweden... maybe!
If you would describe Karmakanic's music, what would you say?
Prog-rock in the bottom with guitar-riffs. The sound is in the near Pink Floyd and
Kings X.
What is your opinion of producing yourself?
It is
difficult and takes quite a long time. If someone else produces you, then you have someone
to discuss the composition with.
Are you planning a follow-up record to “Entering the Spectra”?
I want that but nothing is clear yet. The record has to sell at least 8000 copies
first.
Do you have a good relationship with Regain Records?
So far, everything is OK.
What is going to happen with your band Midnight Sun; the band in which you are the
leader? Is there any follow-up record planned?
Midnight Sun exists but is resting for the moment. I am very proud of the record
“Metalmachine.” I plan a follow-up when the time comes.
What was the response from the fans and press on the record
“Metalmachine?"
The
press gave both praise and blame.
What is your opinion of the new guitar player Magnus Karlsson in the band?
He is very clever.
What are your plans for next year?
Tour with The Flower Kings around the world. In January we are the headliners on a big
prog festival in USA, and I plan to start writing on the new Karmakanic record.
You have worked with Pete Sandberg. How did you meet? You have taken part in the
project “Opus Atlantica.” What is you opinion about Pete as a singer?
We
met 1994. He sang on a demo and I liked what I heard, and wanted to make a record together
with him. We started with “Sand and Gold” and after that we made Midnight Sun.We
have made about 8-9 records together. Pete is a very easy going guy. As a singer he is
clever and sings with a lot of routine in his voice.
I find you impossible to beat on the bass. If I say that you are one of the best
bass players in Sweden, what would you say to that?
I thank you for the compliment and it is always pleasing when people tells me that they
like my playing.
You have taken part on many records. What do you remember best?
The latest Flower Kings record! I am very satisfied with my bass playing on that one.
Also, the Sweden bass orchestra where one drumer and eight bass players made a record
together.
What do you think of heavy metal/hardrock in the 21st century?
I think it has a future. More now than 1993 when the grunge came and killed the metal.
I don’t like the "nu-metal" because I prefer melodies in the music.
Do you want to say something to the fans out there?
Be open to new music. Be brave and look for new music. Don’t buy the new
HammerFall, but buy Karmakanic instead!!!!
Thank you Jonas for taking you time to answer my Questions.
Thank you Anders for coming here asking your questions and for taking your time.