LAST TRIBE - Magnus Karlsson
Interviewed by Anders Sandvall
Thanks to Playground Music Scandinavia for the promo-pictures taken by
Glenn Larsson.
Pictures of Magnus taken by Anders Sandvall
I met Magnus Karlsson in a cafe’ at a famous place called
Möllevångsmarket (One well known international place for selling
groceries) in Malmö Sweden. The purpose was to talk about the brilliant
new Last Tribe CD WITCH DANCE and his involvement in the group Midnight sun.
The debut album ”THE RITUAL”, what do you think about it today?
For that time being quite good but I prefer the new one more because
I can sign (play) better on that one.
Why
did the follow-up record take so much time?
I think we have worked fast, In less than a year the new record was
ready.
Are you satisfied with the new record WITCH DANCE
I am very satisfied. I want Last Tribe to sound like this.
Can you explain the name Witch Dance?
The song Witch Dance represents Last Tribe and give me and Richard a
chance to show our skills.
You have a very heavy sound on your guitar on this record compared
to your debut. What have you done?
The first record is recorded digitally and with no amp
and on the new one we used new guitars and modern technology and a new
amp.
Which is your favorite on the new album?
”WAKE UP THE WORLD” makes me proud and the instrumental song ”AGADIE” is
also a good one.
Are you planning for a tour with the new record? And are you going to
play in Sweden?
If the record sells good we plan an opening act to some bigger
bands;
If
not we'll discuss a tour through Sweden in the end of the summer.
You write most of the music and lyrics. What gives you inspiration?
From the hard rock in the eighties like Iron maiden and Dio for
example.
Even Irish folk music and jazz-guitarists have inspired me.
There are only you and Richard Bengtsson left in the band. What happened
to the others?
They just tried in the band and they were not permanent members of the
band.
There are two new members in Last Tribe. How did you come to know each
other?
The drummer is an old friend and plays in Midnight Sun. Richard knew the
bassist from the band Armageddon. Both are permanent members of Last
Tribe.
What is your description of the Last Tribe-music?
I consider the music as melodic/prog metal.
You play the guitar in Midnight Sun as well. Are you a permanent member
of the band and do you have time for all this?
Yes I am a permanent member of Midnight Sun. I make my part in the
recording, that is, I walk in and just do the guitar playing.
When can we expect the follow-up record to ”METALMACHINE” the last record
of Midnight Sun? Are there any tour plans for Midnight Sun?
Nothing is
planned. Probably after a follow-up record to ”METALMACHINE”
if the record succeeds commercially.
Do you other projects?
My main concern is Last Tribe and as number two comes Midnight Sun.
I also am involved in a project with Irish folk music and the band is
called Green House. Besides this I am a guitar teacher.
Are you satisfied with your work with Anders ”Theo” Theander and the
Roastinghouse recording studio? Have you had other studios in mind?
I am very satisfied with Anders. We work good together. I am not
strange to try other studios in the future.
What is your opinion of hard rock and metal in the twenty-first century?
Do you see any future for it?
The trend is slow but it is on it’s way back again. I don’t think it will
be as big as it was but there is always room for it.
If I call you 'Yngwie Malmsteen of the twenty-first century' what do you say?
You give me a big compliment but I think Malmsteen would look upon it as
an insult.
What do you listen to at home?
Right now the middle and the end of the Saxon era. Vadem Plas. Their
new record is a real hit. One of my biggest heroes of all time is Dio.
Do you have anything to say to the fans out there?
If you like melodic metal you are a member of Last Tribe and understand
what heavy metal is all about.
Thank you, Magnus for taking you time to answer my questions.
I am only glad to satisfy your interest in Last Tribe. It was a pleasure
to talk to you Anders.
Official Site: www.lasttribe.net