SOURCE – Verkligheten is the latest Soilwork album. What was the thought process and game plan behind the development and execution of this set of songs?
Bastian Thusgaard (Drums) – It is common for Soilwork to always develop and experiment with our sound and song writing. Basically we don’t want to release the same album over and over again. We love to surprise ourselves and our fans with something different than the previous album. With ‘Verkligheten’ it was not different. We really wanted to mark a new chapter of Soilwork with this album. ‘Verkligheten’ is an extension of The Living Infinite and The Ride Majestic in a way.
The darkness and melancholy of those album has been developed even more on ‘Verkligheten’ and despite the darkness our new album is somehow very uplifting.
SOURCE – What can you share about the recently released video for Stålfågel track?
Bastian Thusgaard (Drums) – ‘Stålfågel’ is in a way the soundtrack of ‘Verkligheten’ I would say. It’s about flying into nowhere and being sort of weightless in your attempt to escape the reality. Escaping reality when it becomes to harsh and constantly reminds you of the struggles you have to face in your own reality. The video illustrates, in a fantasy kinda way, that place where you are safe and free from worries. The time out from reality.
SOURCE – Do you see the video medium being as important in the social media age as it was for those 80’s and 90’s years when Headbangers Ball was a staple on MTV?
Bastian Thusgaard (Drums) – Yes and no. The video medium is very nice and an important way of getting out there on social media which is basically everything these days. I think the struggle is about the load of news feed you have today on every platform. It makes people impatient. Often you will just read the first few lines of a post and then you are off to the next one. You rarely finish anything. It is the same with videos, they have to be very short and precise which makes it difficult to present a 3-4 minute music video I think.
SOURCE – What qualities do you believe are important when developing and shaping the material that Soilwork releases album to album?
Bastian Thusgaard (Drums) – I think that in the writing process, it is very important to remember that you should first of all write music for yourself. Don’t get me wrong, we have never taken our fans for granted and never will. What I mean is that if you, as a musician, believe in what you put out, fans will pick up on that. We try to write what we like and don’t pay much attention to what is expected from us or the sub-genres we are known for blending in. It always ends up sounding like Soilwork one way or another. It is definitely my impression that the typical Soilwork fan like that element of surprise in our releases and we really appreciate that fans keep joining our musical endeavors.
SOURCE – What are some aspects of the metal scene that you believe the average fan or consumer has a tough time understanding that go into specific decisions when it comes to band activities or choices that have to be made over a career?
Bastian Thusgaard (Drums) – I think one topic is lineup changes. Being a touring musician is not a typical job at all, but it is important to understand that musicians meets the same struggles like everyone else. Sickness, tragedies, a need for change, etc. Those things are happening everywhere all the time and explains why some bands rely on touring session musicians. You always do everything in your power to make things happen, but sometimes everyday life doesn’t allow it.
SOURCE – Do you believe it’s even more important today to develop band chemistry as you get older for the overall success of your endeavors?
Bastian Thusgaard (Drums) – Yes I think it is very important. During recordings and tours you have to work and live very close with many people, so if you can’t stand each other, you have a problem. You can always find things to disagree over, but the important thing is to talk and respect that everyone is entitled to their opinion. It takes a lot of understanding and patience sometimes, but everything is just easier and funnier when you are all feeling good about things.
SOURCE – Obviously technology has changed the delivery of music platforms beyond the physical realm into digital/streaming opportunities. I’m curious to know if you think this has also changed the ways humans absorb and retain music these days – especially newer music over the past decade or so, in comparison to the previous generations?
Bastian Thusgaard (Drums) – It has definitely changed. I think we are lucky in the metal genre, cause fans are still very loyal to bands. The buy merchandise, they like to own the physical releases and listens to entire albums. Something that I think is very unique in times where more popular music is very much based on releasing singles now and then. I think that approach kills the classic album a little bit.
SOURCE – Thanks so much for talking with me. Anything else you wanna say?
Bastian Thusgaard (Drums) – You are absolutely welcome. Thank you. We are currently touring in Europe bringing our new album to life. It is really fantatic and the response we get is amazing. Something we are really proud of. Keep an eye our for the Soilwork train. We will see you out there!
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