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Band page - Leprous
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Band Profile
What is your name and your current position in the band?
Tor Oddmund Suhrke, guitar / backing vocals
How would you categorize the style of the band? And did you ever consider or try playing other styles of music than the one(s) you are playing now?
It's difficult to put our music in one specific category, but you can say that we are a hard-hitting progressive rock/metal band with a strong focus on melody and groove, not afraid of experimenting. If we wanted to play a completely different genre, we would simply form a new band. All members of the band are interested in many different styles of music, so we're not just a bunch of metalheads. ;)
What is your latest album and why should people buy it?
Our latest album, Tall Poppy Syndrome, is worth buying because it stands out from many other albums I've heard. Of course we gather inspiration from many other bands and artists, but I still feel we manage to colour our music with our own special twist.
Tell us about the history of the band. More specifically, when was the band formed, how did you meet, and have there been any particular highlights or low points in your career, any crucial events that have taken you where you are today?
The band in its current format hasn't been around too long. We started out as a sort of "school band" in 2001. The only original members are myself and Einar Solberg (vocals / synth). After a couple of years, we hooked up with Halvor Strand (bass). It wasn't until 2004, when Silent Waters was made, that the band started to form its own sound. Right after the demo, Øystein S. Landsverk (guitar / backing vocals) joined the band, and the first songs for our first album Aeolia (2006) were in the making. A while after Aeolia was recorded, we completed our present line-up when Tobias Ø. Andersen (drums) joined. When he joined the band we had already written some of the material on Tall Poppy Syndrome (2009), but we wrote a lot more after that, and revised the old. The album was written over a period of about 2 years, so that might help explain the diversity of it.
I think that the band slowly has evolved from being a "school band" to a professional band, so as of today I don't think there has been any low points for Leprous.
Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
Leprous was my first band, and when we started the band we were very young (I had just turned 15). Since 2001 and until recently we have been just a "local" band, but we have never given up our hope to be able to release our music and make a living out of it. Lately we've taken some huge steps on our way of reaching our goal of making it in the industry, but only time will tell.
Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
While recording and mixing Tall Poppy Syndrome in Pärlby (Sweden), we tricked Jonas Kjellgren (the sound engineer) to believe that it's a Norwegian custom to eat bananas without peeling them (of course by doing it ourselves in front of him). He finally called his Norwegian friend Horgh (from Immortal) to confirm whether this was true or not. I think he still believes that we like our bananas this way.
How is the writing process in the band?
Everybody in the band takes part in finding the sound we're looking for. The "perfect" song often depends on everybody contributing. First of all either me, Einar or Øystein has created some drafts at home (a few riffs). Then we all meet in the rehearsal room to put it all together. You can say that the reason for the varied feel in our music is that Leprous consists of five different persons, each adding its own personal flavour to it. We seldom use the first version of the song, because when the song starts to sink in, we usually find several parts that can be altered. As for the songs on Tall Poppy Syndrome, they were created over a long time period, so they have all been through a substantial editing process before we recorded them. We never create songs just to impress people with our technical skills. We simply create stuff that we really enjoy ourselves, and if it doesn't get the goosebumps going, it isn't good enough, hehe.
What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?
Basically I started playing guitar, and six months later we started Leprous. Along with our skills improving we got more and more serious about the band, and I reckon that all band members hope to be able to make a living out of playing music. Besides Leprous, I've also just finished my education as a physical therapist, and I hope that I can continue combining these two professions.
Do you have any idols? If yes, who?
Through the years I've had many inspirations, but nobody has ever stood out as a great idol in my eyes. I think it's important to create your own style, and not just try to copy each other.
Do you have any regrets looking back at your career? For example any songs or even full albums that you regret recording? If so, what made you regret it?
I can't think of anything worth regretting.
Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
I think it's a bit weird when people think the songs on our first demo outrank our new songs. Since Silent Waters we've improved our technical and arranging skills substantially. A part from that, I find it positive that people have their own favorite songs. That just means that all our music has the potential of catching someone's ear.
How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
Although the lyrics play an important role in every song, we've always been more focused on our music than the lyrics. Still, as one of the lyric authors I probably rate the lyrical aspect in our songs higher than some of the other guys.
What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
As of now I'm satisfied with just being a part of the music industry, hehe. On the other hand, I think it's sad that it gets harder and harder for musicians to make their living out of playing music. There are both positive and negative sides regarding the availability of today's music. The good thing is that it's easier for bands to get their music "out there". Some of the negative things are that illegal downloading forces the entire music industry to make money elsewhere, leading to more expensive concerts, festivals going bankrupt, and so on. I also think that people gets a different relationship to the music they download, compared to music you buy on a CD. I know that I prefer buying CD's instead of downloading music (illegal or not).
What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?
I can't think of any easy way of fighting piracy. Maybe one crucial step would be embracing it, and try to combine the possibility of downloading "free" music, but in a way that the music industry still gets paid (like Spotify) Also, if paying for the music gave any benefits, apart from a clear conscience, then maybe people would be more interested in doing so.
Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?
I haven't really thought about that before. I think the most important thing is being true to yourself, and being able to live with the things that you choose to do. If you manage to be yourself, and make decisions based on your own ethics, then you've come a long way.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
A typical day in my life usually consists of girlfriend, food, music, work, internet, TV & friends.
What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
I try to be physically active every day; playing football, running, swimming, etc. I like reading, watching TV/films, cooking, etc. I also like just hanging out with my friends.
What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
The craziest thing ever must be the time our bassist (Halvor) drank a glass of juice before playing a concert.
You're heading off to live on a deserted island for a couple of years with your portable entertainment system... Which albums, movies or books would you bring? (Max. 3 of each)
Albums: Emperor: Prometheus, Opeth: Ghost Reveries & Palpatine Rising: Palpatine Rising
Movies:"The Lost Boys", "Hard To Kill" &"Kimble: Fotbollshunden"
What is your favourite joke?
I actually still haven't heard it. ;)
Can you tell us about any future plans for you and your band?
First of all we're very satisfied with the progress the band has made lately; record deal, management, CD release, great reviews, playing with Ihsahn, etc. Further we wish to present our material live as much as possible. We know that Sensory (record label) and Intromental (management) are putting a lot of work in promoting and supporting us, and we're very grateful.
Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.
I hope you will all give us a chance, and listen to our music. If you like it you're very welcome to come see us live. If you don't like it you're still very welcome to come see us live, so that you might change your mind. ;)
Added by Steen - 7/12/2009
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