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Band page - Clonecircle
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Band Profile
What is your name and your current position in the band?
My name is Martin Hellgren and I'm the singer and bass player in Clonecircle.
The rest of the band is:
Morten Sandberg: Lead guitar (keys, programming)
Thomas Y: Guitar
Kim Kvist: Drums
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?
We call our style "gothic industrial metal". It is mostly metal but with strong influences from both gothic culture and industrial electronics. Beyond that we are inspired by almost anything else.
We have a strong visual approach to music and it's always a priority to let the music reflect that. Clonecircle is the soundtrack to the images in your head!
We have all played lots of different styles of music, but Clonecircle is where we found common ground. It is home, and certainly my music of choice.
What is your latest album and why should people buy it?
Our sophomore album "Behind the Wire" will be released in Denmark January 11th 2010 and internationally in May.
If you like metal with a twist and enjoy both distorted guitars and songs with melody and choruses then this is for you. The album is diverse but it still keeps its style and attitude intact. Buy it if you like it!
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?
Clonecircle was founded by Morten Sandberg and me in 2002. Originally it began as a studio project but soon it was clear to us that a band was needed to complete the sound. We knew Kim Kvist and Thomas Y from way back in the local underground and in 2004 they joined the line up and we played the first live show in Randers, Denmark in January 2005. From the beginning it was important to have a strong visual presence and already then the show incorporated costumes, synchronised video back drops and lots of lighting effects. The event has since grown to an annual one night festival called "Midwinter Meltdown".
The debut album "Superimposed" was released in Denmark and online in 2006. The following year we played a number of shows around Denmark mostly alongside Mercenary - but the album failed to make it onto the international market.
The next project was a new album and new business partners. It took some time but I think we have taken the music in the right direction. We will be releasing the second album "Behind the Wire" January 11th 2010 through our own label, MsM Production. Furthermore this time we are in collaboration with Target Distribution who surely knows their way around rock and metal and can make things happen.
So hopefully there's lot's to do in the future!
Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
Any band should wonder about that if they've got ambitions. But we play the music we like the way we think it should be and the rest is not really up to us. I think you should be proud of your music but humble to your audience. If you have the skill and the luck you'll make it somewhere. So we'll see how far that is.
Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
Lot's of favourite moments! We are quite good friends and enjoy each others company. That's one of the greatest things about the band.
How is the writing process in the band?
Most songs are written in our studio and then finished in rehearsal. Sometimes they evolve from lose fragments and ideas already recorded, sometimes an almost complete song is taken to studio and rehearsal. I usually take charge of the vocal arrangements while we all contribute to writing the music.
What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?
Well, we can't exactly make a living from the music - yet - so we've all got our jobs on the side - most of us in graphics and video production. It is fine by me cause the music doesn't have to generate a profit, which means that we have total artistic freedom. Besides we have good use of our professions in the band because we can do covers, videos and such ourselves.
Do you have any idols? If yes, who?
Personally I must admit I have a weakness for the theatrical performers: David Bowie, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Marilyn Manson, Rammstein.
Every stage performance is fake so you might as well admit it! And I like when somebody makes the extra effort.
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?
No regrets yet!
Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
Not really. Even if a song is not your personal favourite, live it is still great to play a song that really generates a response.
How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
Well, since I write the lyrics off course it's important to me personally. But I have no illusions about people listening to lyrics - very few do - so the song must work even if you don't listen to the words. That being said the lyrics will off course contribute to the overall mood of the music by choice of words etc.
What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
The music industry is clearly in change. The good thing is that it is no longer restricted to a few major players. On the other hand the money's gone. We as artists need the industry to some degree if we want to be able to spend time and money on the music. If you're a big name there's money in touring but who's going to show up if you don't have the money to produce recordings? It's a synergy and a new balance will surely emerge.
What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?
I don't think there is a lot to do. As long as people have the delusion that music is just something you do in no time, with no effort and without expenses in your living room it's not going to stop. The technology is just too easy to use.
Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?
Well, I believe in a sort of every day karma. My general experience is that if you treat people with respect they will give it back to you. And if they don't you move on. Simple really.That doesn't mean that life's a cookie and all is fine but it means that you've got back up when you need it. And remember that if you have the right to be different so does everybody else.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
It's really not that interesting. What I have to say can hopefully be found in my lyrics.
What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
I like to draw and read books. It's a bit like meditation. And to get drunk but that's not like meditation.
What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
Must have been when the hard disk player tumbled over on stage (we play with electronic backtracks that need to be in sync), forwarded some random seconds in the middle of a song. It was pretty hard to keep a straight face that night. Otherwise the old saying "what happens on the road stays on the road" pretty much applies.
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)
Well, probably a bunch of survival guides would be the wise choice.
Albums: Marilyn Manson: Holy Wood, In Flames: Come Clarity, Depeche Mode: Black Celebration.
Movies: X-files the series (does that count?), Lord of the Rings trilogy, Star Wars.
Books: Dan Simmons: Hyperion, Bram Stoker: Dracula, Umberto Eco: The name of the Rose.
That would be my current pick though it might look completely different tomorrow.
What is your favourite joke?
Far right wing politics or media induced mass panic attacks - I can't really decide.
Can you tell us about any future plans for you and your band?
Right now it's time to promote the new album in Denmark and hopefully we'll meet you out there on the road some time next year.
Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.
Hey there RevelationZ readers! If you like metal and melody with song writing in the middle and lots of mood creating soundscapes on the side check out the new Clonecircle album "Behind the Wire" - you'll like it!
See you at www.clonecircle.com or somewhere out there in 2010!
Added by Steen - 12/16/2009
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