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Band page - Ripe
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Band Profile
What is your name and your current position in the band?
Michael Bastholm Dahl - Vocals
Bob Thunder: Bass
Peter Egtved: Drums
Jacob Højgård Olsen: Lead guitar
Jeppe Høiby : Rhythm guitar
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?
The style is melodic heavy metal with a lot of influences from metal throughout the ages. As a band, I don't think we are going to change that much. Our plan is to stick to our guns and play metal the way we like it, powerful, melodic and heavy.
As far as other styles go, I think all of us in the band has tried different kinds of music. Both classical, jazz, blues and musical. It adds to the perspective in the creative process.
What is your latest album and why should people buy it?
Our latest album is "A Moment of Forever", and the reason why people should by it, is because its relevant, touching, empowering and honest!
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 was formed in 2001 by our bassist Bob Thunder. The band underwent several lineup changes until the fall of 2008, when Michael Bastholm Dahl (me) joined the band and now has the current line-up. Before that, Drummer Peter Egtved, Guitarist Jeppe Høiby and Jacob Højgård Olsen had been searching for a singer to fill in. So, how we met is over a longer period, but I, personally, was kindly asked to audition and from then on, it has been a blast on the upwards scale. At first we made an EP called "Razorblade Kiss", which was well received and we played a few good gigs following that. Afterwards, the main recordings of "A Moment of Forever" began and, having a successful meeting with Mighty Music was could see ourselves as a signed band, and that's what I would call a crucial moment!
Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
No, I don't think that, if you have continued this long, that you ever wonder too much about that. If you do, I guess it becomes a problem and that changes your focus, and that's why people leave the music business. Ripe's plan was to continue striving upwards, no matter what!
Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
1) When I, on a tired Sunday afternoon, hung over as a raccoon, laid down the initial vocal tracks for the title track for the record. I didn't believe I could do it, but it turned out great and very emotional. I'm very proud of that track.
2) When we got signed and afterwards were able to hold the record in our hands. It's the moment that you have been waiting for, for so many years, indescribable.
How is the writing process in the band?
Hmm, that seems to change a little bit, but this record was written in the fashion, that the raw tracks were laid down at first, and then I would write lyrics for it. Next time we might change that around and see how that works. Keeps the process fresh and creative.
What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?
At first, I think the imagery of being creative, make a living out of it, experiencing life on its many facets and not in the least play great rock n' roll concerts that would move people.
Otherwise, I always dreamed about being a writer, because I love books, and books, like music, is or can be, rebellious and open your mind.
Do you have any idols? If yes, who?
Oh, many idols, I'm a huge fan of many artist, but to name a few:
Lemmy Kilmister: because he is an enduring force on the scene, and he never gives up!
AC/DC: For making you smile on even the worst of days and staying true to themselves.
Judas Priest: For being metal and not afraid of trying out new terrain.
Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Slayer, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper etc etc, I mean, the list goes on and on hehe
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, apart from, on a personal level, that you sometimes spend too much time with the wrong people. But, as things is now, no regrets at all!
Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
No, we love all our songs hehe
How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
As a singer, the lyrics is of course very important. But, also I guess, that the lyrical themes reflects in the music, so, yes, very important.
What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
Hmm, it's hard to think anything I guess, because nobody knows where its going. It's funny, because, in the past, the record companies were the people with the money but also the attitude about things, which would make the musicians protest against lack of independence and creative control, and now, many of the record companies are almost penniless due to what they claim is illegal download. Which makes the musicians frustrated, because the economical side of things now, is such an imposing matter on the artists personally, although that gives them more control, but less money to do it with.
So, I would wish, that a certain kind of clarity would descend upon the music industry - we want to keep this train rolling baby!
What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?
In the past, the record companies should have made an agreement with Napster instead of just simply try to crush them and then actually push the file sharing part into the real depth of crime.
I guess it's here to stay, but, what you should aspire to, is, that your benefits in supporting the band(s) that you like, should be much more visible.
At first, cd's should be cheaper, and already online sites like Itunes and the alike, makes purchasing music much easier and cheaper. Then further on, you should receive a certain access to the band. More background material, record all concerts and make them possible to download in the FLAC format etc.
So, to fight it in the best possible way, is maybe to embrace it and make it, in the end, maybe a minor option compared to the product you are able to purchase legally.
Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?
Stay true to your yourself, your values, family and friends.
The truth lies in the paradox
Everything is a circle
Stride for balance, not for extremities
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
Reading books, listening to music, work (of course.), writing material, playing music, being on the internet, hanging out with people
What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
Reading books, partying, meeting up with people you like, experiences of all sorts, walks, watching movies
What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
We once played a show, where the stage was loaded with electricity of some sort, and you felt it immediately when you went on stage. Which resulted in, that, whenever somebody would go near another person, you would get a feeling of being electrocuted!
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:
Bruce Dickinson: The Chemical Wedding
AC/DC: Highway to Hell
Judas Priest: Painkiller
Books:
Edgar Allan Poe: Collective works
Arturo Pérez-Reverte: The Dumas Club
W.T. Jones: A History of Western Philosophy
Movies:
Roman Polanski: The 9th Gate
Francis Ford Coppola: Dracula
Tim Burton: Ed Wood
What is your favourite joke?
"That's what she said!" - it's efficient, you can comply it to almost anything, the wackier the better!
Can you tell us about any future plans for you and your band?
Touring, writing new material, having fun, record an album, having fun, touring - hopefully meet good people, expand our "playground" - world domination
Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.
Hi everybody! - thanks for supporting Ripe and supporting RevelationZ magazine! - keep metal and rock n' roll alive in your ears and in your hearts!
All the best!
Ripe!
Added by Steen - 4/25/2010
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