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 -What is your name and your current position in the band?
Kai Nergaard-guitar player
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?
Griffin was formed in late '98. We started playing around, just having fun. However, after just a couple of rehearsals, we realized that this was not just another project. Based on our love and passion for the same music style, we decided to pursue our mutual dreams and ambitions by making a 100% effort and commitment to Griffin. The only kind of devotion this band deserves.
We grew up listening to the masters of metal from the 70's and 80's, and our goal will always be to focus on the energy and vitality of the best bands from that era, both visually and musically. The classic heavy metal from Norway has never received much attention, because of the massive exposure of Black Metal. We wanted to change that!
Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
There are moments in everyones life when things might don't go very well and you think that you won`t make it.We have been through that too. We have been told that we couldnt make it and it was hard to let their expectations go and do what our hearts told us. But,we thought: why did we enter the competition if we didnt want to win?
We were very decided to achieve this and with hard work and help from some good friends, we have managed to bring this band to a level we never expected in the first place. We take one step at a time.
What is your latest album and why should people buy it?
Our latest album is called "LIFEFORCE".I think it`s just as simple and strong as life is. Don`t expect it to be something new, because it isn't. Our purpose was to make an album which contained catchy hard rock songs, nothing more, nothing less,
and we want people to see it just like that.
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?
I heard for some that we would have power-influences.It`s not true.Our style is in the hard rock/heavy metal area. About tackling a new style,we don`t have this on mind now,like making a 180 degrees turn.But i think our next album will be a little harder and more agressive.
Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
Well,I think one of the great moments each of us has is being on the stage and playing for people who enjoy our music. A very nice and funny moment that we shared was when we played at Wacken Open Air Festival in 2004 and our bus broke down several times during one night. We barely made it to the festival. We parked our wreck of a bus alongside fancy nightliners belonging to Children Of Bodom, Anthrax, etc, and all of them were taking pictures of it, and laughing their asses off.
-How is the writing process in the band?
Johnny, the bass player, and I, usually write the material. On the last album,I have written about 80% of the material, lyrics and music, and I write it simultaneously, because I'm looking for the same feeling to the song.
What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?
I grew up listening to hard rock, and like any other rock-kid, I performed in front of the mirror with Kiss make-up, dreaming of playing big arenas with screaming chicks.You know, being on stage, feeling that adrenaline,it's a rush. I like it the way it is now, small enough to not lose focus, and big enough to know that people on the other side of the world likes what we do. About taking other paths besides music,i have a job too,I dont play music to pay the bills :-).
Do you have any idols? If yes, who?
Not idols, only influences like Pink Floyd, Megadeth, AC/DC, KISS, etc.
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 have tons of regrets, and I'm not completely satisfied with anything I've done musically. I gotta strive to get better all the time, otherwise, it's no point doing this. You are never fully educated musically.
Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
I don't like to refer to people that likes our music as fans, it's short for fanatic, but usually we agree on what's good and bad. They like to let me know when I screw up.
How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
Some of the lyrics mean more to me than others, but it's no point having lousy riffs to cool lyrics. I'm not trying to educate people, but I like to think that metal heads actually pay attention, so I'm putting a lot of effort into it lyrically.
What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
It`s a mess! I never learn the business part of it, and I'm still being too naive. I actually expect some idealism behind all the dollar signs. Everybody is expecting you to invent something new all the time, and because many labels demand that, there are a lot of bands making compromises. This sucks! Fortunately, there are still honest and devoted people in this industry. An example would be Andy LaRoque.
What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?
This thing is like a disease. There are more and more people who stop buying original albums and start downloading the songs from the internet,or they start getting in the piracy business and make unauthorized recordings of the prerecordings. I dont think there is a "best way" to fight it,i dont think there`s even a way, as long as people won`t understand the significant negative impact of piracy on the music industry. Piracy makes it tougher to survive and even tougher to break through. Everything is up to the listener.
Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?
It may sound funny,but since i read a book called,"The Tao of the Pooh" by Benjamin Hoff,my life has made a good turn.I have learnt that each of us can live a good and not complicated life,if we let things go their way.Everything has a solution,earlier or later,and the most important,we shouldnt create non-existent problems.To quote from the book, we should know that "When you discard arrogance, complexity, and a few other things that get in the way, sooner or later you will discover that simple, childlike, and mysterious secret: Life is fun."
 - Can you describe a typical day in your life?
I wake up in the morning, go to work, find ideas for new songs, come home, find ideas for new songs, masturbate, go to sleep, dream, find ideas for new songs..
What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
I spend and enjoy my free time with my kids.
What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
Still to come, my friend!
Added by Steen - 1/25/2006
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