Like a bat out of hell. A kick in the gut when youʼre already down. Addictive, straightforward, tough, ironic and dead serious. All at once. Satan Takes A Holiday grabs the rocker by the neck and does not let go until you shake your butt to the point of beverage spill.
We talked with Fred Burman about the new album and more:
1. First of all introduce the band please.
We are Satan Takes A Holiday and the members are myself -Fred Burman (Vocals, Guitar), Danne McKenzie (Drums) and Johannes Lindsjöö (Bass).
2. I’m sure you always get this question, but why did you choose Satan Takes a Holiday as the band's name?
It’s really just a fun sounding name we found on song (by Anton Lavey) on a compilation på the members of the Cramps. There’s also a lot of visual treats you can apply when you’re named Satan something…
3. You released your new album on February 24th, tell us about the recording and writing process.
We started writing Aliens almost immediately after the release of Animal Man Woman in January of 2015, when Danne joined the band. We did a first recording in the fall of 2015 which resulted in the first two songs (the Beat and More is More) and they pretty much set the sound for the album. It took us almost another year of writing before we recorded the remaining songs and completed the album in Studio Dustward in Stockholm.
4. In the cover of the album you appear with your faces painted in white, are you going to do that live?
It’s actually silver make up. And yes, we have had that on stage on a couple of occasions, but it gets kind of messy - we are a live act that pours of sweat, so it might be something we save for special shows and shorter sets.
5. Why did you decide to play that mix between Rock’nRoll and Garage Rock and which are you biggest influences?
We were inspired to start a band after listening to the Cramps and the Sonics and we wanted to do something in that frame of mind but in a contemporary way that didn’t feel like we were trying to sound like we were born in the 50s or 60s. I would say we have influences coming from every decade.
6. Your next dates are only in Sweden, Finland and Denmark, is there any chance to play more shows around Europe, maybe the States too?
There’s a European leg of the tour being planned for september right now! And we will continue to tour for several months after that as well… But the best thing you could do if you’re a fan and want us to come to your town - let the clubs and promoters know!
7. For many Metalheads thinking about Sweden is thinking about Death Metal. Do you listen to it?
I indulge in the likes of Entombed, Mr Death and At the Gates from time to time, but I’m not a strict metalhead.
8. How is the scene in Sweden right now from your perspective as a musician?
I think there’s always exciting things going on in Sweden, since almost forever it seems. But I couldn’t say if we are harbouring the next big thing, but I bet you could catch an awesome live show in Stockholm every week.
9. What do you use to do in your free time that is not related with music?
I like to spend time with my family. And I’m a gamer and big fan of movies. So, pop culture in general I guess. Preferably Sci-fi and Horror, but anything that has an emotional impact is good stuff to me.
10. Big or small venues?
Both! Damnit, that’s always a hard question to answer. We have been doing strum sized support shows, and that’s an amazing experience. But shows where you can barely make room for your feet can be the greatest thing as well.
11. If you have the opportunity to tour all around the world with a line-up you can choose which other 3 bands would you put there to share the experience and which kind of tour would be?
How about STAH, At the Drive-in, Bon Iver and Frank Ocean. We would have very little in common except the emotional intensity. I’d go see that!
12. Your best live experience and the worst one?
When we toured Spain with Imperial State Electric our first show was in Madrid and 10 minutes before our stage time the venue was empty and we really didn’t know what to expect. Once we hit the stage though, the place was packed and got this immediate loving response and the best show!
And sometimes, for different reasons, things don’t go as planned and you play in front pretty much non-existing crowds. But it can still be a great show and you really connect with the few that did show up. But there was this one time in Finland after a really long drive, when we did a show in front of two people that really wasn’t that interested but I guess it would be too uncomfortable to leave since they were the only ones haha. That was a bizarre and shitty night.
13. You have a successful band and you shared the stage with big names, would you like to grow more or are you ok staying at this point? What else do you want to do as musician to feel totally realised?
I would like for more people to hear and experience us and our music, so yeah - we’re working on growing all the time. Though, if this was as far as i t got I wouldn’t regret anything. And as long as we’re having fun on the way it’s all worth it.
Every new song, every album, every show is one step longer than I though in the beginning of this band.
14. Any advice for new bands?
Do and play what feels good and makes sense to you. Don’t force it.
15. Any funny story you would like to share with your followers?
Not really. But a fun fact, perhaps: Me and Johannes have our own coffee shop in Stockholm called Louie Louie.
Check it out, come visit!
16. Anything else to add?
No, I’m happy with this!
Thanks!
Thank you!
Interview by Fani Nadki
Thanks to Marta and Despotz Records
