MAJESTIC: VOODOO TREASURE (2000)..
RICHARD ANDERSSON INTERVIEW
I have gotten a lot of mail, asking different things about Richard Andersson - about his playing, music, rehearsing. etc. Andersson Fansite wants to give a rare moment to fans, by making Q and A with Mr. Andersson himself. Some of these questions are what people have sent to me during past months when fansite has been open and sometime ago, a few lucky ones from the friend list got a golden ticket, to ask something in this interview. What matters the most is, that all these questions are only from the fans.
Juha
SOLO PLAYING
What scales and patterns do you use for your keyboard solos?
Richard : Well, my most-used scales are harmonic minors, diminished Phrygians, some chromatics, plus pure majors and minors. You can learn these from any music lesson books that cover basic chord and key structures.
I think that the solo in “Watching The Tower Of The Skies†is like an anthem to metal keysolos. How long did it take you to make it (compose and play)?
Richard : Most of my solos are improvised and recorded on a second or third shot. Sometimes I replay some of the stuff I first recorded. I simply pick out the ideas that comes out first.
What is your most difficult solo to play?
Richard : It’s when I have to play stuff I’ve played before. Like when you try to copy a good solo you’ve done earlier. That’s pretty tough since I play almost inporvised.
What are your Top3 favourite keyboardists of all time?
Richard : J. S. Bach, Glenn Gould and Jens Johansson
When you make your solos on album, do you just press REC or do you do lots of improvisation?
Richard : I simply go on red directly. Hopefully it turn out good in the end.
If you get a brilliant idea for the solo and it turns out to be very difficult to play, do you start to work it slowly and add tempo or do you just play it over and over again, till you rule it?
Richard : If I come up with a good idea I might jam around and then put it in context with the other stuff.
PRACTISING AND BACKGROUND:
How long have you played keyboards and do you have a classical background?
Richard : I’ve started to play keys at a very early age. I was 6 yeas old when I first attended the keyboard. I have played ever since. I have never taken lessons and always been playing by the ears picking stuff out from my taperecorder.
Do you play any other instrument than keyboard?
Richard : Oh yes! I know how to play most instruments. I can tell you I probably been playing the shit out of many of my drummers. Bassplayers as well!!!
How often do you practice and for how long?
Richard : I never practice nowadays! I stopped practising 10 years ago. Then I got my kids that were far more interesting. Today I play a lot of classical stuff on piano. Right now I am going through the Goldberg variations. I can tell you that’s not a easy task to handle!!!
When you are not sitting next to keyboard or piano, do you do any finger rehearsing like on a table, while you are watching TV etc.?
Richard : Yes! I am always doing finger drumming etc. Many people think I am quite disturbed going on like that.
I have read from some interview, that you run a lot and take care of yourself. Do you think that this has a lot to do with your playing?
Richard : Absolutely! Without healthcare like doing a lot of running, cycling , swimming etc. I probably would not have the patience playing the way I am.
When you were young, did you spent hours learning your heroes’ solos, or did you focus on making your own music from the very beginning?
Richard : I have always composed songs as far as I can remember! I though tried to copy my favourite players for fun.
What is your favourite piece of equipment?…, like your favourite type of keyboard...?
Richard : Well! I am stucked with my old Roland JD-800. I have special keys on that one. Specially ordered from a Japanese key builder! The original’s are to plastic and crappy! They broke all the time. The new ones are very solid and heavy with a metal weight on each key. Like a mix between keyboards and real piano.
MUSIC, TOURING
What is a normal composing day for you? Up early and directly to play or .. ?
Richard : No! Not at all! I compose when I am about to do a record. I start and end 3 months later. Extremely well organized and hard focused. After then I do not compose.
When you compose music, do you trust to impulsive composing? If you don’t get any idea during first 15 min do you leave keyboard alone for a moment or do you just play and play, till something great comes up?
Richard : When I come up with an idea I work it out in my head for a couple of days before I enter my studio. Then I put the stuff on my computer and do all the arrangements and orchestration.
How did you get (or create) the Gregorian chant sample on the end of the song "Time Requiem�
Richard : Can’t remember! Probably a feeling I had at that time.
I would to know how the collaboration was born with Patrik Johansson and why you have decided to add him for singing on your two albums?
Richard : I have never had problem finding musicians. I simply get a hint from a friend or so calling the person up and most of the time he’s familiar with my work. So! We jam around in my studio and very quickly go on to work on the records. That’s how it was with Patrik.
I have read, that Majestic did a video of “Voodoo Treasureâ€. Where can I see this video? I have searched for it a long time without result.
Richard : It’s in my computer and it’s been there for quite a long time. I have promised a bunch of people putting it on the Internet. We’ll see!!!
What are your plans in near future? New Time Requiem/Space Odyssey?
Richard : I am always up to something.
Which modern metal keyboardist(s) do you respect?.
Richard : I am not that up to date about other keyboarders! To be honest I don’t know any!
What is the best moment in your musical career?
Richard : When I was in Japan for the first time! Playing in front of thousand Japanese people! Crazy!!!
I would like to know why you're not much on tour lately and if we will have the opportunity to see you perform in South America in the future?
Richard : Well! That’s a step I have taken in my career! I have decided to be close to my family not going on the road living that life! In fact I have mostly been interested in studio works. Nowadays I have been more open to going on the road. Unfortunately the record companies won’t put any money into such ideas. You have to sell many records before they put you on the road.
Last, and most popular question:
What is your advice for all keyboardmaniacs out there to become a better and better player?
Richard : Play with your ears and not your fingers! Record yourself and listen to how it sounds. Listen to other good musicians and try to figure out how they do. Capture the feeling!!!
Thank you very much for answering these questions. If you want to say something to the fans, feel free to send your regards.
STAY METAL!
///Richard
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