Hawkan Manderstedt

Well.. where to start?? well this isn't going to be one of those standard: Born and grew up in Sweden type bios....well, maybe just the first paragraph:) I started playing the piano when I was 4 and decided early to make that my profession when I got my first pro gig at 16. .....
However, after moving to Australia in the late 90's I decided to put music on the shelf for a whie.. Took a 9-5 job and gave up music I met the girl of my dreams here in OZ., Rebecca and life was pretty good, however, eventually the urge to play returned but this time it's not about getting to be as big as possible as quickly as possible.. I am happy to play 2 nights in each town compared to 2 nights in each country, if you know what I mean:)
I have also always enjoyed producing other artists and have about 15 records behind me in that capacity. There is something cool with taking a good but raw talent and bring out the best in them and their songs.. although, at the time they often find me "harsh", I think I can confidently state that non of them have any hard feelings towards me after the session and most of them have agreed with my decisions, at least in hindsight...... I'd say I am fair and honest:) If they suck, I tell them. If they are not giving me their best, I tell them... Favourite line after a good take: Is that the best you can do??? (said in a surprised , half disapointed type voice).
Rebecca is the main thing in my life apart from our dog Zappa, the showband that I am playing with and the few other producing/session musician jobs I take on.... I thoroughly enjoy being on a "lower" level in terms of the world circuit thing and actually enjoy working with building something up rather than stepping into one "finished" high level band to the next as a hired touring musician!...
Well, that is pretty much it about me... oh. is this where I also talk about other interests? Well, I took a degree in Comparative Literature (heaps of time to read on planes and tour busses), so yeah, literature is definitely one. I am also known to enjoy a good cuban cigar with some single malt whiskey or a glass of wine and I definitely won't say no to a beer if I am thirsty;).. but beer to me is a thirst drink.. not something you sit and sip because of the great flavours....
Watch the blog that is about some of mine and others touring anecdotes..a blog where musos can write about things happning to them (or what they did to others) on tour... And don't be afraid to send an add or write a comment to me if you like what you hear and read.. if you don't, well, there are plenty of other muso's on myspace that may suit your tastes better:)
Cheers, hawkan