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Hi,
first off I just want to congratulate you on your new album. To
newfans could your please fill us in on the history behind it
all?
Griffin - Well, this is an
excellent opportunity to guide new listeners to our website
located at www.griffin.no. Check out the biography, forum,
pictures and videos.
How has your new album been received by the media?
Griffin - Mostly good, kind of
like we expected. I mean, we’re not trying to invent something
new here. It’s basically just a hard rock album, but a good,
honest and catchy one. The ones that don’t expect us to
re-invent the genre, but appreciate pounding riffs and nice
melodies, seem to like it very much. Journalists that like
Norwegian Black Metal hate it.
I know artists don¹t like to put a label on their music - but
a spaceship from outer space has just landed in your backyard, and
is demanding an answer - so how would you describe your music to
an alien from another galaxy?
Griffin
- I
would say that this album makes you want to have a good time, get
wasted and fuck around.
If your music was an emotion, which one would it be?
Griffin
- Frustration,
maybe. That’s’ what triggers the song writing process, anyway.
When I sit down with the guitar, a pen and a piece of paper,
it’s usually because I’m philosophizing too much over
unanswered questions.
Who and what inspires you when you write a song? Walk us
through the creation of a song?
Griffin
- I
get inspired by being with creative people, and luckily I work at
a theatre, so I’m surrounded by creativity all the
time. If I’m involved in a good production, I usually write a
lot. Lyrics and music are usually written at the same time,
anywhere, anytime. I usually have some riffs made out in my head
so that I can write lyrics no matter where I am.
Which subjects do your lyrics refer to, and who writes them?
And what inspires you when you write your lyrics?
Griffin
- I
write about 80% of lyrics and music, and inspiration often comes
from madness. I’m fascinated by the subject, and I like to dive
into the world of insanity. I don’t have to look far for
material, because I usually carry my head on my shoulders.
Who has produced and mixed the album? Are you pleased with the
result?
Griffin
- Andy
LaRocque, guitar player from King Diamond mixed and mastered the
album. He did a perfect job. To him, metal is a form of art, and
it was an honour just being in the same room with him. It’s the
first time I’m 100% pleased with the production on one of our
albums, and I have a strong feeling I’ll work with him again.
Who has done the artwork? And how important do you feel it is
to have a great cover?
Griffin
- I
don’t even remember her name right now, but she was cheap, and
quite skilled. I like abstract images so that each viewer can make
up their on minds on what they’re looking at. To me the
“LIFEFORCE” front cover represents power and energy, but to
others it may look like a cheese sandwich.
Do you have any touring plans?
Griffin
- Yes,
next year with a big headliner.
Let’s speculate – you have been granted a free slot on a
tour of your own choice – who would be your ideal touring
partners?
Griffin
- King
Diamond.
How do you feel about the co-operation with your label?
Griffin
- There
is no co-operation with our label. Are you saying that they are
supposed to co-operate?
The internet is a very important source for many metal fans –
how do you use the internet and how important is it for you and
other bands?
Griffin
- I
use the internet for things like this, interviews and promotion. I
correspond with labels and band mates through e-mail, and I
read the gossip on blabbermouth.net. I don’t think a band that
wants to expose itself stands a chance without the use of internet.
And how do you feel about the metal scene in general at the
moment?
Griffin
- Well,
it’s quite big, isn’t it? Too big, maybe. Anyone can start a
label and a webzine, and there’s no quality check around. There
are good bands popping up everywhere, and I’m thrilled about the
fact that kids are digging the old classic stuff and learning to
play guitar again.
Which song do you consider to be the best one you have ever
written?
Griffin
- Well,
lyrically, I’m fond of quite a few, like "Weightless from
No Holds Barred", and "Moment of Madness" from
"LIFEFORCE". I strive to be better all the time and I
take the lyric writing very seriously. When it comes to music, I
guess I’ll never be satisfied, and hopefully it will only get
better.
Name an album, person or event that has had a huge influence on
your life … and why?
Griffin
- When
it comes to metal, I guess "Peace Sells" by Megadeth! At
that time in my life, I had a lot of aggression in me, and
Mustaine’s riffs, attitude and lyrics helped me through a lot of
shitty times.
Which music do you listen to at home?
Griffin
- I’m
hardly ever home, and when I am, my ears are too tired to put on
music. But once in a while I put on some Pink Floyd. They are my
all time favourite band. I check out new music in my car, and when
I’m having a party, it’s usually old stuff like Priest, AC/DC,
etc.
Vinyl has had a small comeback lately – do you still prefer
“the old sound” or are you a CD/DVD kind of guy?
Griffin
- Oh,
my vinyl’s and my record player burned in a fire 7 years ago,
and I never bothered to get new ones. I don’t care, really, and
I’m a movie fanatic and collector, so I like DVD’s. They last
longer.
Last question - do you have any famous last words for our
readers?
Griffin
- Nah,
I’m no poet, but thanx for checking us out. Hope
to see you next year!
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