Interview with bandleader Richard Andersson, Space Odyssey (February 23rd 2007)

Hi, first off all I just want to congratulate you on your new album “Tears of the Sun”. Are you satisfied with it?
Richard Andersson – Yes!

“Tears of the Sun” are quite different than the two first Space Odyssey albums. And I read somewhere that you wanted a very down to basic record with no progressive touch at all. – Why did you choose another path for “Tears of the Sun”?
Richard Andersson – I simply did what I felt like at that time! 

You didn’t use Patrik Johansson this time but Andromeda singer David Fremberg, and a very good choice, because he’s got a fantastic voice… but why didn’t you use Patrik?
Richard Andersson – Patrik simply didn’t have the time when I wanted to do the vocals. 

How did you get in touch with David Fremberg?
Richard Andersson – A friend and musician told me about him. 

Where did you record “Tears of the Sun” and did you produce and mix it yourself?
Richard Andersson – Everything is composed, arranged, produced, recorded and mastered in my studio by me. I even have done the artwork etc. 

Can you take us through the writing and recording process of “Tears of the Sun” from the initial stages through to the final master?
Richard Andersson – I simply create my music with my computer finishing everything before recording the real instruments. Very organized. 

Where any songs scratched during the writing/recording process?
Richard Andersson – No!
 

What do you consider to be the biggest accomplishment for you and Space Odyssey, not necessarily sales wise? What are the strengths and where can Space Odyssey improve?
Richard Andersson – I simply do the music I want to hear myself. I am glad there are people out there sharing the same taste. 

The internet has gotten a quite ill reputation with mp3-files available nearly everywhere. Do you see the opportunity of getting sound files of bands off the internet as a chance for bands or rather as a threat to their existence?
Richard Andersson – Don’t know! 

Which CDs are in your player at the moment?
Richard Andersson – The Goldberg variations.

Which five albums would you bring on your iPod to a deserted island?
Richard Andersson – Don’t have an iPod! I would bring a knife and an axe. 

I was wondering – could you name an album, person or event that has had a huge influence on your life - and why?
Richard Andersson – No not really! 

Which album(s) have put a big smile on you face and has made you bang your head in 2006?
Richard Andersson – I never listen to music nowadays. I am simply not that interested. I create the music I want to hear. 

What tasks presently lie ahead for Space Odyssey, do you have any immediate touring plans? Any chance we might be catching up with you on the European Festival scenes this summer??
Richard Andersson – Not right now! 

Well, that’s it! Thanks a lot for the interview. – We at Powermetal.dk wish you all the best in the future to come.  Anything you’d like to add to our head banging readers?
Richard Andersson - STAY METAL!

Interviewed by Peter

Space Odyssey - Tears of the Sun

Album available on
Regain Records.

For more info on Space Odyssey - click on the album cover.