rozhovor_2015-04-28_The_Poodles_en - HELLMAGAZINE

In year 2006, band The Poodles was born in Sweden. It is gradually digging into minds and hearts of rock and metal fans from all over world. This year, they are recalling with another (sixth already) studio album called “Devil in Details”. We spoke with founder and frontman Jakob Samuel about new album, new addition in band – bassist Johan Flodqvist and even about how to pick your replacement for band member.

You are releasing new album but before we start to speak about it – you are releasing what want to be at least class better than Tour de Force which was called your best album to date of its release and other superlatives. How were you preparing for this challenge?

It's always a thrill releasing new material and also this is important for the inspiration and flow in the band to be on your marks and not to only go on routine. Tour De Force was really a great album and we're happy for the reception it got but I can't compare one album to the other. This is another time capsule of where we stand at this point and not 2013. We hope this great album and new cooperation with Gain/Sony will bring us to new territories and consolidate and expand the platform that we stand on.

What was biggest inspiration that pushed you to write new material? What (or who) is your muse?

Every musician has a problem with labeling the music that he or she is playing and we're no exception. While we have been influenced by the giants on the path before us in various genres, and regard ourselves as a band in a glorious, proud tradition and art form called Rock´n´Roll. We're in a place and time where we can pull on threads from every direction and mix those impressions with our own life experiences and sentiments. The sound-scape that we live in is what you may call Heavy Metal, but the musical ideas and influences are much wider than that. Music we hear, books we read, films and theater we see, people we meet, life itself...

How can you describe what came out of that inspiration? How can you describe album Devil in Details?

Nothing but the best, of everything ;-) Melodic, bombastic, colorful, beautiful!

What stands behind the name of the album? (What does it mean? / Why you choose to call your new album this way?) There is not song called “Devil in Details” on the album …

The meaning of "Devil in the details" is that the difference and the secret between good and great, the quality of it all, lays in the details. It's like the expression "The secrets in the sauce";-)

The title reflects our passion and dedication to music, really. That you have to pay attention to “the little things” to get it right and even after 50 listings you'll still experience and find new details. We know this from many years in the business and from honoring our talent and ability to make and perform music. Plus, I think it sounds pretty cool, right?

New album was released and it gets great reviews from fans. On the other hand, best position in charts in n°27. How satisfied are you with new piece?

Very satisfied! well it's always tricky where you end up now ´adays on the lists, the record industry looks quite different from in the past and changes every day, the new album was on the third place the most important list of the rock albums, you work the albums for a much longer time than you use to and the first weeks are not that essential as they use to be.

You welcomed new guy in the band – Johan Flodqvist – can you introduce him to your fans?

The current line-up with Johan Flodkvist replacing Pontus Egberg has started to stabilize. Pontus left some pretty big shoes to fill and we think that Johan has done an excellent job so far. He is in many respects the perfect replacement, also because he is so different from Pontus. It's never a good idea to find a replacement for a band member that is almost like his predecessor, but not quite. Just look at Van Halen, Sammy couldn't have been more different from Dave and I'd say it worked out pretty well for them. Johan is a great addition to the band and you'll get to meet him soon if you catch us on the road during 2015.  

What about chemistry in the band? Johan fit in easily?

Yes, very well but we're on the honeymoon right now, I'll get back to you on that on the next album ;-)

You are preparing for tour – two legs of tour, 23 concerts all over Europe and summer festivals as bonus. But there is no plan for Eastern Europe or even anything close. Are you planning another leg of tour later?

Yes, we really what to tour more in eastern territories and hope to make this happen during the coming year.   - We are negotiating as we speak so let's hope we can bring some good news regarding more eastern dates soon;-)

What about your relationship with your former bass player Pontus Egberg? Do you communicate with each other?

Oh, very good, we are very close and talk all the time, he's a part of the family and will always be.

On your web profile, you have your worst tour memory. But what about your best?

There is so many great tour memories…. Too many to mention but we mainly have a blast on tour, good company, great audience and fantastic music.

We reach the end. If there is still something you want to say, to add or let your fans (or even those who never heard about you) know – here is your place.

We really hope you enjoy the album and so if you want to see a bombastic, rocking, blasting The Poodles gig this year you'll have good possibilities this year if you live in Europe, keep posted on our FaceBook and homepage.

Keep speed and course!!!

Added: Samuel Sámel
Added: 28.04.2015