With the new album of Evergrey about to be released, Rock Overdose and Daphne Georgadaki sat down to talk to the band drummer, Jonas Ekdahl.
Enjoy!
RockOverdose: Hi Jonas, welcome to Rock Overdose, Greece!
Jonas Ekdahl (EVERGREY): Thanks for having me, looking forward to do this interview!
RockOverdose: Did the pandemic make it difficult to record your new album? And if so, how did you overcome these difficulties?
Jonas Ekdahl (EVERGREY): Actually no, it didn’t have any affect on us regarding writing or recording. Sweden has never under lockdown we’ve only have certain restrictions which has made the overall situation a bit more free than in other countries.
RockOverdose: Back in 2020, you performed on a live streaming concert. How was this experience and how was the feedback you got from your fans?
Jonas Ekdahl (EVERGREY): The feedback was great, and it seemed like people really appreciated it. And the fact that we could invite 40 of our fans to actually sit down at the venue and see the show, was the best thing about it really. It made you think about what a strange year 2020 was, and it will take a long time before things will be the same again.
RockOverdose: Would you like to share the story behind the concept and cover of your new album?
Jonas Ekdahl (EVERGREY): This album has no concept. After releasing ’’The Atlantic which was the last part of a trilogy we felt it would be nice to do an album that wasn’t a concept album, just an album. Even though it’s a dark album, just as any Evergrey album, it has a positive vibe to it, especially the lyrics. They are presented in a more positive and strengthening way than before.
RockOverdose: Was there any song on the new album, “Escape Of The Phoenix”, that was really challenging for the band to play or record?
Jonas Ekdahl (EVERGREY): For me, there wasn’t a full song that harder than another to record, but several songs had sections that was a pain in the ass to get right. And since we didn’t really rehearse before recording this album, that didn’t help those difficult sections.
RockOverdose: The new album features a surprise appearance by James LaBrie from Dream Theater, right? How did you reach this decision and are you happy with the outcome?
Jonas Ekdahl (EVERGREY): During the pre-production the band sat down to work on the songs, and the question came up whether or not we should have a guest artist on the new album. If so, who, and during which part of a song? James LaBrie came up pretty quickly and we started looking around to see what part he would really fit singing on, and we came to the break in ’The Beholder’ and that was it, we knew he would just nail it, if he wanted to do it.
Tom emailed James, he wanted to hear the demo and the part he was going to sing on. He loved the song and he and Tom started working. Tom wrote the lyrics and the melody he wanted James to sing, and James added his touch to it. We couldn’t be happier with the result, James killed it! And why wouldn’t he, he James LaBrie, right? 😉
RockOverdose: You went from being the drum tech for Evergrey, to being their drummer. What was your first reaction when you were asked to join the band?
Jonas Ekdahl (EVERGREY): My very first reaction was that I had to tell the band I was in at the time that I would quit to join another band. It wouldn’t change my decision in joining Evergrey what so ever, Evergrey was one of my favourite bands at the time, but knowing that I was going to leave my current band made me feel bad towards the other member. Besides that, it was an unreal feeling, as I said, Evergrey was one of my favourite bands at the time. And how many people gets to join their favourite band at the age of 19. That was an amazing feeling.
RockOverdose: Is there an album from Evergrey that you enjoy playing more than others?
Jonas Ekdahl (EVERGREY): I don’t listen to our albums that much anymore, but I feel every album has it’s charm and vibe. And when I hear as song from a specific album I get thrown into that vibe which is kind of nice. I really like ’Hymns for the broken’, it has a great vibe throughout the album, and there’s something about the production as well that adds something extra. That album just sounds so good, and I can’t put my finger on why that is.
RockOverdose: You have been in Greece to perform with Evergrey quite a few times. Did you enjoy your time here? How was your experience?
Jonas Ekdahl (EVERGREY): I love Greece! The people are so nice, the fans are amazing and we always have a good time when we’re in Greece.
RockOverdose: In 2017 you were on a tour with Need, right? Are there any other greek bands that you would like to perform with?
Jonas Ekdahl (EVERGREY): Yes Need is a great band and I consider them to be friends now, they are great guys and we really clicked during the tour we did together.
Sure, I guess the first that comes into mind is Septicflesh, even though we’re not really in the same genre, I still think we could pull it off and make a good package for a show. I really like their style.
RockOverdose: Would you like to leave a message to the Greek fans and readers of Rock Overdose?
Jonas Ekdahl (EVERGREY): Thanks for reading this interview, hope to see you in Greece very very soon! We can’t wait to get out and play some music for you again! Tak care of each other and stay safe!
RockOverdose: Thank you very much, I wish you the best!
Jonas Ekdahl (EVERGREY): All the best, cheers!
For Rock Overdose,
Interview: Daphne Georgadaki
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