Ian Haugland interview 29 may 2012

Ian Haugland French interview on 29 may 2012

Here an interview i'm made by mail with Ian 29 may 2012.

Pic by Patric Ullaeus

Hello, my name is Valerie.

Valérie : First at all I would like how are you after the writing to Bag Of Bones? How did this work period?

Ian:

Hi Valerie!

Valérie : Long ago I read an interview where Joey said his favorite writer was Stephen King. "Bag Of Bones" is the title of a Stephen King novel, is a wink to his choice of reading or is it chance?

Ian:

I don't think Joey has read the Stephen King book, the title came from the feeling Joey had when he wrote the song. It was at the end of the Last Look At Eden tour and Joey felt really tired and worn out just like a "Bag of Bones"

Valérie : « Not Suposed To Sing The Blues » is the first single. Why this choice and not « Bag Of Bones » that is the title of the album?

Ian:

We picked "Not Supposed" as the first single because we thought it represented the album and the direction of the band in a nice way, and also that it's an awesome song!

Valérie : What are your favorite song from the « Bag Of Bones » album? And why?

Ian:

I think it depends on the mood of the day, but right now it's Firebox because I really like the drama and the energy of the song.

Valérie : I've seen you in Switzerland 17 may 2012. It was a fantastic show! You've played news songs. How did you choose the new 4? Does your future tour in the fall you will choose the same? You'll play more of the new album perhaps?

Ian:

When we put together the live show we all listed our four favourite songs from BOB and this songs were on every list, so it was kind of easy to pick this four. We'll probably try other songs later on thou.

Valérie : There are titles you don't play on stage. Songs I've never heard "for real". Do you think that, nowadays, you could play "The King Will Return" for example?

Ian:

We do have a great back catalogue of songs and I'm sure that we'll play many of this songs in the future. We always try to pick the songs we feel are right to build the perfect show.

Valérie : On stage, you're always on top, everything is perfect! Joey sings always very good although it moves a lot! Many bands do not have these qualities. What is the secret's Joey to be as perfect while moving as? :-)

Ian:

I think the secret for Joey's high standard is that he simply won't give less than 110% all the time. When Joey steps on stage he transforms into superman!

Valérie : On this album, there are new sounds, you use the sitar on "Firebox" and mandolin on "Drink And A Smile". How did you get that idea?

Ian:

We wanted to try some new directions with both songwriting and instruments on BOB. Explore and not be afraid to try things we hadn't done before. Just go for it and have some fun!

Valérie : Joey's voice to one side sometimes slightly hoarse on “Demon Head” and “Bring It All Home” for exemple. I love this "new look", it gives a very spontaneous and sexy side too. What do you think?

Ian:

In my opinion Joey's voice is just getting better and better all the time. The older you get the more life experience, soul and depth you get in your voice. But it's also very important to take care of your voice. Not to drink too much and to get plenty of sleep.

Valérie : The album cover is great! Who had the idea of ​​this concept! I quickly found all the hidden track on it! It was a great idea!

Ian:

We got the idea to ask Ulf Lunden to make the cover after we saw the cover he made for the Swedish band Graveyard. We asked him if he was interested and he was trilled about it. So we told him the title we had in mind for the album and just let him come up with an idea. I think it turned out really well!

Valérie : In November, you'll do a tour of three dates in France! Thank you! It's nice to see you more than Paris! Do you think your incredible performance at Hellfest in 2009 you opened more doors in France? In any case it is deserved!

Ian:

I really think Hellfest opened up and created awareness about Europe as a kickass rockband among disbelievers.

Hopefully some of this people will turn up when we come to play France in November.

Valérie : Do you have any comments? What do you say to your french fans?

Ian:

Thanx for supporting Europe and Bag of Bones, you're the reason that makes it possible for us to keep rockin' hope to see you all in November!

Thanx to Ian Hauland to answer all questions and also thanx to Hanna from Talent Trust for the help to make this interview possible!