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GOAT interview with Goatman

October 11, 2018

GOAT interview with Goatman

Rhythms is the debut album by Goatman, a new solo project by one of the mysterious members from the Swedish collective GOAT. Recorded in GOAT’s northern Swedish home town of Korpilombolo in late 2017 – the 6 tracks on Rhythms reveal a true collision of African Rock, Jazz, Reggae, Gospel and Psych, but all put through the famous GOAT filters. Rhythms is a very apt title for the album as each track is an exploration of the ‘groove’. From the Fela Kuti‘esqe drums and horns jam of Jaam Ak Salam, to the frantic gospel-jazz of Carry the Load. From the fuzzed Can via the ‘Bristol sound’ track of Hum Bebass Nahin, to the cinematic, Spacemen 3‘esqe drones of the album closer Baaneexu. The end result is quite an astonishing and very unique album, like what you would expect from an album made by a member of GOAT – an album that is hard to put your finger on, but one that you will keep revisiting, the more it’s sounds reveals itself. Goatman plays all the instruments on the album bar some additional drums by Hanna Östergren from fellow Swedish bands Hills and Träd, Gräs & Stenar, and an added horn section courtesy of Johan Asplund and David Byström. One of the standout highlights of the album though is the collection of great guest vocalists Goatman has enlisted. Tracks “Jaam Ak Salam” and “Aduna” feature the very special voice of Senegalese singer Seydi Mandoza. You will also hear the vocals of Swedish based singers Amanda Werne on “Carry The Load” and Amerykhan on “Hum Bebass Nahin”.
Rhythms will be released on 12th of October via Rocket Recordings

Rhythms is the debut album by Goatman, a new solo project by one of the mysterious members from the Swedish collective GOAT. Was there a certain concept behind the album?

Concept? No… I don’t think so? Or maybe the concept was just to make a badass album.
Can you share some further details how your latest album Rhythms was recorded and released?
On and off for a year. Mainly by myself. It will be released 12th of October.
Where did you record it? 

At the incredible Goat high priest temple Hullabaloo Studio.
What was the songwriting process like? 

It wasn’t much songwriting. Just recordings of rhythms and then overdub them with solos and vocals. I like to make music in very simple ways.
What would you say influenced you the most? Have influences changed during the years?

Influences both always change and always stays the same. For this album I have been influenced by a lot of old lo-fi African recordings and Mötley True demos.
How would you compare it to GOAT?

In the same way you compare apples and pears, lions and tigers, whiskey and bourbon, Cola and Pepsi…
Can we talk a bit about GOAT’s collective background? You originate from Korpilombolo, a small village in Norrbotten county. What does the name “GOAT” refer to in the context of the band name? 
Greatest of all time. For obvious reasons.

What do you consider to be your first real exposure to music?

The sound of silence.
When did you begin playing music? What was your first instrument? Who were your major influences?

Drums. I started when I was probably 1 year old. My influences then was other people playing drums.
© Ante Johnson
Can you elaborate the formation of GOAT?

It’s always been there. Like a family. Like a cult of music and free love.
What’s the songwriting process like?

Play, play more, record, drink coffee, start all over again.
You made lots of changes to the lineup since you started. Why is that? What would you say are the main difference between World Music, Commune and Requiem. Would you be able to describe each with a few words?

We haven’t done any line-up changes. Where did you get that from? We have always been the same 457 people in Goat. The main difference between those albums are time. I could compare it like this: World Music is Aftermath, Commune is Their Satanic Majesties Request, and Requiem is Exile on Main St.. But I won’t compare it like that cause that is really stupid. 
Are you a fan of any of the following bands: Kebnekaise, Pärson Sound, Embryo?

Yes.
How important is anonymity for you? What’s the concept behind it? Do you feel any connection to the Residents and their ‘anonymity’?

I don’t know the reason for them to keep their identities hidden, but we do it because we look so bad.
Your music is utilizing occult and psychedelic imagery. Would you like to describe your influences, ideas and notion behind GOAT?

Life and death, yin and yang, rock and roll, God… those kind of things.

What are some future plans?

Learn how to be a better chef in my kitchen. Maybe start jogging also.
Are you currently working on some other projects?

Yes!! At the moment I’m playing free jazz. Highly enjoyable! We’ll see what comes out of it.
Let’s end this interview with some of your favourite albums. Have you found something new lately you would like to recommend to our readers?
I just got this question. I have to choose something else. Spinal Injuries by Cortex, Spiritual Unity by Albert Ayler, and recently I discover Galveston by Glen Cambell. Love that album.
Thank you. Last word is yours.

Fuck school, stay cool.
– Klemen Breznikar
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One Comment
  1. seems like a fun swedish chap

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