Förtress interview with John Madsen
Delivering a hefty dose of riff-worship via Sabbath and
Mötorhead with deafening, skull crushing stoner psych noise and solos that tear
through the ether like razors through flesh in the vein of Van Halen meets
Earthless, Förtress is leaving little more than a decimated pile of noise in
their wake. So far, they’ve dished out
two heaping helpings of their psychedelic, stoner metal, sludge rock in the
form of two consecutive EPs in 2013, Of Bones and Legends. I wandered across some live Here Today
Sessions that I’ve linked below and was instantly floored by their visceral
combination of all that I hold holy and dear about psychedelic music and the
infusion of the occult obsessed brutality and aggression of early 70’s
proto-metal without loosing any of the luster, appeal, or energy of either part
of the equation. While effortlessly
performing their death defying genre balancing act, Förtress keep busy crafting
some of the best head-bangin’, face meltin’, ass kickin’ music that’s out there
right now. God damn is it nice to hear a
band that’s not only able to pull off dual-lead lines, but who’s capable of
simultaneously interweaving solos along the way that slither and glide like a
demonic serpent between notes, swells, crescendos, and breaks, sewing destruction,
fire, adrenaline and havoc wherever they tread.
It’s not just the guitars that grabbed me by the balls when I heard
these guys for the first time though, not only could I hear their lead singer,
but he had lyrics and I could understand what he was singing about. Real lyrics, not toss away shit I won’t
remember in twenty-minutes, the kind of vivid imagery that instantly draws you
in like the intoxicating vapors of a witch’s incense burning in the blackest
darkness of man’s subconscious, the promise of power from the lord of the pit
risen to deliver whatever you desire most, the sweetness of the apple in the
Garden Of Eden… The second time I ever
heard “Forest of The Wicked” I was already chanting the words along, pumping my
fist in the air and shouting at the empty room around me and I knew I was going
to have to track these dudes down! I try
to explore every corner of the globe musically, simply probing for the best of
what’s out there right now and it’s times like this that I’m happy I do what I
do because I may have otherwise never come across these guys. Enough of the words though, I won’t bore you
any further with unneeded introductions I’ll let the music do the talking,
click the links below to stream some sweet music and videos and read on for an
extremely enlightening conversation about all things Förtress with bass player
John Madsen – and remember, keep it psychedelic baby!
Mötorhead with deafening, skull crushing stoner psych noise and solos that tear
through the ether like razors through flesh in the vein of Van Halen meets
Earthless, Förtress is leaving little more than a decimated pile of noise in
their wake. So far, they’ve dished out
two heaping helpings of their psychedelic, stoner metal, sludge rock in the
form of two consecutive EPs in 2013, Of Bones and Legends. I wandered across some live Here Today
Sessions that I’ve linked below and was instantly floored by their visceral
combination of all that I hold holy and dear about psychedelic music and the
infusion of the occult obsessed brutality and aggression of early 70’s
proto-metal without loosing any of the luster, appeal, or energy of either part
of the equation. While effortlessly
performing their death defying genre balancing act, Förtress keep busy crafting
some of the best head-bangin’, face meltin’, ass kickin’ music that’s out there
right now. God damn is it nice to hear a
band that’s not only able to pull off dual-lead lines, but who’s capable of
simultaneously interweaving solos along the way that slither and glide like a
demonic serpent between notes, swells, crescendos, and breaks, sewing destruction,
fire, adrenaline and havoc wherever they tread.
It’s not just the guitars that grabbed me by the balls when I heard
these guys for the first time though, not only could I hear their lead singer,
but he had lyrics and I could understand what he was singing about. Real lyrics, not toss away shit I won’t
remember in twenty-minutes, the kind of vivid imagery that instantly draws you
in like the intoxicating vapors of a witch’s incense burning in the blackest
darkness of man’s subconscious, the promise of power from the lord of the pit
risen to deliver whatever you desire most, the sweetness of the apple in the
Garden Of Eden… The second time I ever
heard “Forest of The Wicked” I was already chanting the words along, pumping my
fist in the air and shouting at the empty room around me and I knew I was going
to have to track these dudes down! I try
to explore every corner of the globe musically, simply probing for the best of
what’s out there right now and it’s times like this that I’m happy I do what I
do because I may have otherwise never come across these guys. Enough of the words though, I won’t bore you
any further with unneeded introductions I’ll let the music do the talking,
click the links below to stream some sweet music and videos and read on for an
extremely enlightening conversation about all things Förtress with bass player
John Madsen – and remember, keep it psychedelic baby!
Listen while you read:
https://www.facebook.com/fortressdk/app_190322544333196
https://www.facebook.com/fortressdk/app_190322544333196
Here Today Session – Live Session: Howl, Stampede, Forest of The Wicked, Year ofThe Witch
I only recently
found out about you guys, what’s the lineup in Förtress at this point? Is this the original lineup or have you all
changed lineups at all since you started playing together?
found out about you guys, what’s the lineup in Förtress at this point? Is this the original lineup or have you all
changed lineups at all since you started playing together?
Förtress is:
Lead vocals and guitar – Nicklas “Mr Sex” Kirchert
Backing vocals and guitar – Simon Sonne Andersen
Backing volcas and drums – Cato “Tisse” Jørgensen
Backing vocals and bass – John Madsen
We only started the band two years ago and back then we were
called Fortress. But a polish neo-Nazi
band had the same name, so we changed our name to Förtress, hah! The line-up is the original one, though.
called Fortress. But a polish neo-Nazi
band had the same name, so we changed our name to Förtress, hah! The line-up is the original one, though.
Are any of you in
any other bands at this point or do you have any active side projects at this
point? Have you released any music with
anyone else in the past? If so, can you
tell us a bit about that?
any other bands at this point or do you have any active side projects at this
point? Have you released any music with
anyone else in the past? If so, can you
tell us a bit about that?
Simon plays and writes the music in the blackened death
metal band By The Patient. I think
they’ve released two or three EP’s and are just on the verge of releasing their
third full-length. Check ’em out they’re really talented. Nicklas and Cato play together in a prog band
called Cacafogo. They’re just about to release
their debut album. It’s a great ensemble
of musicians. I’ve only recently started
to play, so for now Förtress is my only project where I play music. But I’m a booking agent for other musicians,
so my life is pretty much all about the sweet tunes, man.
metal band By The Patient. I think
they’ve released two or three EP’s and are just on the verge of releasing their
third full-length. Check ’em out they’re really talented. Nicklas and Cato play together in a prog band
called Cacafogo. They’re just about to release
their debut album. It’s a great ensemble
of musicians. I’ve only recently started
to play, so for now Förtress is my only project where I play music. But I’m a booking agent for other musicians,
so my life is pretty much all about the sweet tunes, man.
How old are you
and where are you originally from?
and where are you originally from?
We’re all around the same age, ranging from twenty-six to
twenty-nine. We’re all from Denmark, but
two of us are from the northern most part and the other two are from the
south-eastern area. We all met in
Copenhagen and became friends. Some odd
years later, we started a band. And look
at us now, ha-ha!
twenty-nine. We’re all from Denmark, but
two of us are from the northern most part and the other two are from the
south-eastern area. We all met in
Copenhagen and became friends. Some odd
years later, we started a band. And look
at us now, ha-ha!
What as the local
music scene like where you grew up? Did
you see a lot of shows growing up? Do
you feel like that scene played a large or important role in shaping your
musical tastes or in the way that you perform at this point?
music scene like where you grew up? Did
you see a lot of shows growing up? Do
you feel like that scene played a large or important role in shaping your
musical tastes or in the way that you perform at this point?
I’m from a small island called Bornholm where we had one
real venue. We started a festival back
there in those days, because of the lack of interesting musical and cultural
offerings for kids my age back then. Of
course you’re somewhat influenced by what’s going on locally as well as
nationally, but I think my friends and good tunes influenced me the most; what
I value as a good tune that is.
real venue. We started a festival back
there in those days, because of the lack of interesting musical and cultural
offerings for kids my age back then. Of
course you’re somewhat influenced by what’s going on locally as well as
nationally, but I think my friends and good tunes influenced me the most; what
I value as a good tune that is.
What was your home
like when you were growing up? Were
either of your parents or any of your close relatives musicians or maybe just
extremely interested or involved in music when you were growing up?
like when you were growing up? Were
either of your parents or any of your close relatives musicians or maybe just
extremely interested or involved in music when you were growing up?
Neither of my parents play anything, but they were totally
supportive of what I did. And when I
came home and said that I wanted to start a festival they both got involved
right away. Actually, everyone got
involved in some way or another and the festival is still a part of the local
community today. I think this is the
either or ninth year. I’m actually
hosting it and Förtress is playing! It’s
called Wonderfestiwall and is located at the foot of a great rock with an oldmedieval fortress on top, he-he! The
circle is complete!
supportive of what I did. And when I
came home and said that I wanted to start a festival they both got involved
right away. Actually, everyone got
involved in some way or another and the festival is still a part of the local
community today. I think this is the
either or ninth year. I’m actually
hosting it and Förtress is playing! It’s
called Wonderfestiwall and is located at the foot of a great rock with an oldmedieval fortress on top, he-he! The
circle is complete!
What do you
consider your first real exposure to music to be?
consider your first real exposure to music to be?
I dunno man, my mom singing lullabies when I was a kid, or
listening to Metallica, or The Red Hot Chili Peppers through my brother’s door
when I was a kid… I remember years
later, during my preteens, when I actually put on those records myself I didn’t
know that it was the same bands I had listened to coming from my older
brother’s room, ’cause the fucker never wanted to tell me what it was,
ha-ha! But I recognized the songs and
loved ’em even more.
listening to Metallica, or The Red Hot Chili Peppers through my brother’s door
when I was a kid… I remember years
later, during my preteens, when I actually put on those records myself I didn’t
know that it was the same bands I had listened to coming from my older
brother’s room, ’cause the fucker never wanted to tell me what it was,
ha-ha! But I recognized the songs and
loved ’em even more.
If you were to
pick a moment, a moment that seemed to change everything and open your eyes up
to the infinite possibilities of music, what would it be?
pick a moment, a moment that seemed to change everything and open your eyes up
to the infinite possibilities of music, what would it be?
The first time I stood on a stage in front of a crowd. It was September 2012. We played in front of a sold out venue with
seven hundred people or so, because we were supporting a locally known rap
group. I had never played an instrument
outside the rehearsal space and I was shitting bricks. But the young rap fans just connected with
our energy in this tongue-in-cheek way.
I think it was kind of an epiphany for me, you know? I was twenty-five at the time and I realized
that I’m able to do what ever the fuck I want.
Very carpe diem-ish I know, but still very true.
seven hundred people or so, because we were supporting a locally known rap
group. I had never played an instrument
outside the rehearsal space and I was shitting bricks. But the young rap fans just connected with
our energy in this tongue-in-cheek way.
I think it was kind of an epiphany for me, you know? I was twenty-five at the time and I realized
that I’m able to do what ever the fuck I want.
Very carpe diem-ish I know, but still very true.
What was your
first instrument? When and how did you
get it?
first instrument? When and how did you
get it?
Bass guitar. Two years
ago. I think I “borrowed” it.
ago. I think I “borrowed” it.
When did you
decide that you wanted to start writing and performing your own music and what
brought that decision about for you?
decide that you wanted to start writing and performing your own music and what
brought that decision about for you?
That too goes a couple of years back. Simon and I knew each other from Bornholm
where we grew up but we really started becoming friends when we moved to
Copenhagen. Here we started working
together at a daycare center, you know, for toddlers. And in between changing diapers and feeding
the little dudes, we found that we had similar tastes in music. We liked and disliked the same things and at
one point we looked at each other and went, “You look mighty fine with your
beard and tattoos, and you listen to some great jams. Do you wanna form a band?” At that point I couldn’t play a thing. Simon told me I should just pick up the bass
and he could teach me the basics. I’ve
always read a lot, so writing lyrics came naturally to me. We headhunted the two other dudes and now two
years later we’ve just played Roskilde Festival, Northern Europe’s biggest
festival; which was a big deal for us!
where we grew up but we really started becoming friends when we moved to
Copenhagen. Here we started working
together at a daycare center, you know, for toddlers. And in between changing diapers and feeding
the little dudes, we found that we had similar tastes in music. We liked and disliked the same things and at
one point we looked at each other and went, “You look mighty fine with your
beard and tattoos, and you listen to some great jams. Do you wanna form a band?” At that point I couldn’t play a thing. Simon told me I should just pick up the bass
and he could teach me the basics. I’ve
always read a lot, so writing lyrics came naturally to me. We headhunted the two other dudes and now two
years later we’ve just played Roskilde Festival, Northern Europe’s biggest
festival; which was a big deal for us!
Is there any sort
of creed, code, ideal or mantra that the band shares or lives by?
of creed, code, ideal or mantra that the band shares or lives by?
We drink a lot. We
talk about girls a lot. We smoke a
lot. Kinda what every rock band does I
think, ha-ha-ha. Oh yeah, and we really
have a shitload of fun playing and we don’t try to hide it on stage. If one of us starts laughing during a show we
never hide it. We encourage it. The rock scene, maybe especially the Danish
one, can be so introverted and serious all the time, which is fine let me be
clear about that, but we just got bored with that and wanted to do something
different. We want to rock like in the
old days. We just wanna have a good time
and show people that it’s okay to laugh even though you wear black, ha-ha.
talk about girls a lot. We smoke a
lot. Kinda what every rock band does I
think, ha-ha-ha. Oh yeah, and we really
have a shitload of fun playing and we don’t try to hide it on stage. If one of us starts laughing during a show we
never hide it. We encourage it. The rock scene, maybe especially the Danish
one, can be so introverted and serious all the time, which is fine let me be
clear about that, but we just got bored with that and wanted to do something
different. We want to rock like in the
old days. We just wanna have a good time
and show people that it’s okay to laugh even though you wear black, ha-ha.
Where’s Förtress
located at?
located at?
We’re located in Denmark, Copenhagen on the island of
Amager; and damn proud of it! A lot of
people seem to frown upon Amager, because dudes and dudettes out here are kinda
cray cray. But that’s how we like
it. A lot of our friends from other
bands rehearse out here as well. So, we
have a strong little community of bands helping each other and playing with
each other and having fund-raising parties, and that kinda stuff. Oh yeah, and the rent is affordable.
Amager; and damn proud of it! A lot of
people seem to frown upon Amager, because dudes and dudettes out here are kinda
cray cray. But that’s how we like
it. A lot of our friends from other
bands rehearse out here as well. So, we
have a strong little community of bands helping each other and playing with
each other and having fund-raising parties, and that kinda stuff. Oh yeah, and the rent is affordable.
How would you
describe the local music scene where you all are at?
describe the local music scene where you all are at?
People are into rap and indie music, which is cool. I like a lot of rap and I like the energy of
it. I like a lot of indie bands too, but
it’s really angry, or sad, or like I said before, introverted. This is where, and why, we fit in the Danish
music scene. Bands like us have been
missing. I think people in our country
are oversaturated with these kinds of vibes from music. We try to make people party and forget they
have to look cool and be angry. We try
to make them raise their devil horns and go, “Fuck my ex-girlfriend, fuck that
I have to go to work at seven, fuck that I need to look cool. I wanna party with these dudes!” And it’s actually working. We see so many different people coming out to
our shows. From the high school girls,
to the skater dudes, and the ol’ timers who listened to Sabbath and that kinda
stuff back in the day. Actually, there’s
a lot of stuff going on in the Danish underground rock scene right now, and
we’re definitely a part of it. The last
ten years or so the scene has been close to death, but now all kinds of rock
bands are forming and playing shows and getting the crowds going. I don’t think we kick-started the scene, but
we and a handful of other cool bands picked up rock music at a time where
Danish rock music wasn’t listened to that much in our home country. But we’ve all been fighting, proving
ourselves and winning ground. We’re a
part of a rock crusade and we won’t stop until we’ve won over every single
person out there.
it. I like a lot of indie bands too, but
it’s really angry, or sad, or like I said before, introverted. This is where, and why, we fit in the Danish
music scene. Bands like us have been
missing. I think people in our country
are oversaturated with these kinds of vibes from music. We try to make people party and forget they
have to look cool and be angry. We try
to make them raise their devil horns and go, “Fuck my ex-girlfriend, fuck that
I have to go to work at seven, fuck that I need to look cool. I wanna party with these dudes!” And it’s actually working. We see so many different people coming out to
our shows. From the high school girls,
to the skater dudes, and the ol’ timers who listened to Sabbath and that kinda
stuff back in the day. Actually, there’s
a lot of stuff going on in the Danish underground rock scene right now, and
we’re definitely a part of it. The last
ten years or so the scene has been close to death, but now all kinds of rock
bands are forming and playing shows and getting the crowds going. I don’t think we kick-started the scene, but
we and a handful of other cool bands picked up rock music at a time where
Danish rock music wasn’t listened to that much in our home country. But we’ve all been fighting, proving
ourselves and winning ground. We’re a
part of a rock crusade and we won’t stop until we’ve won over every single
person out there.
Do you feel like
you’ve very involved in the local scene at all?
Do you book or attend a lot of shows or anything?
you’ve very involved in the local scene at all?
Do you book or attend a lot of shows or anything?
We’re definitely a part of the local rock scene and it’s
growing, and more and more people are listening, coming to the shows, and
buying our shit every day. It’s an
amazing time to be involved in the Danish rock community. We play a lot of shows. I think we’ve played fifty plus shows in our
tiny country this year so far, and we’re going international this year as
well. We have some dates planned in the
Netherlands this October. It’s gonna be
great. And yeah, of course we attend a
lot of shows. I think I go to at least
one concert a week and at least a festival a month.
growing, and more and more people are listening, coming to the shows, and
buying our shit every day. It’s an
amazing time to be involved in the Danish rock community. We play a lot of shows. I think we’ve played fifty plus shows in our
tiny country this year so far, and we’re going international this year as
well. We have some dates planned in the
Netherlands this October. It’s gonna be
great. And yeah, of course we attend a
lot of shows. I think I go to at least
one concert a week and at least a festival a month.
Are you involved
in recording or releasing any local music at all? If so, can you tell us a bit about that here?
in recording or releasing any local music at all? If so, can you tell us a bit about that here?
Well we are local music, so I guess we’re involved. We recorded our latest EP Legends at Danish
legendary producer Jacob Bredahl’s Dead Rat Studio in Aarhus. And yeah, well, the scene is blossoming with
local bands getting record deals, putting out records, getting booking deals,
touring the festival circuit. A shit
load of stuff is happening for the rock bands in our country. I work as a booking agent for other Danish
artists so I’m involved that way as well, promoting and getting jobs for great
musicians. But it’s totally different
genres of music, mostly reggae and dancehall; but you just can’t fuck with good
tunes now, can you?
legendary producer Jacob Bredahl’s Dead Rat Studio in Aarhus. And yeah, well, the scene is blossoming with
local bands getting record deals, putting out records, getting booking deals,
touring the festival circuit. A shit
load of stuff is happening for the rock bands in our country. I work as a booking agent for other Danish
artists so I’m involved that way as well, promoting and getting jobs for great
musicians. But it’s totally different
genres of music, mostly reggae and dancehall; but you just can’t fuck with good
tunes now, can you?
In your opinion
has the local scene played a large or integral part in the formation, history,
sound or evolution of Förtress as a band?
Or, do you all feel like you could be doing what you’re doing and sound
like you do regardless of where you were at or what you were surrounded by?
has the local scene played a large or integral part in the formation, history,
sound or evolution of Förtress as a band?
Or, do you all feel like you could be doing what you’re doing and sound
like you do regardless of where you were at or what you were surrounded by?
Oh, it did. We
started Förtress because we were so bored with what the local scene had to
offer for guys who liked rock and metal.
So, Förtress is the spawn of Simon’s and my own frustration. We couldn’t figure out why Norway and Sweden
could produce so many talented and really good rock and metal bands, when we in
Denmark only had Volbeat at the time; although ten years before it had been
D-A-D. So, we took matters into our own
hands and made Förtress a product of what we liked to listen to and what we
liked in a bands visual profile and how they acted on stage. We just stepped it up a notch and showed,
mostly ourselves, that it’s possible for Danish dudes to make good ass rock.
started Förtress because we were so bored with what the local scene had to
offer for guys who liked rock and metal.
So, Förtress is the spawn of Simon’s and my own frustration. We couldn’t figure out why Norway and Sweden
could produce so many talented and really good rock and metal bands, when we in
Denmark only had Volbeat at the time; although ten years before it had been
D-A-D. So, we took matters into our own
hands and made Förtress a product of what we liked to listen to and what we
liked in a bands visual profile and how they acted on stage. We just stepped it up a notch and showed,
mostly ourselves, that it’s possible for Danish dudes to make good ass rock.
You all have any
extremely cool sound. How would you
describe your sound to our readers who might not have heard you all before?
extremely cool sound. How would you
describe your sound to our readers who might not have heard you all before?
I think it’s a mixture of a lot of stuff. There’s definitely some 70’s vibes going on
with some Sabbath stuff and Thin Lizzy, but there’s some 80’s in there
too. And of course we’re also influenced
by more modern bands, Mastodon, Red Fang, Kvelertak, The Sword and stuff like
that. But to put it short, I think we’re
just playing hard rock and we like to party.
So, if you like beer and you like to have fun, then chances are you’re
gonna like us!
with some Sabbath stuff and Thin Lizzy, but there’s some 80’s in there
too. And of course we’re also influenced
by more modern bands, Mastodon, Red Fang, Kvelertak, The Sword and stuff like
that. But to put it short, I think we’re
just playing hard rock and we like to party.
So, if you like beer and you like to have fun, then chances are you’re
gonna like us!
Speaking of what
you all sound like, I’m curious to hear who you’d cite as some of your major
musical influences? What about
influences on the band as a whole rather than just individually?
you all sound like, I’m curious to hear who you’d cite as some of your major
musical influences? What about
influences on the band as a whole rather than just individually?
Well, a lot of the above answers actually cover that
question, but I personally like a lot of stoner stuff too, stuff like Weedeater
and Conan. The musical range is quite
large in this band. We listen to
everything from hip-hop to classical, but of course our hearts are totally
devoted to all things rock and metal.
question, but I personally like a lot of stoner stuff too, stuff like Weedeater
and Conan. The musical range is quite
large in this band. We listen to
everything from hip-hop to classical, but of course our hearts are totally
devoted to all things rock and metal.
What’s the
songwriting process like for Förtress?
Is there someone who usually comes to the rest of the band with a riff,
or maybe a more finished idea for a song, to work out with the rest of
you? Or do you all just get together and
kind of kick ideas back and forth until you kind of distill an idea from it all
that you can work with?
songwriting process like for Förtress?
Is there someone who usually comes to the rest of the band with a riff,
or maybe a more finished idea for a song, to work out with the rest of
you? Or do you all just get together and
kind of kick ideas back and forth until you kind of distill an idea from it all
that you can work with?
Simon usually has a riff or two in the bag. Then we try to put it together with some
other stuff, sometimes by jamming, other times by just tossing ideas out. When we have a song put together I start
writing the lyrics. The others sometimes
kick in with ideas for the lyrics and when we’re all happy, we have a finished
song. It’s a very democratic process,
everybody is heard and every opinion counts, but we’re all quite aware what our
sound is, so we almost instantly know which direction we’re going with a new
song.
other stuff, sometimes by jamming, other times by just tossing ideas out. When we have a song put together I start
writing the lyrics. The others sometimes
kick in with ideas for the lyrics and when we’re all happy, we have a finished
song. It’s a very democratic process,
everybody is heard and every opinion counts, but we’re all quite aware what our
sound is, so we almost instantly know which direction we’re going with a new
song.
What about
recording? I think that most musicians
can obviously appreciate all the time and effort that goes into the recording
of an album when you’re holding that album in your hands. But getting to that point, getting stuff
recorded and sounding the way that you want it too, especially as a band, can
be extremely difficult to say the least.
What’s it like recording for Förtress?
recording? I think that most musicians
can obviously appreciate all the time and effort that goes into the recording
of an album when you’re holding that album in your hands. But getting to that point, getting stuff
recorded and sounding the way that you want it too, especially as a band, can
be extremely difficult to say the least.
What’s it like recording for Förtress?
We have some real tech nerds in the band. They really get into the recording process
and listen to the stuff over and over again to make sure that it sounds good,
that we sound the way we’re supposed to.
So, I’m not afraid that the next record is gonna sound amazing. We’re actually planning to go into the studio
during August and September, and we’re looking into all different kinds of
ideas regarding studios, producers, and mixing and mastering. It’s very exciting. But first, we need to write a bunch of new
songs which is always super fun. You get
together with the guys for a longer period of time, and you fart a lot and talk
mostly bullshit, and then you jam together.
I love that.
and listen to the stuff over and over again to make sure that it sounds good,
that we sound the way we’re supposed to.
So, I’m not afraid that the next record is gonna sound amazing. We’re actually planning to go into the studio
during August and September, and we’re looking into all different kinds of
ideas regarding studios, producers, and mixing and mastering. It’s very exciting. But first, we need to write a bunch of new
songs which is always super fun. You get
together with the guys for a longer period of time, and you fart a lot and talk
mostly bullshit, and then you jam together.
I love that.
Do you all take a
more DIY approach to recording where you all handle the technical aspects of
things so that you don’t have to work with or compromise on the sound at all
with anyone else? Or do you all like to
head into the studio and let someone else handle that side of things so you
call can kind of concentrate on getting the best performances possible out of
yourselves?
more DIY approach to recording where you all handle the technical aspects of
things so that you don’t have to work with or compromise on the sound at all
with anyone else? Or do you all like to
head into the studio and let someone else handle that side of things so you
call can kind of concentrate on getting the best performances possible out of
yourselves?
Simon is very into the studio process, so he always gets really
involved; and Nicklas too. Well, we all
do in our own different way, I guess. I
too, of course, want the record to sound amazing, but it’s not me who’s sitting
up till two in the morning listening to the stuff over and over again. I leave that for some of the other dudes.
involved; and Nicklas too. Well, we all
do in our own different way, I guess. I
too, of course, want the record to sound amazing, but it’s not me who’s sitting
up till two in the morning listening to the stuff over and over again. I leave that for some of the other dudes.
Is there a lot of
time and effort that goes into getting something to sound exactly the way you
want it to, every aspect all worked out and planned before you all record? Or do you all get a good skeletal idea of
what a song’s going to sound like, but allow for some room for change and
evolution during the recording process?
time and effort that goes into getting something to sound exactly the way you
want it to, every aspect all worked out and planned before you all record? Or do you all get a good skeletal idea of
what a song’s going to sound like, but allow for some room for change and
evolution during the recording process?
Some things are pretty rehearsed and we know exactly what to
do when we record it. Last time we went
to record though, one of the songs was half finished and had no lyrics
whatsoever. So, when I finished my bass
lines I had to go to the next room and write lyrics but I actually liked that
song the most when we finished recording.
do when we record it. Last time we went
to record though, one of the songs was half finished and had no lyrics
whatsoever. So, when I finished my bass
lines I had to go to the next room and write lyrics but I actually liked that
song the most when we finished recording.
Do psychoactive or hallucinogenic drugs play an important
role in the sound, songwriting or recording processes, or the performance
aspect of Förtress at all? There are a
lot of musicians that really appreciate and utilize the altered states that
drugs of any sort produce and harness them for the creative process and I’m always
curious about it.
role in the sound, songwriting or recording processes, or the performance
aspect of Förtress at all? There are a
lot of musicians that really appreciate and utilize the altered states that
drugs of any sort produce and harness them for the creative process and I’m always
curious about it.
I smoke a shitload of weed; the others not so much. All of us really like beer and it’s almost
certain that at least one of us will get hammered while rehearsing, but we’re
actually pretty good at not getting drunk before we get on stage because every
one of us loves to be up there and being shitfaced on stage would just dilute
the experience of it. After the show
though, all of us get super wasted!
That’s why it’s important to have good roadies who both know how to
handle your gear, as well as help you when you’re drunk trying to carry your
gear, ha-ha!
certain that at least one of us will get hammered while rehearsing, but we’re
actually pretty good at not getting drunk before we get on stage because every
one of us loves to be up there and being shitfaced on stage would just dilute
the experience of it. After the show
though, all of us get super wasted!
That’s why it’s important to have good roadies who both know how to
handle your gear, as well as help you when you’re drunk trying to carry your
gear, ha-ha!
You all released
two EPs in 2013. There was Of Bones which I know was released digitally and
Legends which was released as a 12” LP. Can you tell us about the recording of
the material for Of Bones? When and where was that material recorded? Who
recorded it? What kind of equipment was used? Was Of Bones ever physically
released or is that a digital only release?
two EPs in 2013. There was Of Bones which I know was released digitally and
Legends which was released as a 12” LP. Can you tell us about the recording of
the material for Of Bones? When and where was that material recorded? Who
recorded it? What kind of equipment was used? Was Of Bones ever physically
released or is that a digital only release?
We released Of Bones together with our first label, the
Copenhagen-based Black Cheese Records.
At first, we didn’t release it digitally but as a very limited cassette
tape. I think we made a total of fifty
tapes and we gave like ten away, but we sold the last of them on our first
tour. They went like cold lemonade on a
hot ass day. Our old record label boss
had to manually sit and record all the tapes by you know rewinding, recording,
stop, turn tape, rewind, record, and so on, and so on. We owe him a huge thanks. He was the first motherfucker who believed in
us and he did a ton of shit for us for free!
We recorded all of it in our old rehearsal space on shitty or old
equipment. It only cost fifty dollars
worth of hash that we gave to the guys recording it. It has a very rough and
“fuck-it-let’s-just-go” vibe to it.
Copenhagen-based Black Cheese Records.
At first, we didn’t release it digitally but as a very limited cassette
tape. I think we made a total of fifty
tapes and we gave like ten away, but we sold the last of them on our first
tour. They went like cold lemonade on a
hot ass day. Our old record label boss
had to manually sit and record all the tapes by you know rewinding, recording,
stop, turn tape, rewind, record, and so on, and so on. We owe him a huge thanks. He was the first motherfucker who believed in
us and he did a ton of shit for us for free!
We recorded all of it in our old rehearsal space on shitty or old
equipment. It only cost fifty dollars
worth of hash that we gave to the guys recording it. It has a very rough and
“fuck-it-let’s-just-go” vibe to it.
As I mentioned
before you all also dropped the Legends EP in 2013 as well. Was the recording of the material for Legends
very different than the session(s) for Of Bones? Who recorded that material and where was
at? When would that have been and what
kind of equipment was used in this case?
before you all also dropped the Legends EP in 2013 as well. Was the recording of the material for Legends
very different than the session(s) for Of Bones? Who recorded that material and where was
at? When would that have been and what
kind of equipment was used in this case?
I think I pretty much answered that earlier. We recorded it at Dead Rat Studio with Jacob
Bredahl. Danish metal royalty.
Bredahl. Danish metal royalty.
Does Förtress have
any music that we haven’t talked about yet, maybe a song on a compilation or a
demo that I’m not aware of?
any music that we haven’t talked about yet, maybe a song on a compilation or a
demo that I’m not aware of?
No not really. We’re about to go into the writing process to
write new stuff for our full-length debut, so that should be a lot of fun. I can’t really talk that much about it
because we haven’t decided more definitely about the process. But I can assure you that it is gonna kick
ass and we’re trying to stay true to our own sound, as well as stepping it the
fuck up. But hey, people should just
come to one of our shows. If they like
that energy, they’ll like the record as well.
write new stuff for our full-length debut, so that should be a lot of fun. I can’t really talk that much about it
because we haven’t decided more definitely about the process. But I can assure you that it is gonna kick
ass and we’re trying to stay true to our own sound, as well as stepping it the
fuck up. But hey, people should just
come to one of our shows. If they like
that energy, they’ll like the record as well.
With the release
of your two EPs last year are there any other releases in the works or on the
horizon for Förtress at this point?
of your two EPs last year are there any other releases in the works or on the
horizon for Förtress at this point?
He-he, yes. A
full-length, hopefully in early 2015.
full-length, hopefully in early 2015.
With the
completely insane international postage rate increases that just don’t seem to
be letting up where’s the best place for our US readers to pick up your stuff?
completely insane international postage rate increases that just don’t seem to
be letting up where’s the best place for our US readers to pick up your stuff?
Well, God bless iTunes and Spotify. And hey holler at us if you want! We’re always trying to help if we can and we
answer every request personally.
answer every request personally.
What about our
international and overseas readers?
international and overseas readers?
I like them, I think.
I haven’t met them, but they seem real nice! And don’t you motherlickers worry. We’re coming for you!
I haven’t met them, but they seem real nice! And don’t you motherlickers worry. We’re coming for you!
And where’s the
best place to keep up with the latest news like upcoming shows and album
releases from Förtress at?
best place to keep up with the latest news like upcoming shows and album
releases from Förtress at?
Facebook I’m sad to say it a necessary evil. It keeps us connected with you guys and
that’s why I love it. You can also find
us on twitter: @fortressdk or instagram: @fortressdk.
that’s why I love it. You can also find
us on twitter: @fortressdk or instagram: @fortressdk.
Are there any
major goals or plans that you’re looking to accomplish in the rest of 2014 or
2015?
major goals or plans that you’re looking to accomplish in the rest of 2014 or
2015?
Yeah, we’re going to tour internationally this year and
hopefully more so in 2015. We played
Roskilde Festival this summer, which was the initial goal for Förtress when we
started out. Now, I’d like to get booked
for that festival again and another personal goal for me is to tour Europe and
the States with an established band, such as maybe Valient Thorr, Mötorhead or
dudes like that. I’m certain it’s gonna
happen at some point. We just gotta keep
rocking hard, grabbing people by the nuts and forcing them to like us!
hopefully more so in 2015. We played
Roskilde Festival this summer, which was the initial goal for Förtress when we
started out. Now, I’d like to get booked
for that festival again and another personal goal for me is to tour Europe and
the States with an established band, such as maybe Valient Thorr, Mötorhead or
dudes like that. I’m certain it’s gonna
happen at some point. We just gotta keep
rocking hard, grabbing people by the nuts and forcing them to like us!
Do you all spend a
lot of time out on the road touring? Do
you enjoy touring? What’s life like out
on tour for Förtress?
lot of time out on the road touring? Do
you enjoy touring? What’s life like out
on tour for Förtress?
I love fucking touring.
It is hands down the most fun time.
You drive around with your friends all day, cracking jokes, eating bad
food, drinking beers and listening to music.
Then you get to the venue, have sound check, dinner, you play the show,
meet a bunch of cool new people and after that you drive some more, get some
more beers, get hammered and do a ton of stupid shit on the road. Then you wake up and you start over. Of course after a while it gets kinda
trivial, but it truly is a good time. I
love every second of it and I feel privileged that I’m able to do it at all.
It is hands down the most fun time.
You drive around with your friends all day, cracking jokes, eating bad
food, drinking beers and listening to music.
Then you get to the venue, have sound check, dinner, you play the show,
meet a bunch of cool new people and after that you drive some more, get some
more beers, get hammered and do a ton of stupid shit on the road. Then you wake up and you start over. Of course after a while it gets kinda
trivial, but it truly is a good time. I
love every second of it and I feel privileged that I’m able to do it at all.
What, if anything,
do you all have planned as far as touring goes for the rest of the year (2014)?
do you all have planned as far as touring goes for the rest of the year (2014)?
Well, we’re still playing the Danish festival circuit. I think we have five shows left during the
festival season. After that we’re
touring Denmark and the Netherlands in October.
But we’re primarily going to focus on writing and recording new material
this fall.
festival season. After that we’re
touring Denmark and the Netherlands in October.
But we’re primarily going to focus on writing and recording new material
this fall.
Who are some of
your personal favorite bands that you all have had a chance to play with over
the past few years?
your personal favorite bands that you all have had a chance to play with over
the past few years?
We’ve supported Kvelertak, Valient Thorr and Hark
recently. Those guys are really cool and
we’ve had such an amazing time already.
We’re all excited about who’s gonna be the next cool band we get to
support. I’m hoping Mötorhead. That would be like a childhood dream come
true for me.
recently. Those guys are really cool and
we’ve had such an amazing time already.
We’re all excited about who’s gonna be the next cool band we get to
support. I’m hoping Mötorhead. That would be like a childhood dream come
true for me.
In your dreams,
who are you on tour with?
who are you on tour with?
Mötorhead and Valient Thorr, fifty dates all across the
U.S. That, my friend, would fucking
rock!
U.S. That, my friend, would fucking
rock!
Do you have any
funny or interesting stories from live shows or performances that you’d like to
share here with our readers?
funny or interesting stories from live shows or performances that you’d like to
share here with our readers?
When we played at our release party for Legends, a party
where my mom showed up, our drummer Cato played completely naked,
ha-ha-ha. My mom was in the front row,
just in front of me. She didn’t see his dick
at first because she was taking pictures of me, ha-ha, but when she did see it
she went completely red and ran to the back of the crowd. Man, I would love to see the pictures she
snapped; a lot of ball action going on I reckon. One time a large part of the crowd was crazy
drunk at our sound check, so they started moshing and crowdsurfing for the
fucking sound check. And when our
drummer was done these really wasted dudes came up to him all cross-eyed and
just gave him bro love, you know? Like,
“Wow man you are an amazing drummer.
That was the best drum solo ever” ha-ha-ha-ha, during the fucking
soundcheck. Ha-ha-ha, the rest of us
just laughed our asses of.
where my mom showed up, our drummer Cato played completely naked,
ha-ha-ha. My mom was in the front row,
just in front of me. She didn’t see his dick
at first because she was taking pictures of me, ha-ha, but when she did see it
she went completely red and ran to the back of the crowd. Man, I would love to see the pictures she
snapped; a lot of ball action going on I reckon. One time a large part of the crowd was crazy
drunk at our sound check, so they started moshing and crowdsurfing for the
fucking sound check. And when our
drummer was done these really wasted dudes came up to him all cross-eyed and
just gave him bro love, you know? Like,
“Wow man you are an amazing drummer.
That was the best drum solo ever” ha-ha-ha-ha, during the fucking
soundcheck. Ha-ha-ha, the rest of us
just laughed our asses of.
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© Michael Boe Laigaard 2013
Do you all give a
lot of thought to the visual aspects that represent the band to a large extent,
stuff like fliers, posters, shirt designs, covers and that kind of thing? Is there any kind of meaning or message that
you attempt to convey with your artwork at all?
Is there anyone that you usually turn to in your times of need when it
comes to that kind of thing?
lot of thought to the visual aspects that represent the band to a large extent,
stuff like fliers, posters, shirt designs, covers and that kind of thing? Is there any kind of meaning or message that
you attempt to convey with your artwork at all?
Is there anyone that you usually turn to in your times of need when it
comes to that kind of thing?
We give a lot of thought to that stuff. I think it’s really important to have a
complete product. And as a band, I think
that the visual aspects, like how we dress and act on and off stage, cover art,
stickers and stuff like that is almost as important as the music. Needless to say, the music takes priority,
but these things come in as a close second.
And this is not news. All the
greatest bands in the world do this.
Even if they say they don’t.
Actually, everybody does this.
Not just bands. When you want to
make a product that other people would like, you have to put your heart into
it. The closer we can come to a total
package where everything seems “Förtressy” the better, you know what I
mean? We play bare chested, we have
tattoos and beards and long hair. This
gives us, and the crowd, a sense of unity.
I write lyrics about black magic, witches, well generally occult stuff,
’cause I draw inspiration from fantasy, D&D and Magic Cards and stuff like
that. So, of course the cover of Legends
was done by magic card artist Rob Alexander, who tried to work all the song
titles into the front cover. From my
point of view, there has to be a cohesive line going straight through what
you’re trying to project and get people excited about.
complete product. And as a band, I think
that the visual aspects, like how we dress and act on and off stage, cover art,
stickers and stuff like that is almost as important as the music. Needless to say, the music takes priority,
but these things come in as a close second.
And this is not news. All the
greatest bands in the world do this.
Even if they say they don’t.
Actually, everybody does this.
Not just bands. When you want to
make a product that other people would like, you have to put your heart into
it. The closer we can come to a total
package where everything seems “Förtressy” the better, you know what I
mean? We play bare chested, we have
tattoos and beards and long hair. This
gives us, and the crowd, a sense of unity.
I write lyrics about black magic, witches, well generally occult stuff,
’cause I draw inspiration from fantasy, D&D and Magic Cards and stuff like
that. So, of course the cover of Legends
was done by magic card artist Rob Alexander, who tried to work all the song
titles into the front cover. From my
point of view, there has to be a cohesive line going straight through what
you’re trying to project and get people excited about.
With all of the
various methods of release that are available to musicians today I’m always
curious why they choose and prefer the mediums that they do. Do you have a preferred medium of release for
your own music? What about when you’re
listening to and or purchasing music? If
you do have a preference, can you talk a little bit about why?
various methods of release that are available to musicians today I’m always
curious why they choose and prefer the mediums that they do. Do you have a preferred medium of release for
your own music? What about when you’re
listening to and or purchasing music? If
you do have a preference, can you talk a little bit about why?
I prefer vinyl by far.
But I listen to iTunes mostly, because I use it when I’m biking around
town getting from point A to point B.
When I’m at home and I want to check out an artist or band I just heard
about I usually use Spotify, because you can listen to all their stuff for a
small fee. As a band we like to put our
music out physically one way or the other, but we’re grateful for iTunes and
Spotify, so we can get our music out to a potential worldwide crowd. Technology, uuuh!
But I listen to iTunes mostly, because I use it when I’m biking around
town getting from point A to point B.
When I’m at home and I want to check out an artist or band I just heard
about I usually use Spotify, because you can listen to all their stuff for a
small fee. As a band we like to put our
music out physically one way or the other, but we’re grateful for iTunes and
Spotify, so we can get our music out to a potential worldwide crowd. Technology, uuuh!
Do you have a
music collection at all? If so, can you
tell us a little bit about it?
music collection at all? If so, can you
tell us a little bit about it?
But of course. I
think we all have one. We all like to
present new and old new stuff to each other and we influence and learn from
each other all the time. My collection
is mostly rock and metal. I’ve got a
shitload of CDs, because when I grew up that was the preferred medium. I only started my vinyl collection a year or
so ago, but it’s getting decent. I try
to buy the bands vinyl every time I go to a show. I also have a lot of my moms old 7”s like The
Beatles, Credence and old Danish singers.
It’s pretty cool to drop some acid and listen to them.
think we all have one. We all like to
present new and old new stuff to each other and we influence and learn from
each other all the time. My collection
is mostly rock and metal. I’ve got a
shitload of CDs, because when I grew up that was the preferred medium. I only started my vinyl collection a year or
so ago, but it’s getting decent. I try
to buy the bands vinyl every time I go to a show. I also have a lot of my moms old 7”s like The
Beatles, Credence and old Danish singers.
It’s pretty cool to drop some acid and listen to them.
I grew up around a
large collection of music and my dad would always take me out and pick me up
random stuff from the local shops that I thought looked cool and from a pretty
young age I developed a deep appreciation for physically released music. I would kick back with a set of headphones,
read the liner notes, stare at the cover and let the whole experience carry me
off on this trip. Having something
physical to hold and experience along with the music always made for a much
more complete listening experience for me.
Do you have any such connection with physically released music?
large collection of music and my dad would always take me out and pick me up
random stuff from the local shops that I thought looked cool and from a pretty
young age I developed a deep appreciation for physically released music. I would kick back with a set of headphones,
read the liner notes, stare at the cover and let the whole experience carry me
off on this trip. Having something
physical to hold and experience along with the music always made for a much
more complete listening experience for me.
Do you have any such connection with physically released music?
Of course! Who doesn’t?? I think everybody around our age has done
that at least once in their life. We
still do it. That’s how you’re supposed
to listen to music.
that at least once in their life. We
still do it. That’s how you’re supposed
to listen to music.
Like it or not,
digital music is here in a big way. In a
lot of ways though digital music is just the tip of the iceberg, when you
combine it with the internet; then you have something really revolutionary on
your hands. Together they’ve exposed
people to the literal world of music that they’re surrounded by and it’s almost
eradicated geographic boundaries and limitations overnight. On the other hand though, while people are
being exposed to more and more music they’re not necessarily interested in
paying for it and for a lot of people music is becoming this disposable
experience to be used and then forgotten about when you’re done with it. As an artist during the reign of the digital
era, what’s your opinion on digital music and distribution?
digital music is here in a big way. In a
lot of ways though digital music is just the tip of the iceberg, when you
combine it with the internet; then you have something really revolutionary on
your hands. Together they’ve exposed
people to the literal world of music that they’re surrounded by and it’s almost
eradicated geographic boundaries and limitations overnight. On the other hand though, while people are
being exposed to more and more music they’re not necessarily interested in
paying for it and for a lot of people music is becoming this disposable
experience to be used and then forgotten about when you’re done with it. As an artist during the reign of the digital
era, what’s your opinion on digital music and distribution?
The music made to be disposable, will be so, and will fade
away within a couple of years or whatever, so I’m not afraid. It will sort itself out and have a short
life, because it’s made to be that way.
The music that’s created as a piece of art and is meant to live on
forever will do so. Music fans will
always uphold the truly beautiful music, so I’m not afraid. Rock and roll may fade away from time to
time, as Alex Tuner said, but it will always resurface when it’s most needed
and there’s nothing the labels and the moneymakers can do about it. As long as there is music, there will be
people with soul and depth and the will to make it, regardless of the money or
current trends.
away within a couple of years or whatever, so I’m not afraid. It will sort itself out and have a short
life, because it’s made to be that way.
The music that’s created as a piece of art and is meant to live on
forever will do so. Music fans will
always uphold the truly beautiful music, so I’m not afraid. Rock and roll may fade away from time to
time, as Alex Tuner said, but it will always resurface when it’s most needed
and there’s nothing the labels and the moneymakers can do about it. As long as there is music, there will be
people with soul and depth and the will to make it, regardless of the money or
current trends.
I try to keep up
with as many bands as I possibly can but there’s just not enough time to sort
through even one percent of the amazing stuff out there right now. Is there anyone from your local scene or area
that I should be listening to that I might not have heard of?
with as many bands as I possibly can but there’s just not enough time to sort
through even one percent of the amazing stuff out there right now. Is there anyone from your local scene or area
that I should be listening to that I might not have heard of?
You should definitely give Pet The Preacher a listen. They’re an extremely talented trio powerhouse
playing dirty blues-infused sludgy rock.
They’re good friends of ours and they really rock. They just toured with Pentagram and Acid King. Of course, you should check out Simon’s other
band By The Patient if you’re into death metal.
playing dirty blues-infused sludgy rock.
They’re good friends of ours and they really rock. They just toured with Pentagram and Acid King. Of course, you should check out Simon’s other
band By The Patient if you’re into death metal.
What about
nationally and internationally?
nationally and internationally?
I really love this Danish band called Spids Nøgenhat
(Liberty Cap). They’re a 70’s themed
band. They sing in Danish about freedom,
love, smoking weed and the occasional acid trip. I don’t think the language is a barrier
though, because the beauty and truth of the music speaks for itself. I’m really into Weedeater. It’s just heavy and slow, and about smoking
weed and drinking some beer and whiskey; fun lyrics too. You should check out Behemoth as well if you
don’t know them already. They’re this
Polish blackened death metal band who are just amazing! It’s like going to a satanic mass watching
one of their shows.
(Liberty Cap). They’re a 70’s themed
band. They sing in Danish about freedom,
love, smoking weed and the occasional acid trip. I don’t think the language is a barrier
though, because the beauty and truth of the music speaks for itself. I’m really into Weedeater. It’s just heavy and slow, and about smoking
weed and drinking some beer and whiskey; fun lyrics too. You should check out Behemoth as well if you
don’t know them already. They’re this
Polish blackened death metal band who are just amazing! It’s like going to a satanic mass watching
one of their shows.
Thank you so much
for taking the time to make it this far.
This took me a while to put together and I know it has to have taken you
a while to finish! I swear I don’t have
anything else to spring on you or anything.
Before we call it a day and everything though, after having played
twenty questions with you, I’d like to open the floor up to all for a
moment. Is there anything that you’d
like to talk to me or the readers about at this point?
for taking the time to make it this far.
This took me a while to put together and I know it has to have taken you
a while to finish! I swear I don’t have
anything else to spring on you or anything.
Before we call it a day and everything though, after having played
twenty questions with you, I’d like to open the floor up to all for a
moment. Is there anything that you’d
like to talk to me or the readers about at this point?
We’re just excited that you guys wanna talk with us and like
our jams. Thanks a bunch man. It’s so overwhelming that people from far
away actually listen to, and like, our stuff.
Thank you from the darkest pit of my tiny black heart. And we wanna come party soon! Bars, venues, child birthdays, taking your
dog to the farm, vaginal exams… If
there’s a stage we will rock it!
our jams. Thanks a bunch man. It’s so overwhelming that people from far
away actually listen to, and like, our stuff.
Thank you from the darkest pit of my tiny black heart. And we wanna come party soon! Bars, venues, child birthdays, taking your
dog to the farm, vaginal exams… If
there’s a stage we will rock it!
DISCOGRAPHY
(2013) Förtress – Of Bones EP – Digital, Cassette Tape –
Black Cheese Records (Limited to 50 cassette tapes)
Black Cheese Records (Limited to 50 cassette tapes)
(2013) Förtress – Legends EP – Digital, 12” – Warner Music
Denmark
Denmark
Interview made by Roman Rathert/2014
© Copyright http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2014
