Robex Lundgren virkblogg.

Have any of you played in other bands? I've played in several different bands spanning my career including projects with Puddle of Mudd members, Adelitas Way, RapScallions, and most recently Screaming At Demons. Most recently I've had the honor of recording with Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers on the latest 2 Screaming At Demons singles.

How is it that you started playing music? I started playing bass at 14. It was almost my birthday and I really wanted a paintball gun because all my friends had them and would go out and play in the woods. My parents were less than thrilled with the idea. However, I had gotten a mis-addressed Musicians Friend catalog that was supposed to go my neighbor down the street. I started thumbing through it and came upon this really cool looking bass. I didn't even know what a bass was, but for some reason I was drawn to it and asked my parents for it for my birthday. They were super support and got me my first bass and the rest is history.

Where are you from? I'm originally from Long Island, NY, but mainly live in Los Angeles, CA

What year did the band form? I started RapScallions back in 2011ish, Screaming At Demons was formed 2015

What's your style of genre? I'm a rock bassist but incorporate lots of elements of jazz, funk, and pop into my playing.

What inspires you? Life. Inspiration can come from a myriad of places, you just have to have an open mind and heart and be willing to let the universe in.

How have you developed since you started with the music? I think when I first started playing, I was all about flash and speed. How fast can I slap? How impressive can I solo? Now I play more for the song I'm writing for performing. It's all about complementing the other musicians and making them sound great. 

Do you have other interests of work outside the band? I do artwork as well. I love working with pastels and do lots of large scale pieces. I sell them direct through my websitewww.chrisclemence.com. Each piece is one of a kind and I don't make prints or copies.

What are your songs about? Many different life experiences, love experiences, etc. but I like to let my listeners make their own decisions about what the meaning of the song is for them. 100 people could all listen to the same song and each walk away thinking it's about something different. That's what is so powerful about music.

Who does the composing and writes the lyrics? I've done songs where I have composed the entire piece, both lyrics and melody as well as arrangements, and I've also co-written lots of my songs as well. Just depends on the situation.

Do you start with the music or the lyrics? I've done both, but I found my better works I've started with the lyrics first.

What are the least and most people to attend one of your gigs? I've played to 10 people and I've played to 100,000. But I'll always give every show my all. A lot of upcoming musicians don't understand that. They think when they are first starting and playing to 10 people that their stage presence doesn't matter cause hardly anyone is there. Well, if you're not amazing and putting on a great show, why would more people than that want to show up in the future? Always have to play and perform at the absolute top level.

Do you always play the same songs live, or do you vary? Constantly switch up my sets. Each show is unique.

What do you think about people downloading music instead of buying records now a days? In today's digital age it's easier to get your music out there and heard more than ever before. But with that also comes a lot of over saturation which lowers the bar in terms of quality acts and songs. I think it's great for fans to have so much to pick from and discover, but also the current model has definitely hurt artists and takes away from their lively hood. Artists need to get creative and become a brand rather than just rely on record sales.

What have been your biggest obstacles? Keeping up with a rapidly and ever changing business.

What advice would you give other bands or artists? Focus on your songs. No one cares if you look awesome but your songs aren't hits. Write great music that others can connect to and you'll have success

How do you get psyched for a gig? Slather myself in honey and roll over a pit filled with fire ants.

What are your web sites? www.chrisclemence.com

What are your plans for the future? I've partnered with Sub Pac for my next project which will be called "Songs For The Deaf". Sub Pac allows users to feel frequencies and the vibrations of music through a wearable pack that straps on ones back. I've written a couple songs and am going to give deaf children the joy and experience of music for the first time. I was recently at Sub Pac's "Deaf Disco" in Las Vegas and it was amazing to see all these kids freak out and dance when getting to "hear" music for the first time in their lives.