interview with Soul Sign
Who started the band? Bjorn Englen & Magnus Andersson
Tell us a brief introduction of who you are? Hard Rock group based out of Los Angeles
What is your name?/Who plays what?
Mark Boals - The main voice of Yngwie Malmsteen, Ted Nugent, Scorpions' Uli Jon Roth, Ring of Fire and Royal Hunt. Mark is known for his great personality and unique vocal range.
Bjorn Englen - Bass player and founder, known as the bassist of Dio Disciples, Yngwie Malmsteen, Uli Jon Roth (Scorpions) & Tony MacAlpine. He was also the bassist for Quiet Riot & Survivor/MSG vocalist Robin McAuley.
Jan Mengeling - Guitar - The German work horse! A true professional with great work ethics, tone & feel! Jan has played & recorded with Coma Star as well as toured & recorded with members of Black Label Society, David Lee Roth, Accept, Lita Ford & Walter Trout.
Mike Cancino - Drums. An energetic and experienced drummer who makes a perfect fit for Soul Sign. Mike grew up in the desert in a family full of drummers and has toured the world as the drummer of bands like stoner rock legends Unida, H.O.B.P. and others.
What was the plan when you started the band? I had just left Quiet Riot when my friend guitar player Magnus Andersson asked if I'd like to jam and write some songs. Magnus went on to other projects and I continued the band with new band members.
Explain to those who have not heard you, how does your music? Melody driven hard rock.
Who writes the songs?/Who does the music? In the past it's been mainly myself, but we now all try to contribute.
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Life in general. We typically don't write love songs.
Have you released any album or single?
Album: "Life In The Dark"
Single: "Shine On"
EP: "Control"
On compilation: "Jingle Bells" (Instrumental)
What do you sell for merchendise gadgets?
T-shirts, Photos, CDs
http://www.soulsign.us/products.html
Have you done any music videos? Yes, "Sign of Your Soul" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDph7e_YYMM
How has your music evolved since you began playing music together?With this line-up the music is heavier, faster and tighter.
What are your dreams with the band? To headline arenas and festivals around the world.
What's places you can play on the "Los Angeles, CA"? There are a few but Los Angeles has for a long time been a bad place for bands to grow their following.
What are your two big favorite songs you done? It seems like the band's favorites are "Out of Obsession" and "Life".
How important are your fans? Very! Without them there is no reason to perform.
How old were you at your first concert you saw? 13
What is your goal with your music? To be happy and travel around the world until I die
How old were you when you were on a stage for the first time? 15
Besides your music style you play what do you like the music still enjoy listening to? Any great song regardless of style. Honestly I love silence.
What is the biggest fear when you go onstage? I try to not have fear. Relaxing and enjoying yourself is key.
How often do you rehearse? Whenever we have shows booked.
Do you always the same songs live or vary it? We always try to improve the set-list with a new order or with new songs.
Best/worst performed gig? Best one might have been at a place that is now closed called The Coconut Teazer in Los Angeles
Have you toured somewhat over the years 1995 to 2014? Yes in USA and Europe.
Where do you sleep when you're going on tour? Hotels.
Where do you plan to play the rest of the year? Record a new album.
Tell us about your upcoming shows and why we should be there? We are better than ever. Next show is at Fitzgerald's in Huntington Beach, CA
What do you think of that they go to download music from the internet instead of buying records? As long as the fans pay for the music the downloading is good
What is your outlook on the record industry today? It's horrible. It cost money to tour. If you can't sell recorded music it's hard to tour, but in order to sell music you need to tour. It's a catch 22. The internet is over-saturated with "bands".
How would you describe your sound in one sentence? Heavy, melodic song-driven Hard Rock.
What is the first step to a new song? A melody or a riff.
What are your web pages?
http://soulsign.us
Facebook - Soul Sign
Twitter - @AllStarRawk (Soul Sign)
What inspires you? Travel, the desert, the beach, great musicians
Is it easier to draw inspiration from older bands than the bands that are active today? Yes, much easier!
What are your plans for the future? Writing great music and touring world wide.
What advice would you give to other bands? Be yourself and don't move to a big city until you're famous.
Do you have anything to add? See you all on the road!
