Robex Lundgren virkblogg.

Have any of you played in other bands? Yes, I started as the guitarist with a band called Hand Over Fist. After that band broke up, I took some time off. Then I started a new project with my friend Jeff Watson called Rictus Of Rage. In doing that project is when I decided to do a solo project.

What are your names? / Who plays what?

I play everything on the albums, but I did put together a band to play live. My live band is:

Myself: Guitar\Vocals

Gene Garcia: Guitar

Brandon Reidhead: Bass

Greg Stowers: Drums

Megan Masser(my most amazing wife) Background vocals

Sara Oney: Background Vocals

Have you had other previous members? No

Where are you from? Prescott, Arizona.

What year did the band form? When I decided to start doing music again, I started as just myself writing and recording about 2 years ago. My current band has only been together about a year.

What's your style of genre? Rock\Hard Rock\Southern Rock

What inspires you? Music, Life, Emotion.

Are you looking for a booking agency, and what are your thoughts around that? Not at this time. I work with a promotion company currently that has booking agents. I think booking agents are essential for bands if they want to setup any kind of tour.

Are you looking for a label, and what are your thoughts around that? Not at this time. I am currently signed to an Indie label out of the UK. My experience with labels is just be careful what you agree to and sign. There are labels out there that will take advantage of you. I have had my run ins with those in the past. Luckily, the label I am with now is one of the good ones. Plus, now days you can do most everything yourself. There are good labels out there that truly help the artist\bands. Just do a little homework and research before you sign anything.

What are your songs about? A lot of different things. From anything like breakup’s\bad relationships to songs about War.

Who does the composing and writes the lyrics? I write and compose all the songs.

Do you compose in a certain environment? No environment really. You just need to be ready when the inspiration spark hits.

Have you done any covers live? Yes, for sure. I love playing covers. I think it’s good to throw a few songs in a set that people already know and love. Plus, you get to put your own spin on them.

What are the least and most people to attend one of your gigs? Wow, umm I remember playing a show where there were only 3 people there to watch.  I would say the most I’ve played for I think would be about 500.

What ages are most of your concert attendants? Most of the shows I have done have been in bars and clubs. So, most would be 21 and up. I have done a few all ages show in the past.

Do you always play the same songs live, or do you vary? Mostly the same. Once you have your setlist practiced and rehearsed we will keep to that. There are exceptions where I might throw a new song in, but for the most part I keep it the same.

Do you have a regular place you play live often? No, just wherever we can.

What was your first gig like? It was very nerve racking. I was so nervous, but after about 3 or 4 songs I really got into it and its been the most exciting rush I have ever had.

What was your latest gig? It was a Christmas Show. I don’t think they knew what hit them. I think they were expecting mellow Christmas songs. They got something totally different ha ha.

Where have you played live this year? I haven’t played any shows yet this year. With everything going on I think it will be sometime before anyone will be playing shows. I have agreed to do a virtual concert. We will be doing what most bands are doing now playing live from our house. That is set for June 13^th.

When did you start to sell merchandise, and what do you have for sale? I currently do not sell any merchandise or have anything to sell.

What do you think about people downloading music instead of buying records now a days? It’s part of progress, I do it too. I understand the ease of being able to have all your songs at your fingertips. I don’t have a problem with it. I’m happy if people listen to my songs, I don’t care how they listen. Although, I do miss going to record stores and buying records and CD’s with my friends. Then going home and listening to the whole album while studying all the liner notes and cover art. There is something to be said about how much fun that was. 

How do you think the music industry have changed because of this? I think it has taken some the control the music industry had over everything and gave some of it back to the artists\bands. Now anyone with the right knowledge and tools can do everything on their own without the need for a major label. 

What do you think of my work? I think it’s great. We need more people like you out there that are true music fans helping the artist\bands get noticed by more people. What you and others like you do is so important to music. Without that so many great bands would go unnoticed. Keep doing what you do!!

How do you think and know that this interview will help you in the music business? It will help me reach more people that might like my style of music and look me up on Spotify or SoundCloud iTunes google play etc.. 

Do you have any role models or idols? I have a ton. Randy Rhoads and Ozzy are probably my biggest. I could list a ton, but some others are Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, Motley Crue, and  Pink Floyd.

Is it easier to find inspiration from older bands, or bands that are more active today? I think older bands. Not taking anything away from the newer bands out there. There was just something about the older bands. The songs they wrote, the way they recorded. There was a rawness to it. Most stuff today is very polished.

What have been your biggest obstacles? Probably myself. I tend to get in my own way a lot.

What advice would you give other bands or artists? Don’t lose site of why you started doing this. Stay true to yourself and your music. Don’t let anyone tell you what to play and how to play. You are the artist, paint the picture you want. People will always tell you that you need to sound more like this or more like that. If all bands sounded more like this or that music would all sound the same. Embrace you own style. Also, listen to other styles of music. There is a ton to learn for other styles of music.

Do you have any new material? Yes, I just released a new album called “Let it Ride.”

What are your web sites? mikemasser.com