I recently got the chance to interview one of my favorite bands, Swedish skate punk act, Atlas Losing Grip. We discussed their new album “State of Unrest,” punk rock and more. Check out the interview here.
While your reading stream the full album here. “State of Unrest” will be released on the 28th of May on Black Star Foundation.
You will be releasing your new album “State of Unrest” on May 28th. How does this album differ form your previous efforts “Shut the World Out” and “Watching The Horizon?”
Watching the Horizon was the first recording we did with Rodrigo on vocals and that already felt like a more mature and solid sound, compared to Shut the World Out. The new album is a natural step forward in our development as a band on all levels, musically and personally.
What influences help to shape the song-writing and style of Atlas Losing Grip?
We have a wide range of influences within the band. We listen to all types of music, from Singer songwriter/Country, Electro, Punk/Hardcore to Black/Death metal and anything in between. I assume we take influences from everything and interpret it into our Punk/HC style.
I think most American’s recognize Sweden and it’s surrounding areas, as one of the pioneers of the classic skate-punk scene like Satanic Surfers, No Fun At All and Millencolin. Why do you think that particular sub-genre of punk is seemingly so popular over there which later led to the rise of it’s popularity elsewhere?
Back then the genre was new and fresh and the mentioned bands were extremely well promoted by the label, Burning Heart. I believe that the Swedish scene was initially influenced by American bands such as Bad Religion, NOFX etc.
What are some other music scenes over there that people may not know? What kind of unique things does Sweden have to offer?
I don’t believe that there is a specific scene in Sweden that does not exist elsewhere. Lately the old school Death Metal scene has been very active for example.
Rodringo was the vocalist of my all-time favorite skate-punk band Satanic Surfers. I think own just about all of those albums and the Atlas Losing Grip albums. If you don’t mind me inquiring, what led to the end of Satanic Surfers and the start of Atlas Losing Grip?
Atlas Losing Grip started out in 2005 and Rodrigo didn’t join until early 2009. The bands had no connection before that except for Stefan and Rodrigo jamming out in Enemy Alliance. As for the reason of Satanic Surfers calling it quits, there were actually several factors. But to keep it short Rodrigo just felt it was time to do something else.
Do you think the rise of Punk Rock leads to a creative influx of new sounds or to bands being homogenized in sound, dress and views?
Anything that becomes widely popular will of course at first be an inspiration to creativity. But unless those inspired take it to heart, reinvent it and make it their own, and as long as someone can make money out of selling stereotypes, there’s always a risk of stagnation within the scene.
Everyone has a different view. What does punk rock mean to you and what gets you fired up about it?
In all honesty these days my musical taste is extremely varied, as I mentioned earlier we all listen to a wide range of musical styles. Very few punk rock bands get me fired up these days. If they do, it’s probably the choice of melodies that does it at first. Lyrics and honesty also matter, of course.
Do you think it’s hard to an independent artist in tough economic times or is it alright since Punk has always been mostly underground anyway?
If you’re trying to make a living and survive as an independent artist, ofcourse it’s difficult. Always has and always will be. Each band and artist have to make their own choice where to draw the line.
As a selfish American, I must ask this. Do you have any touring plans for the U.S. Or elsewhere for that matter?
We have great plans for touring everywhere, we just need to put all of the pieces together first. Right now we’re focusing on the album release and touring Europe.
Here at Dying Scene we like to support local bands. Are there any local bands you think people should check out?
The Indecision Alarm is a band that deserves way more attention, so check ’em out!
There’s a new video for the song “All in a Day’s Work” which lyrically I’d assume is about religious extremists. What’s your personal view of religion?
We’re all atheists.
What are some things you’d like to see change in the world?
There are too many things to list that need to change in this world. Everyone can make an effort, so there’s really no excuse not to give different alternatives a chance.
Is there anything you’d like to say?
Our new album ‘State of Unrest’ will be released on May 28 on Black Star Foundation. Make sure you check it out!