Interview With The Leading Bassist 'Niklas Sandin' (Katatonia, Lik)
Katatonia. An influential name in Metal Music Industry universally. The Masters of Darkness, and the Leaders of Sorrow; Katatonia are like hard time companions.
Each Metalhead has a distinctive unique story with Katatonia releases as "Dance of December Souls," "Brave Murder Day," "Tonight's Decision," "Night is the New Day," "Dead End Kings," and finally "The Fall of Hearts."
But unfortunately, Katatonia have announced their long break last year followed by massive waves of grief from all Metalheads from around globe.
In fact, it is a great honor for us to interview Katatonia's Bassist Niklas Sandin to share his thoughts about the legendary Katatonia, and his impressive band Lik.
-Thank you again Niklas for accepting our invitation for this interview. I want to start with the current status of Katatonia. Can you tell us more about it as a lot of fans would like to know what’s happening with the band?
To be honest, there is not much to tell or update upon except what is already out there. The band is taking a well-deserved break after holding up a long career, releasing records every 3 years for more than 20 years. It is a breather to get back to the inspiration and creativity that makes Katatonias records so good and well crafted.
-Katatonia performed on the first of January, 2017 in Dubai, to be its first live performance in the Middle East. How did you find the audience? and how was the interaction between you and on the stage, and the audience?
The audience there was killing, so much energy and passion! You could easily see that no one was there for the lack of good shows on T.V, haha. Every single person was there to see the show and since they backed us, it was easy to put on a good show and give 100% on stage.
It is something that I'd love to do again and the hospitality from being picked up at the airport and through the whole visit is without a doubt impeccable!
-You joined Katatonia few years ago, Can you tell us the difference between your experience as a Katatonia fan, and as a member of Katatonia band and how did you join the band?
I was never that die-hard fan of the band, even though I really appreciated "The Great Cold Distance" and had it as a top favorite among 2006 released albums.
But it was exciting for sure to get that e-mail from Jonas, asking if I'd be interested in filling the blanks left by Mattias Norrman. At first, it was only as a live session bassist, but after the end of the "Night Is the New Day" touring cycle, I grew to be a permanent member of the fascinating ensemble.
-Can you tell us more about the relationship between Katatonia's members backstage? and how does Katatonia choose its live set lists?
Backstage is a very chilled hang. We always try to get together at least an hour before the show to zone in and focus on what lies ahead.
In one's head, you don´t want to be somewhere else just before going on stage. You want to vibe the stage's atmosphere and attention within the gig; Listening to good selected music and having a drink accomplish that perfectly!
When it comes to set lists, we usually select them before we start rehearsing for a tour.
-What's your favorite Katatonia's release?
It comes and goes! Some albums fall in and out of fashion for me. But I would have to say right now it is probably "Dead End Kings". It is my first studio record with the band and it always holds that special spot!
-I want to move to your Death Metal band Lik. Why did you choose to play Death Metal music? and will we see you performing with Lik in Middle East?
Basically, because I really enjoy listening to Death Metal and it is one of my favorite genres. So I guess it all fell naturally.
I didn´t need to think twice when I got asked by my good friend Tomas Åkvik if I wanted to join and be a part of, what later on called ”LIK”.
It is also a very good variation from the duties in Katatonia. It is a different path, I play guitar in this band. So, it keeps things fresh!
Sure, I hope we fly someday to the Middle East and perform a gig. It would be a delight!
-A Few months ago Lik's second full length album 'Carnage' was released, what is the main concept of the album?
There is no a real concept of the album. It is just plain old school Stockholm Death Metal. The lyrics can be everything from a molesting killing machine that lurks at night to evil penile doctors.
So you can say that it is very influenced and inspired from old horror movies and it tends to be quite gory. That is what we like and what also puts a smile on our faces. It is all written with a touch of humor.
-While composing Lik's music, what are your main musical influences?
I would say Dismember, Dismember and lastly Dismember, haha. There are other old Death Metal bands that we're influenced by, but this is the main band. I think; it doesn't really surprise anyone to notice that we've received lots of inspiration from this band.
-You contributed with a lot of projects as Sodomisery, Shadows Past, Life Eclipse, Amaran, Slavegrid, and others. How did you manage your time between all those projects? How did you arrange your lines and Influences to give each band its distinctive musical sound?
I've always arranged my bass lines together with the composer through the song, that´s how you should do it throigh the day.
I've managed to be involved in the arrangements each and every time playing a song and throw a bit of "Nille spice" into it. I´ve been lucky that way, I´ve always worked with open minded musicians who see the value of letting someone come in and spice things up.
-You played bass with Bloodbath, was it the first time? Tell us more about how it was.
Oh yes, it was a one off gig since Jonas couldn´t make it to the Summer Breeze show. It had lots of preparations and a full hour of music to learn in the course over the summer. But most of it I had to rehearse shortly before taking off to Germany.
It was a lot of fun, and since I knew the members before. It was like going on a trip with your friends, but of course a bit nerve urging. You always want to give your very best. But, what is the worat case scenario? They can´t really fire me, can they? Haha!
-Who introduced you to music? Tell us your early stories with learning playing guitar and bass?
It was my father who introduced me to playing music at an early age. But back then, I was playing the alto saxophone. Very different than what I do nowadays. But it wasn´t until few years later a friend of mine turned me into Heavy Metal. I wanted to play guitar instead. Surprisingly my dad with so much support got up in the early mornings reading the paper and looking at ads so I could get a used electric guitar. The online ad system wasn´t yet created back then. So it was like you had to go around it and search for it yourself. And I guess the rest is history.
-What was the first Metal release to attract you to listening and playing Metal music?
It wasn´t a specific release. But it was lots from Iron Maiden and Metallica for sure. Those were the bands that my friend, who I mentioned earlier, listened heavily to. So that influenced me and made a permanent impact. Nowadays it´s honestly more Maiden than Metallica that spins on my record player!
-What are your favorite bands, musicians, musical genres?
Then we have to go back to Death Metal. That’s what I listen to the most nowadays. But that doesn’t keep me from indulging in other genres of music which can be completely different from extreme and heavy music. Take the American pop band Paramore for example, excellent music that I often enjoy from time to time. So it can range from everything Dismember to John Mayer. And I don´t really keep any favorite musicians. There are so many great ones who have the talent to excel in their own field.
-What are the main pieces of advice you would like to send to growing musicians, especially bassists?
Keep on doing what you like and don´t try to play something just because it might be mainstream. Music is a language and should transpire feelings, so stay true to yourself. Only then you can reach success when playing music thats coming out from the heart of your band. There´s nothing worse than playing music you can´t stand for and think is bad in front of an audience. It just doens´t make sense.
-Who are your closest friends in Metal music scene?
My band mates of course. But there´s wider ranges of friends that I’ve made during the years on the road with Katatonia. They´re all equally loved and honored by me.
-As you know, the Metal music industry somehow suffers from financial problems, as many bands face difficulties in funding their albums, do you think it will change at some period of time?
Thats is very good question! The music scene has opened up immensely and by streaming through services like Spotify, even fresh artists and bands has gained a voice. This is very positive, but also an expense of the music industry. You can´t really rely on your big invested money in studio time will reap reward through record sales. It´s more of a card you have to be able to go out and tour. And there´s more and more bands doing this which makes it more difficult to book shows. So its definitely a double edged sword.
-In your point of view, Which growing Metal bands you expect bright future ahead?
I hope for those who does what they believe in and stay passionate for the music!
-Finally, thank you for giving me this honorable chance, and actually Katatonia has a massive fan-base in the Middle East, so I am sure your fans here want to read a message from you guys, would you send your fans in the region a message?
Check out our latest record ”Carnage” with LIK if you´re into some real old school death metal. And yeah, keep on, keep on!
Thank you very much for your time Niklas and we wish you the best in your career.
Instagram:
Katatonia: https://www.instagram.com/katatoniaband
Facebook: Lik: https://www.facebook.com/LIKofficial/
Katatonia: https://www.facebook.com/katatonia/
Edited by: Rana Atef & Amgad M. Mohamed
