HUMAN
RACE
Interview
with Robert Hansson, guitarist from HUMAN RACE
By Andrew Paul
A wet Thursday at Paul Dungeons-service with a smile and a stab-was enlivened by a friendly chat with Robert Hansson, guitarist with the excellent Human Race, who proved to be a thoughtful and charming chap. An hour or so raced by swiftly, and there here follows the essence of what was discussed.
1) Why title the
album 'Dirt Eater'?
RH 'Good question!
When you're a newcomer to the music business it seems that it's
the way of things that you often face poor treatment. We've been
dirtied, but we're moving on now.
2) Which leads us
onto why the change of label? And why move to Massacre?
RH 'Well, when we
started the band with out first ep(Got it-smug interviewer!)I was
in touch with Massacre amongst others as I was with Mark Alger.
We went with Z Records because it sounded so promising. But, it
didn't really turn out as expected, though we owe him a lot. Once
we parted ways with Z Records, we had two or three companies
interested in us, and after a lot of talking, we thought Massacre
would be the right home for Human Race, especially in view of the
bands on the label such as PC69. And the response to the album
has been most satisfying so far-I've done about 40 interviews so
far,so Massacre is really promoting us. Touring plans I
interject? The plan is get promotion out of the place way, and
then consider touring plans.Hopefully, someone
like PC69 would be perfect.But we'll see!
3) As well as a
change of label, there's been changes in personnel haven't there?
RH 'Well, after the
first album, Mats(keyboards) family commitments and his work as a
radio producer took out him out of the equation. He guested on
'Dirt Eater' but we are trying out a new keyboard player, who is
unknown,to be in on a permanent basis. We've also got a new
drummer, Alex Hedlund, who was in Big Wave, with Dennis, our bass
player. We brought him in, because we parted company with our
previous drummer because he got bored when we are not doing a lot
whilst waiting to get out of our contract, and morale suffered.
4) So, what was the
rationale behind the reworking of songs form the debut for 'Dirt
Eater'?
RH 'Well, we felt
that the material was given't enough attention, and that it
deserves it.Again I butt in by mentioning the quite brilliant
'Weary Eyes',a Japanese bonus on the debut. We promise that
'Weary Eyes' will appear on a European release sometime, we
couldn't understand why it wasn't on the debut in Europe.
5) One of the songs
on the new album that really made an impression on your truly has
been 'Somefall in Summertime' Is it based on a true story?
RH Yes. Stefano
knew a 15 year old girl who had cancer. it was winter, and she
was told that she didn't have much time left, hence 'sometimes
sunlight doesn't reach every leaf'. Sadly,she passed away. And
the song is interesting melodically, as well, as lyrically, as
we've tried to catch the sense of frustration and desperation of
her position. It's a song that will stand up for a long time.
6) And 'Brand New
Dawn' is the eastern epic?
RH Oh yes, my
favourite! It's Human Race,a big track.
7) I recall mention
made of a solo album?
RH'The idea's still
there, but I've put it on ice, to concentrate on Human Race. It
originally came up because solos were not really a focus in the
band, but having talked things through, we will make more room
for solos'.
8) Now the dreaded
influences question!?
RH Well, Blackmore,
a bit of Brian May,Pontus Norgren is an amazing guitar, John
Petrucci, oh and I really like Michael Romeo from Symphony X and
Dough Aldrich from Burning Rain. They all combine great playing
with songs. As for the band, we have our roots in Rainbow and
Sabbath, but by our use of keyboards and our modern production
aim to create our own identity.
9) Tarot Woman-you
had to do it?!
RH(laughing)'Yes!
When we started we played some Rainbow covers and a couple of
years ago we went into a small studio in Gothenberg, put everyone
in booths, hit the record button and played through 'Tarot
Woman', 'Kill the King', 'Man on a silver mountain' and 'Still,
I'm sad'. What you hear on 'Tarot Woman' is totally live. And
Stefano's voice really fits this stuff, and I think he's one of
the best singers in Sweden. So, anyone putting together a Rainbow
tribute album get in touch with Robert!!! We also discussed Japan
where the band are
currently sorting a deal out, and other bits and bobs but the
essence of the conversation is here.
Robert Hansson is a nice guy, a talented guitarist in an excellent band, that deserves a break. We thank him for his time and wish him well.