BALTIMOORE
Questions asked by Jon Wilde, added to Rock Realms ??nd June 2009.
Baltimoore are a Swedish rock band who are now into double figures of albums released. They play a classic styled rock of varying heaviness and have just released their latest work, a rather good album entitled 'Quick Fix'.
Lead singer, producer and general mastermind behind the band Björn Lodin answers questions on their behalf.
Hi Björn, thanks for taking a moment to answer these questions for Rock Realms. Hope all is well?
Björn: All is good, thank you!
How did you originally get into music? Did you start as a vocalist or did you play an instrument?
Björn: Well, I started out as the "you have to play the bass to be in the band" guy at the age of 12, and got into singing pretty soon - no one else wanted to sing either :) I still want to play guitar in a band!!
If you don't mind us saying so, we think you sound like a mixture of Biff Byford (Saxon) and Glenn Hughes. Who would you say influenced your singing style?
Björn: I don't mind :) Sure, they're great singers and had a big impact on me growing up. I am a big fan of Bon Scott, Ian Gillan and David Coverdale but Robert Plant really got my attention and has inspired me the most. He has balls and gets out of the box to do his thing... totally unafraid. My kind of guy!
Baltimoore doesn't follow the usual Scandinavian rock style of absolute heaviness or crazy party madness - you seem to do your own thing. Was it a deliberate decision to do something different or is that just how your music naturally developed?
Björn: I know, we don't seem to fit in :) I guess its just how things have turned out. Music means the world to me and I like to try out different things. I'm doing music for me - not for Disney or McDonalds.
How do you think your new album, Quick Fix, compares to your older work?
Björn: Hardcore Baltimoore fans will love it, cause I do! Quick Fix is a great introduction to the band, it covers the attitude and musicality we've always had. It's hard, soft, angry, funny, cocky and absolutely lovely!
Are you glad you made the decision to reintroduce the Hammond organ sound to your music? Do you think it gives you a completely different sound or just a new dimension to the normal Baltimoore style?
Björn: Yes, Hammond tickles my butt for real! I haven't used it for a while and I really missed it so when Örjan's and my schedule worked out I knew we'd make a fine record. I think the "normal" Baltimoore includes Hammond :) We did 4 albums without it but now its back its staying.
What's your favourite moment or song on the new album?
Björn: I'm very happy with "The Bet". It's a song I wrote in 1999 and was meant to be on "Original Sin", but never made it... However, the guys thought we should have it on and I think it turned out great. Besides that, I'm always happy and proud of every song we do ;) This is a work in progress and we've a long way left to go... hopefully!
We love the rock flute! Who played it in 'The Bet' and are there any other instruments (not normally associated with rock) you fancy using on a future record?
Björn: Thanks! His name is Henrik Johansson and this is the original take from a session we had in 1999. The other instruments and vocals were re-recorded. Definitely, there's no limit to what we might do in this band.
Are you touring on the back of the Quick Fix release? Can we expect to see you in the UK?
Björn: We've just started rehearsals and are trying out different songs to see what will work with this line up. Baltimoore is not a heavily touring act due to other commitments by the players. Most players are involved with other acts and projects. We've never played in the UK and would be honoured if we got an invitation!!
Do you watch many live gigs yourself or do you prefer being on the stage?
Björn: No, I hardly ever go to concerts or festivals. If I do I go with my dad to hear some nice jazz :) Being on stage with a kick ass band tops it all!
What does the future hold for Björn Lodin and Baltimoore?
Björn: I'm recording and producing a Swedish singer/songwriter artist for another month and then we get serious with Baltimoore rehearsals and hopefully we can announce some dates soon!
Is there anyone out there you would really love to work with?
Björn: There's a Danish artist called Tim Christensen, who I really admire. I'd love to do something with him. Check him out people! There are some fantastic local players that I have scheduled for this singer/ songwriter session, I hope I get to do some more music with.
Is music your life, or just a big part of it?
Björn: It's the part that takes all hours away from the other things I wanna do :) It has 1st priority - after my wife and dog!
What are your 5 favourite albums?
Björn:
Presence - Led Zeppelin
Highway to Hell - AC/DC
Made in Japan - Deep Purple
Assault Attack - MSG
Come and get it - Whitesnake
What's the best/worst thing you've ever done when drunk?
Björn: All the stupid things I've done, I did when I was drinking. I never did anything good. I stopped drinking 15 years ago.
What are you up to once you finish answering these questions?
Björn: Got another interview :) then I'm mastering an album for a French accordion player, lol
Anything else you would like to mention?
Björn: Sure! All our albums can be purchased from our website: http://www.baltimoore.net/
The new Baltimoore album, Quick Fix is out now. Check out the review on Rock Realms here for further details...
