EUROPE: TOBIAS LINDELL (PRODUCER)
Questions asked by Jon Wilde, added to Rock Realms 18th January 2010.
Behind every great album there's a great producer. Behind Last Look At Eden is the man we talk to here: Tobias Lindell. Tobias was born in the mid 1970's in Sweden and claims the first word that came out of his mouth was actually "music".
He has sat behind the mixing desk and worked with numerous artists over the years. Judging by his discography, which even includes Britney Spears, he clearly doesn't like to be restricted by any one genre.
We recently caught up with Tobias via e-mail. Here are his answers...
Photo Credit: Fredrik Etoall
You seem to work with lots of styles of music. Do you think this is important to keep your mind fresh (for approaching new projects) by frequently moving between genres?
Tobias: Absolutely! I try to mix in as much craziness as possible into the different productions I do. It's very important to make songs interesting by adding small bits and pieces everywhere.
Do you have a favourite style of music, or are they all equally important to you?
Tobias: Rock is my favourite.
Did you have any formal training in music production, or have you learnt your skills on the job?
Tobias: I learned the hard way =)
Who or what inspired you to get behind the desk in the first place?
Tobias: I started out as a DJ. Then my interest moved onto productions. I guess I've always been interested in the "good sound" and how to create it.
Are you able to offer the ‘total production experience’ yourself, or do you work with a team?
Tobias: As a rock producer I work by myself. When doing "pop stuff" I always hire experienced musicians.
Am I right in thinking Last Look At Eden is the first Europe album you’ve produced?
Tobias: Yes it is.
How did you get the job?
Tobias: I emailed their management and told them I was interested in producing the band. Luckily for me the band liked my production on the Mustasch album "Latest Version of The Truth" and called me up for a meeting.
What do you feel you brought to the project that might have otherwise been missing?
Tobias: A new fresh sound I think. I'm not scared to try out new exiting ideas.
Were the band open to your ideas, or were you mostly following their instructions and refining their concepts?
Tobias: They where very open minded and let me do my thing.
Was Last Look At Eden recorded instrument by instrument, or was it More of an organic ‘live’ experience?
Tobias: First week live in the studio to get the drums recorded. Then we recorded bass, guitars, keys and vocals.
Do you have any special memories from the recording/production?
Tobias: The first week was really amazing. There was a great vibe and it was really nice to get to know the band.
Is there one track on the album which stands out and really exemplifies your production skills?
Tobias: 'Last Look At Eden' - the title track. I really like that one.
Did you use any special equipment during the process, or was it mostly done through the standard studio hardware/software?
Tobias: I use Neve console and Protools. Pretty much standard gear.
What pieces of hardware/software could you not live without as a producer?
Tobias: Definitely Protools!
How does modern recording equipment compare to that of a few years ago, and that of perhaps a few decades ago? Is technology moving on quickly?
Tobias: Everything has moved entirely to computers now. It’s easier to edit, plus people can make really good pre-productions at home with their computers.
Photo Credit: Tina Korhonen
Do you feel there are pros and cons to how things are done now in comparison to the ‘olden days’?
Tobias: Not really, it's about catching the band's best vibes. It's much easier now.
Where do you see production/recording software and hardware progressing to? Are there any big developments on the horizon?
Tobias: Protools is a standard program that everyone is using. I don't see any change coming...
Europe has a new single ‘New Love In Town’ coming out. Have you performed any extra work on it, or on any other tracks on the release?
Tobias: No, it's the same basic treatment as all other songs on the album.
A lot of producers have their own band on the side. Do you perform at all?
Tobias: No.
Any question you love being asked that I’ve missed? If so, what’s the answer?
Tobias: There is one other. I can't remember what the question is, but the answer is 22cm ...hahahaha...
What are you up to once you’ve finished answering these questions?
Tobias: Getting some sleep, then back to the studio and continuing work on the new Sonic Syndicate album.
Thanks for your time
Tobias: You're welcome. Thanks and best regards
Thanks again to Tobias for his time. You can see Europe on tour in the UK during February 2010. Very special guest is Diamond Head.
Leeds 02 Academy (Feb 18)
Birmingham O2 Academy (Feb 19)
02 London Shepherd’s Bush Empire (Feb 20)
Oxford O2 Academy (Feb 22)
Bournemouth O2 Academy (Feb 23)
Bristol O2 Academy (Feb 24)
Manchester Academy 2 (Feb 26)
Newcastle O2 Academy (Feb 27)
Glasgow O2 ABC (Feb 28)
Ticket Hotline: 0844 477 2000, http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/
The new Europe album, Last Look At Eden, and the new single 'New Love In Town' are out now. Check out the Rock Realms review here.
Photo Credit: Tina Korhonen
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