Interview with Machine 85

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

 Hi! Jokke Here from MACHINE 85.

My dad tried getting me into a bunch of stuff when I was a kid, Hockey, football etc. But I REALLY sucked at everything. He had probably seen it in me that I liked rock n roll. He always played Deep Purple and stuff like that at home. So he got me a small crappy drum kit. Couldn’t stop playing it! I got pretty good but when I met a friend that also played the drums I picked up a borrowed yellow Peavey guitar. Then I was hooked! But drums is still Ia big part of my way of playing guitar.

If that wouldn’t have happened?

Well, I like engines. So probably a mechanic of some sort. I have a small workshop next to my recording studio where I work on my motorcycles just for fun.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

 I like to hang out with my family. My wife and twin kids. Then I like to work on my motorcycles and play Zelda on nintendo.

How long has your band been around?

Its a brand new band! But my long time friends and partners in crime are with me in this. Ulf Wahlgren and Alfred Andersson. We have played for many years together in different bands.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

We are all from Sweden. And we have a great music scene here. Meshugga, The hives, Hellacopters Soilwork, In Flames, Roxette and Abba haha. Just to name a few! Very Inspiring that bands from a small country can really make it out there.

 How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

Well, I feel like a machine sometimes. I learned early on that if you want something you have to make it happen your self. LOTS of DIY. Those who have been in the music industry a few years knows what I mean. And Machines are cool haha

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Its a brand new band so the future will tell! But me and Ulf (The Drummer) played our first real show together when we where 13. We had a band called Warlocks and we ONLY played Metallica covers. It was big moment to play rock in front of an audience for the first time.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I dont have a favourite, but I love small sweaty clubs overall. Concrete and the smell of beer built in the walls.

I wish to play Hyde Park with this band before I die. Haha

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Phil Anselmo on vocals, me on guitar, Mitch Mitchell on drums, Glen Hughes on bass and Ozzy as backup singer haha

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Its a classic answer, DONT let other people affect your music. Stay on a straight line and follow your dreams. Don’t let grown ups tell you what you like.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

 You are good enough.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

I would say our latest single 20 Days. I wrote the whole song 20 days before we where flying to Nashville to record the album. I had already payed for the studio (Sound Emporium) and the flight tickets so I was under pressure,  Its about getting your shit together. Believing in yourself and fight those black dogs that fucks you up. I have struggled with depression my whole life so its about turning your darkness into energy instead.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

 I love them all. Ask me again in a year!

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

This album had been in my brain for a while. I wrote the songs. But I knew that I wanted to record it with my extremely talented brothers Alfred and Ulf. I wanted to form the band, rent a studio, record the whole thing without any bullshit and click tracks. And so we did. I recorded some simple demos then we had one rehearsal before hitting the studio. Everything was recorded in 3 days. Except for the vocals that I recorded in Sweden.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

 Belive in your self, Bang your head and feel the energy.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

 No nothing. We know each other so well. And for so long. So we are past that many years ago. Dream-team.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

YES! We just released our second single 20 Days. There is a new music video in the making for our next single. Then We will release our album 2024. We just signed with a management. Deadfall. So Im hoping we can put together a lot of live shows next year to promote the release.

Thanks for having me!