Interview with THUNDERMAKER

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

- It was back in the early 80's when I started to listen to Heavy Metal with my uncle. I didn't pick up the guitar until 1994 though, so was a little late. Without music I don't think I'd be alive today. It's everything for me.

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

- I like to spend my time playing video games, watching movies, to draw and maybe listen to some soundtrack or instrumental music. Of course I listen quiet a lot to other music as well and I like to keep myself up-to-date.

How long have you been making music?

- Been in several bands since the late 90's but have been composing since 2004.

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

- I'm from Sweden but I don't think my swedish heritage contributes that much as I'm mostly influenced by old school heavy metal acts from the early 80's. Nowadays it's mostly japanese bands.  

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

- We haven't done any shows as this quite a monumental beast to undertake. I want to make something spectacular one day but it requires a lot of things to come to fruition. What that is, I'll keep for myself as of now.

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

- I have a vision to one day play Wacken. That's number one for me.

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

- I'll keep that a secret. Got a whole lot of artists to choose from so to make surre noone steals my ideas, I have to pass this question. Sorry.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

- Interesting question.

1. Practise as much as You can and try  to connect  with a lot of people in the industry.

2. Try to think outside the box. Always. People steal ideas all the time so be ahead of the curve.

3. Learn the business. Many people are out to fool You. Some people You might not even want to think would do that. Very often You won't be respected if You aren't a big name or artist. Big artists always have it easier and usually can  rest on theeir laurels as their name carries their songs. If You have written a song it's easierr to critisize You than the big artist as the "know what they're doing". AND, someone told me this... Not anyone wabts to work with You until You made the numbers, then everyone wants to work with You. Then again, what's the point if You have done all that by Yourself? Something to think about.

I  would have told my younger self to start earlier. I really started all too late.

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

- A song called "1111"  means a lot to me as it has many secret words and meanings. Also the song "A Twin Flame Journey" means a lot since it deals with that topic. But I think the song that means the most right now   is the upcoming song and album "The Journey With You". I get emotional every time I hear it.

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

- People usually request the song "The Road" a lot. Many people like that one.  It's one of the faster songs and Ronny's vocals are fantastic!

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

- It depends if I have figured out the topic of the lyrics or if I have ideas for the music first. Sometimes I write lyrics first, sometimes  it's the music.  Japan inspires me a lot nowadays and bands from that country. It's like a never ending source of inspiration.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music? if so please tell me about them.

- I never deal with any subconsious  meanings other than a few songs from the album "The Road". That album is about relationships in many forms and how people  treat each other under certain circumstances. Mostly that album is about Twin Flames  though and that involves how You evolve as a person when You're on this journey to reunite with Your twin. The new album is all about that and it gets way deeper.

"But as an example, the song "The Road", The title track, deals with all the emotions and feelings You go through when it feels like you've been through it all, and You decide to move on no matter what.

This can be related to being in a relationship, an inner struggle or almost anything that deals with lack of desire.

As You can see, this is a very emotional Journey and I hope You will find something to let You find that desire to continue and the burning flame to follow your heart. Remember, it's not life that set the limits, its You".

Do you have any new singles, videos, or albums out that you would like to tell me and your fans about?

- No, no new stuff out as of now since I'm busy finalizing the new album which is 50% complete as of now. 4 tracks are 100%  completed with vocals and has been mixed. The remaining 4  songs I'm still waiting for vocals on. There'll be an intro and  an instrumental as well, in usual Marty fashion. I think I have an instrumental track on every album, even my  solo stuff. Black Sabbath did that as well up until 1990.

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

- I really want to push the new and upcoming album "The Journey With You" a lot! It will be based on my book with the same name which I'm currently writing. Both will feature illustrations created specifically for this.  It's huge beast to undertake and I won't release it until all the guests I want to work with are onboard, but I'll stay  positive and focus on a release in 2024.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

- They can check out these sites. I'll list all of them down below. Thanks so much forr having me! Please keep an eye out!! There's some cool stuff coming!

Website: www.thundermaker.se

Facebook: https://facebook.com/officialthundermaker

Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialthundermaker

Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/thundermaker_se

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thundermakertv

My socials:

My Youtube channel: https://youtube.com/@martysmetalroom

Facebook: https://facebook.com/officialmartygummesson

Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialmartygummesson

Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/MartyGummesson