Interview with
Jørn Viggo Lofstad
Pagan’s Mind, Jorn and Beautiful Sin
Pagan’s Mind, Jorn and Beautiful Sin
Personal
Ever since he was young Jørn Viggo has had a great interest in music and rhythms. Influenced by bands like Dio, Metallica and King Diamond, he picked up the guitar at the age of 14 and joined his first band Cry Free (later Cabo Wabo) – a local cover band.
Now – 18 years later – Jørn Viggo Lofstad is an all-round musician who tours the orld with his two main bands, Pagan’s Mind (http://www.pagansmind.com/) and Jorn (http://www.jornlande.com/). He is also involved the writing and production process of both bands.
Ever since he was young Jørn Viggo has had a great interest in music and rhythms. Influenced by bands like Dio, Metallica and King Diamond, he picked up the guitar at the age of 14 and joined his first band Cry Free (later Cabo Wabo) – a local cover band.
Now – 18 years later – Jørn Viggo Lofstad is an all-round musician who tours the orld with his two main bands, Pagan’s Mind (http://www.pagansmind.com/) and Jorn (http://www.jornlande.com/). He is also involved the writing and production process of both bands.
01. Many thanks for agreeing to this interview! Can you give readers who may be new to your work a brief overview of your role in both bands?
Hi and thanks. My pleasure. J. I play the guitar in both bands and I also contribute to the songwriting, as well as the production side of it. I always tend to get heavily involved in most of the projects I participate in and that’s also the case with my priorities, Pagan’s Mind and Jorn.
02. What can we expect from you in the future? Any more side projects, or will you just take your main bands Pagan’s Mind and Jorn to a higher level?
I guess next year will be pretty busy. Already in January there will be two Jorn albums released on Frontiers Records. The albums are called The Gathering, which is kind of a ‘best of’ of what Jorn Lande has released on Frontiers Records, but it will also contain newly recorded versions of older material and previously unreleased songs. The second release is called Unlocking The Past, which is a cover album, so both of these releases should be candy for every fan of Jorn and also for the fans of what Jorn Lande has been doing in his other bands. We will also record a new Jorn album in 2007.
At the moment, my full attention is devoted to the songwriting of the forthcoming Pagan’s Mind album, which we will start to record in January. It will be released in September 2007. We will also release some live stuff with Pagan’s Mind after the next album. We’ve done a lot of live recordings and filming that we want to release early in 2008. There is a possibility for a second Beautiful Sin album in 2007, but only time will tell what will happen. There are also tours being planned for 2007 with both Jorn and Pagan’s Mind.
Hi and thanks. My pleasure. J. I play the guitar in both bands and I also contribute to the songwriting, as well as the production side of it. I always tend to get heavily involved in most of the projects I participate in and that’s also the case with my priorities, Pagan’s Mind and Jorn.
02. What can we expect from you in the future? Any more side projects, or will you just take your main bands Pagan’s Mind and Jorn to a higher level?
I guess next year will be pretty busy. Already in January there will be two Jorn albums released on Frontiers Records. The albums are called The Gathering, which is kind of a ‘best of’ of what Jorn Lande has released on Frontiers Records, but it will also contain newly recorded versions of older material and previously unreleased songs. The second release is called Unlocking The Past, which is a cover album, so both of these releases should be candy for every fan of Jorn and also for the fans of what Jorn Lande has been doing in his other bands. We will also record a new Jorn album in 2007.
At the moment, my full attention is devoted to the songwriting of the forthcoming Pagan’s Mind album, which we will start to record in January. It will be released in September 2007. We will also release some live stuff with Pagan’s Mind after the next album. We’ve done a lot of live recordings and filming that we want to release early in 2008. There is a possibility for a second Beautiful Sin album in 2007, but only time will tell what will happen. There are also tours being planned for 2007 with both Jorn and Pagan’s Mind.
03. As a musician, what are your favourite places to play live?
I enjoy playing both clubs and festivals very much, so I can’t say I have any particular favourite places. It really depends on the people watching the gig; if they are into the music I love performing more than anything else in the world and it doesn’t matter where it is or if there are 200 or 2000 people watching!!
I enjoy playing both clubs and festivals very much, so I can’t say I have any particular favourite places. It really depends on the people watching the gig; if they are into the music I love performing more than anything else in the world and it doesn’t matter where it is or if there are 200 or 2000 people watching!!
04. Following on from that question: are there any confirmed gigs, including possibilities for the summer festivals with one of your bands or side projects?
Pagan’s Mind have a couple of gigs in December in Sweden, but after that we will take time off playing gigs until the new album is recorded. With Jorn there is a tour being planned in March or April 2007. Keep your eyes on the Jorn website or MySpace site for tour dates. J
Pagan’s Mind have a couple of gigs in December in Sweden, but after that we will take time off playing gigs until the new album is recorded. With Jorn there is a tour being planned in March or April 2007. Keep your eyes on the Jorn website or MySpace site for tour dates. J
05. What kind of music do you listen to yourself and does it influence your writing?
I saw an interview with Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) and he said that there are only two types of music (“crap and good music”) and I absolutely agree!! I listen to all kinds of music: pop, extreme metal, rock 'n roll. What I mean is, if it’s good, it’s good. And, of course, I’m inspired by the stuff I listen to.
I saw an interview with Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) and he said that there are only two types of music (“crap and good music”) and I absolutely agree!! I listen to all kinds of music: pop, extreme metal, rock 'n roll. What I mean is, if it’s good, it’s good. And, of course, I’m inspired by the stuff I listen to.
Pagan’s Mind
Pagan’s Mind was formed during summer by 2000 by Nils K. Rue (vocals), Stian Kristoffersen (drums) and Thorstein Aaby (guitar). They all played together in an 80s metal-inspired band, but wanted to aim higher and replaced their original bass player with Steinar Krokmo, who joined together with guitar virtuoso Jørn Viggo Lofstad. Steinar and Stian both played together in the prog-metal band Trivial Act previously, and Stian was familiar with Steinar as a killer bassist. Ronny Tegner, a friend of Jørn Viggo and Steinar through several band constellations finally joined the band two months after the recording of their debut album Infinity Divine, which was recorded just a month after Jørn Viggo and Steinar joined Pagan’s Mind. Having played all the keyboard parts on the album, Ronny Tegner saw the great potential in this band and joined as a full-time member. http://www.pagansmind.com/
Pagan’s Mind was formed during summer by 2000 by Nils K. Rue (vocals), Stian Kristoffersen (drums) and Thorstein Aaby (guitar). They all played together in an 80s metal-inspired band, but wanted to aim higher and replaced their original bass player with Steinar Krokmo, who joined together with guitar virtuoso Jørn Viggo Lofstad. Steinar and Stian both played together in the prog-metal band Trivial Act previously, and Stian was familiar with Steinar as a killer bassist. Ronny Tegner, a friend of Jørn Viggo and Steinar through several band constellations finally joined the band two months after the recording of their debut album Infinity Divine, which was recorded just a month after Jørn Viggo and Steinar joined Pagan’s Mind. Having played all the keyboard parts on the album, Ronny Tegner saw the great potential in this band and joined as a full-time member. http://www.pagansmind.com/
06. Well, let’s talk about your role in Pagan’s Mind. You write the music and you also produce. Is it fair to say that the music on the album is a one-man vision, or is it a collaborative effort?
Pagan’s Mind is not a one-man vision. We write the material together at rehearsals. Some of us bring more ideas to the table than others, but everyone contributes. It’s very important for the end result that everyone contributes. I think it provides the music with more depth! I had the producer role on Enigmatic: Calling and partly on Celestial Entrance as well. I guess that will happen on the next album too, but it would be exciting to bring in an “outside” producer once and see what he could do with the band.
Pagan’s Mind is not a one-man vision. We write the material together at rehearsals. Some of us bring more ideas to the table than others, but everyone contributes. It’s very important for the end result that everyone contributes. I think it provides the music with more depth! I had the producer role on Enigmatic: Calling and partly on Celestial Entrance as well. I guess that will happen on the next album too, but it would be exciting to bring in an “outside” producer once and see what he could do with the band.
06. I noticed that a lot of songs on the last Pagan’s Mind album ‘Enigmatic Calling’ were very spiritual. What’s the concept behind the album? Are the lyrics based on personal experiences?
Nils (vocals) writes the lyrics for Pagan’s Mind and also created the concept. He is mostly inspired by books and movies and maybe one or two personal experiences as well haha... The theme that he seems to write most about is the big question “why are we here, where do we come from and are we alone?” . I know there was a lot of inspiration from Steven Spielberg’s “Taken” on Enigmatic: Calling. Hehe, I guess the correct label for Pagan’s Mind would be a sci-fi metal band ;)
Nils (vocals) writes the lyrics for Pagan’s Mind and also created the concept. He is mostly inspired by books and movies and maybe one or two personal experiences as well haha... The theme that he seems to write most about is the big question “why are we here, where do we come from and are we alone?” . I know there was a lot of inspiration from Steven Spielberg’s “Taken” on Enigmatic: Calling. Hehe, I guess the correct label for Pagan’s Mind would be a sci-fi metal band ;)
08. Wasn’t it difficult to write and record the solos towards the end of the recording process?
Well, 80% of the solos were improvised in the studio on Enigmatic: Calling, so it really depends on me having a good day in the studio or not, but of course you have a few bad days as well, especially at the end of the production when you’re tired after working hard for several weeks. But we never end up using what doesn’t sound good anyway, so it gets redone. J On Celestial Entrance I had more planned, but I think a mix is the best. It’s cool to have a few killer licks or a melody to build the solo around and take it from there.
Well, 80% of the solos were improvised in the studio on Enigmatic: Calling, so it really depends on me having a good day in the studio or not, but of course you have a few bad days as well, especially at the end of the production when you’re tired after working hard for several weeks. But we never end up using what doesn’t sound good anyway, so it gets redone. J On Celestial Entrance I had more planned, but I think a mix is the best. It’s cool to have a few killer licks or a melody to build the solo around and take it from there.
Beautiful Sin
Beautiful Sin is a side project of Uli Kusch (Masterplan, ex-Helloween) and Magali Luyten (Virus IV). The band contains a lot of great band members: next to Pagan ´s Mind `s Jorn Viggo Lofstad (guitar) and Steinar Krokmo (bass), coming from Uli `s new chosen home Norway, there is also Kusch `s Masterplan-mate Axel Mackenrott (keyboards) with the band. The vision of Beautiful Sin therefore is everything else than a short termed solo project. It is a full, grown up and serious band that presents Uli and Magali as the creative minds. A band that now is causing some fresh moments on the music market with „The Unexpected“. Melodic, powerful metal with a beautiful female voice will be lifted into a new dimension with this album of Beautiful Sin. http://www.myspace.com/thebeautifulsinmetalband
Beautiful Sin is a side project of Uli Kusch (Masterplan, ex-Helloween) and Magali Luyten (Virus IV). The band contains a lot of great band members: next to Pagan ´s Mind `s Jorn Viggo Lofstad (guitar) and Steinar Krokmo (bass), coming from Uli `s new chosen home Norway, there is also Kusch `s Masterplan-mate Axel Mackenrott (keyboards) with the band. The vision of Beautiful Sin therefore is everything else than a short termed solo project. It is a full, grown up and serious band that presents Uli and Magali as the creative minds. A band that now is causing some fresh moments on the music market with „The Unexpected“. Melodic, powerful metal with a beautiful female voice will be lifted into a new dimension with this album of Beautiful Sin. http://www.myspace.com/thebeautifulsinmetalband
09. The music has considerable atmosphere and mood. How do you think Beautiful Sin could be classified musically?
I think it could be defined to as progressive, but I don’t think that entirely does the music justice . I guess Beautiful Sin is a mix of power metal and melodic classic metal with a few progressive elements. I don’t really like to label the music too much, but I think that covers it.
I think it could be defined to as progressive, but I don’t think that entirely does the music justice . I guess Beautiful Sin is a mix of power metal and melodic classic metal with a few progressive elements. I don’t really like to label the music too much, but I think that covers it.
10. What other bands are the members of Beautiful Sin involved in, or have they been members of?
Now you’re asking a hard question, but I'll tell u what I know….
Uli Kusch (Drums and the papa of the house): ex-Helloween, Masterplan, Gamma Ray and a lot of other bands as well.
Axel Mackenrott (keyboards): also in Masterplan and I'm sure he has a long
history with bands as well.
Magali Luyten (Vocals): also in Virus IV.
Steinar Krokmo (Bass): also in Pagan’s Mind.
Jørn Viggo Lofstad: also in Pagan’s Mind and Jorn.
Now you’re asking a hard question, but I'll tell u what I know….
Uli Kusch (Drums and the papa of the house): ex-Helloween, Masterplan, Gamma Ray and a lot of other bands as well.
Axel Mackenrott (keyboards): also in Masterplan and I'm sure he has a long
history with bands as well.
Magali Luyten (Vocals): also in Virus IV.
Steinar Krokmo (Bass): also in Pagan’s Mind.
Jørn Viggo Lofstad: also in Pagan’s Mind and Jorn.
11. Why was Beautiful Sin formed as a band, as opposed to a solo project?
Well, I think the original idea Uli had was that this was going to be his solo project (and it is in many ways). I think he wrote all the music and the lyrics together with Magali, but he was also very open to input during the recording process. I guess he just thought that it would be better to make it a band instead of naming it Uli Kusch.
Well, I think the original idea Uli had was that this was going to be his solo project (and it is in many ways). I think he wrote all the music and the lyrics together with Magali, but he was also very open to input during the recording process. I guess he just thought that it would be better to make it a band instead of naming it Uli Kusch.
12. Will you continue to be involved in Beautiful Sin material?
I really hope time allows me to!
I really hope time allows me to!
Jorn
Jorn Lande (ex-vocalist of Masterplan) has established himself with his own band under the name "JORN" and has now finished his fourth album in the classic
hard rock style called "The Duke". Jorn is known for his diversity as a singer and has delivered some of the finest progressive rock/metal albums of the past decade, but has now returned to his roots of classic hard rock music. http://www.jornlande.com/
Jorn Lande (ex-vocalist of Masterplan) has established himself with his own band under the name "JORN" and has now finished his fourth album in the classic
hard rock style called "The Duke". Jorn is known for his diversity as a singer and has delivered some of the finest progressive rock/metal albums of the past decade, but has now returned to his roots of classic hard rock music. http://www.jornlande.com/
13. How did you come into contact with Jorn Lande?
It’s a funny story because I've been a huge fan of Jorn Lande since I first heard him in Vagabond in 1994. I really wanted to play with the guy and in 2002 I asked him to come and do a gig with the members of Pagan’s Mind, playing covers and some of his own songs as well. He agreed and we had one rehearsal and did the gig. I guess he liked what he heard, because one week later he called me and asked me to join Jorn and, of course, I did J. It’s a really big pleasure working and writing music with him. We clicked from the beginning and have very similar taste when it comes to music and also regarding how the music we write should sound. It just became natural for us to also produce the albums together.
It’s a funny story because I've been a huge fan of Jorn Lande since I first heard him in Vagabond in 1994. I really wanted to play with the guy and in 2002 I asked him to come and do a gig with the members of Pagan’s Mind, playing covers and some of his own songs as well. He agreed and we had one rehearsal and did the gig. I guess he liked what he heard, because one week later he called me and asked me to join Jorn and, of course, I did J. It’s a really big pleasure working and writing music with him. We clicked from the beginning and have very similar taste when it comes to music and also regarding how the music we write should sound. It just became natural for us to also produce the albums together.
14. Can you explain the recording process?
It’s a different approach with the Jorn recordings than, for example, with Pagan’s Mind. With PM everything is pretty much planned regarding details in the songs, etc., but with Jorn we like to keep it a bit loose. For example, Willy Bendiksen (drums) had not heard any of the material when he started to record The Duke, so we played him the ideas in the studio and explained what the vision was and it came quite naturally. And that’s the way we always do it. Jorn and I have the overview and we sit there helping the others while they record their parts, which at the same time gives it a loose and live feeling. There is also a lot of good input from the others. We start with the drums then guitars, bass and vocals.
It’s a different approach with the Jorn recordings than, for example, with Pagan’s Mind. With PM everything is pretty much planned regarding details in the songs, etc., but with Jorn we like to keep it a bit loose. For example, Willy Bendiksen (drums) had not heard any of the material when he started to record The Duke, so we played him the ideas in the studio and explained what the vision was and it came quite naturally. And that’s the way we always do it. Jorn and I have the overview and we sit there helping the others while they record their parts, which at the same time gives it a loose and live feeling. There is also a lot of good input from the others. We start with the drums then guitars, bass and vocals.
15. Having produced other artists, when you produced the latest Jorn album did you feel it was different from other projects that you have worked and played on?
Not really. I mean, when you have been involved in the process from the beginning you just do your best to complete the vision and make it sound as good as possible.
Not really. I mean, when you have been involved in the process from the beginning you just do your best to complete the vision and make it sound as good as possible.
Thanks again for taking the time to give this interview. Is there anything you would like to add or mention that I haven't covered so far?
Thanks so much for having me here and watch out for tour dates on www.pagansmind.com and www.jornlande.com, or visit our MySpace pages. There will be a lot of stuff happening during 2007. So I hope to see u all on the road ASAP. And last but not least: Take Care And Be Nice To Your Neighbour ;) hehe
Thanks so much for having me here and watch out for tour dates on www.pagansmind.com and www.jornlande.com, or visit our MySpace pages. There will be a lot of stuff happening during 2007. So I hope to see u all on the road ASAP. And last but not least: Take Care And Be Nice To Your Neighbour ;) hehe
Cheers, Jørn Viggo
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