Interview with tAKiDA (Kristoffer Söderström)
Today we talk to Kristoffer Söderström, guitarist of tAKiDA, one of the hottest Swedish bands at the moment. Their debut on Napalm Records, entitled The Agony Flame, embodies the band’s distinctive sound, characterized by memorable vocal lines and powerful choruses. More than two decades after the band’s formation, tAKiDA’s new musical offering makes it crystal clear that the band’s pop-infused rock is still relevant today. Over to Kristoffer!
A quarter of a century has come and gone since the birth of the band. What do you recall about the early days, a very different era?
In the beginning we recorded our own demos and put out our own cd’s. We got gas stations and local record stores to sell them for us. People liked what they heard and things grew end grew. There was definitely a buzz going on and when people started sending songs to each other on the net it grew even quicker. We were able to book our own tours before we even had a record deal and I believe that hard work payed off and still does today in many ways.
Can you share your impressions about the genesis, the recording and the production of The Agony Flame?
The process with this album was basically the same as the previous ones. Everyone has ideas for songs. We jam them and make changes until we’re satisfied. Robban writes the lyrics and I must say they are brilliant and feel so much “from his heart”. Chris and Robban are co-producers and so much work has been done to reach the final result of this album.
How would you describe the sound of the new album to our readers? Any differences with your previous production?
Dark but also catchy, atmospheric and bombastic.
What can you tell us about the visual aspect of the album and the importance of physical formats in this digital age?
Well, the idea for the cover came from a picture that Robban had taken of a bonfire (if I remember it right). He then put into words how he wanted it to look and Chris made his interpretation of that. There is still a fair demand for LP-records out there so I’d say it’s still important. It’s a pity that most kids today never will understand the magic of opening up a booklet.
Are you satisfied with working with a cool label such as Napalm Records?
So far we are yes. They are still kind of new to us but I believe this will be really good.
What can we expect, now, as for the live activity of tAKiDA?
We’re touring Sweden this february and march. After that we do 12 dates in mainly Germany but also Austria and Switzerland.
Why is Sweden so damn cool when it comes to amazing music ranging from pop to metal?
Thanks! Well it’s hard to say but I think it is a mix between a sort of tradition that every kid is encouraged to learn an instrument in school from an early age, and the dark and long winters that twists over to a sun that never sets in the summer. It makes you emotional.
Any final message and greeting you would share with your italian fanbase?
Guys! We’re so happy that we even have a fanbase in Italy. Please spread the word and make it even bigger so we can come and play for you and eat your wonderful pizzas!
So, maximum support for tAKiDA and buy original music exclusively: https://www.takidamusic.com