Alexander Strandell, best known as singer in Art Nation, Nitrate and Crowne, expands on his singing career and what the future holds with regard to new music and live gigs.
Who were your influences in the early days and have you always wanted to be a singer in a band?
I started as a guitar player and had no idea I would end up as a vocalist. My biggest influences when I was a kid were bands like Van Halen, Europe, Toto, Creedence and singers like Michael Jackson, David Coverdale & Adam Lambert.
Have you ever auditioned for the vocal spot in any other notable bands?
I auditioned for Grammy nominated band Amaranthe several years ago and I actually got the job but had to quit because of my mental health at that moment.
You have appeared on a number of albums over the years. Do you have a favourite and why?
My heart will always beat for my own band Art Nation and the last album Inception is a milestone for me.
Do you have any plans to release a solo album?
Yeah I have, but now there’s too much going on, so that will be something for the future.
Some vocalists are on strict dietary regimes or gargle with special liquids. How have you kept your voice in tip top shape all these years?
It’s very important for me to get a lot of sleep, eat good, as little stress as possible and be at the gym. I don’t drink any alcohol or smoke and hopefully that will help me to last longer.
Do you still get the same buzz out of singing live as you did in the past?
It’s a funny question and for me as it’s two different lives. When I started to sing it was all about having fun and now ten years later it is my work and I need to remind myself of that all jobs have their ups and downs.
Are there any musicians that you have not worked with, but would like to in the future?
It would be amazing to work with Adam Lambert. He is for me, the world’s greatest singer.
Have you or would you consider producing other bands?
It’s not my favorite thing to do, but I would definitely do it if there was an artist or band that really touched me with their music.
Is there any unreleased recorded material from your days in the bands you’ve been involved with that could be released?
I have too many demos and unreleased songs that maybe for some ears could be something cool.
You appear to be incredibly busy this year. What do you enjoy on your downtime?
For me it is to be with my family and just enjoy life. As simple as that.
With the live circuit back up and running, is there a possibility of seeing you perform in the UK again?
We’re planning for the future as we speak and of course we would love to come back to the UK.
Do you have anything else in the pipeline at the moment that you can share?
I have another big project that will come out in a month or two, so stay tuned on my channels. Thank you for taking time to do this interview with me.
Interview by Stuart Dryden
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