- How did the band initially come together? Can you share a bit about your journey as a group?
It all started with Samuel and Stefan writing some songs together. They really liked what was coming out so they recorded it and released the first Prehistoric animals album in 2018. To be able to play live they needed a band and that’s when Daniel Magdic (ex Pain of Salvation) and Noah Magnusson came into the picture. They made their first shows during 2019, for example Prog Power Europe where they got great response (even the food truck closed – just to see PreHistoric animals). As soon as they started to rehearse, they felt that there was a special kind of chemistry in the room, and they instantly started writing new material. The first Magical Mystery Machine tracks were written in 2019 and the album was released on September 30th 2020.
Now it is time for the fourth album Finding love in strange places
- What would you say sets your music apart from other rock bands in the industry?
I think that the blendof everybody putting in their insfluences in the band creates a unique sound. We are heavy, yet soft. We are proggy, but yet easy listening.
- Could you describe the creative process within the band? How do you typically approach songwriting and arranging?
It is a process of collaboration. One of us comes up with an idea of a song – sometimes it is just a riff and sometimes it is more or less a whole song. And then we work from there with everybody putting in their parts and ideas into the song. It is actually usually an easy process – everybody usually likes what everybody does.
- Are there any specific themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
Well, at first the scenery is sci-fi. That has not been an outthought plan – it just developed that way and we all like sci-fi. The themes often related to feminism and human rights. It contains strong female characters standing up against oppression from evil powers or male chauvinism.
- How do you feel your sound has evolved since the band’s formation? Have there been any significant changes in your approach or style?
Well, we don’t write music with an intention that it should sound in a specific way or that the sound should change to next record. We just write music that we like. But of course the sound changes as you don’t want to write the same songs over and over again and because your influences changes with new bands you discover. I would say that the new album has a bit rawer sound than the previous records, but you can still hear the foundation of Prehistoric animals sound.
- What has been the biggest challenge the band has faced so far, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge is to grow your fan base and to get out and play live. The live scene is tough and has been since covid, especially for smaller bands like us I think. So I can’t say we have overcome it – we are still working on it.
- Are there any particular artists or bands that have influenced your musical style or inspired you?
There are a lot of bands! Some of bands that we love are Rush, King’s X, Toto, Vola and Muse. But the list could have been made very long!
- Can you share a memorable or interesting experience from one of your live performances?
One experience that is close to our hearts are on Progpower Europe. It was one of our first shows actually and we didn’t know what to expect. We didn’t think anybody knew who we were, but during the first song I realized a lot of people were singing along and knowing the lyrics. That was really amazing!
- How do you engage with your audience during your live shows? What kind of experience do you strive to create for them?
Most of all we want to give them a great musical and also visual experience. We are not that king of (prog) band that just stand in our corner playing very complex parts on our instruments. We want the audience to see that we are engaged in the music. When possible we also use videos and animations. After the shows wee love to get out there and chat with our fans!
- Are there any upcoming projects or releases that you’re excited about? Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s next for the band?
We are releasing a new album called “Finding love in strange places” on the 16th of may which we are really exited about. I think it is the best album we have done so far, as Paul Stanley used to say 😊 But looking at some reviews coming in most of them seams to agree.
- What do you enjoy most about being part of a band? Is there a specific aspect of the music-making process that you find particularly fulfilling?
With this band, and I think I can speak for everyone in the band, I love the process of making music, I love the recording process and I love playing live. It is really a band effort. We really love hanging out together and making music and that is the wonderful thing with being in a band that you can share the joy!
- How do you handle criticism or negative reviews of your work? Has it ever affected your creative process or confidence as a band?
To be honest there has been very few bad reviews. But as long as you are confident in what you do and like what you do it is quite easy to handle a bad review. I mean you know that not everyone can love you your music.
- Are there any rituals or routines that you follow before going on stage or entering the recording studio?
No I don’t think so, more than that we are well rehearsed.
- Have you faced any notable obstacles or hurdles as a band, and how did you navigate through them?
Not more than I mentioned before – the trouble of getting as much gigs as we want. We would like to play all over the world and play great festivals. But it is tough for a small band. So buy our albums 😊
- What advice would you give to aspiring rock musicians who are just starting their journey?
First of all: have fun! I believe that having great fun will generate great music! Allow yourself to be playful and experiment to find your own style. Second: be patient. You won’t be a skilled musician in a second and you most likely won’t reach great success over night. Most likely you won’t reach great success at all. So that leads back to the first advice – have fun. If you are having fun you will feel good in your mind and body. Then success is just a bonus!
- Are there any specific goals or milestones that the band hopes to achieve in the future?
Success and world domination!
- How do you maintain a balance between your personal lives and the demands of being in a rock band?
Well at this level it is quite demanding as we don’t earn enough to live of the music. We need to have regular jobs to afford making music. But we work quite effective and everybody does their homework so the process of writing, recording and rehearsing goes very smooth. And in the end – making music makes us happy and makes us feel good. It something that we need to do whether we earn money or not.
- Is there a particular song from your discography (Disc-og-ra-fee) that holds a special meaning for the band or carries a significant story behind it?
Well there’s a song on the new album called He is number 4 that was actually the first song we wrote together after me and Noah joined. I could have been on Magical mystery machine chapter one, but it was, of no specific reason, forgotten until now. It all actually started with Samuel having done a whole song with just a drum track. From that we then created a song. It’s the first time I have ever written a song that way.
- Can you share a fun or interesting fact about each band member that fans might not be aware of?
Well we are not very interesting individuals but I will try to write something. One thing that might not be very interesting, but that few fans know is that Samuel sometimes buy perfume at Lidl. We also recently found out that Stefans leather jacket is from a low budget brand. Daniel actually tries to crop tomato plants on his balcony, but the outcome so far is not very impressive. Noah is so young so he hasn’t been able to do any interesting yet.
- What is the ultimate dream or vision that you have for the band’s legacy?
Our dream is to sometime be able to tour with a budget allowing us to really make a show that both visually and musically takes the audience on a journey. To really be able to do the things that you visualize. The ultimate thing would be that when we are gone people are saying “I saw them live”. You know like people now are saying “I saw The Beatles”.
- What would you be doing if you weren’t a musician?
Well I work as a teacher in History and social science, so I would probably still do that.
- What song do you wish you had written by another band?
Oh there’s so many to choose from. Right now maybe Verona by Muse. Or maybe Subdivissions by Rush. No wait Out of the silent planet by King’s X.
- Is it possible to be on the road and not succumb to eating junk food?
Yes probably – but would want that?
- Are there any songs you have done you wish you hadn’t?
No, every song has its place and meaning.
