Posted on Mar 25, 2007 by Tom

Last Days Of April have been a steady force in the European underground scene, but having evolved from a band rooted in the hardcore realms to more indie-pop tendencies, the band have been plagued by an almost endless stream of new members/collaborators. "Might As Well Live", the bands latest, is a statement, a decision that some things need to carry on, no matter what. Last Days of April is one of those things. We had a quick Q&A with mastermind Larsson about the recording process, collaborations with other musicians like Mathias Oldén from LDOA label mates Logh as well as hard-hitting drummer Fredrik Granberg from Swedish punk rock outfit Randy, and all things LDOA ...

”Might As Well Live” is already your sixth album. Over the years, how has the preparation process changed before you head into the studio in terms of writing, pre-recording, pre-production and all that stuff? Is there something you did highly different with this one compared to the other albums?

It has taken longer and longer to get the songs ready. In the early days we wrote 10 songs and put them all on the album but now a days I write maybe 20 songs and then choose which ones that will make the album. You only want the best ones on there. Also for the 2 first we were more of a band that rehearsed and all that. So then we rehearsed the songs and then recorded the album, no demos or anything. But from Angel Youth and up ‘til now I always record demos and for MAWL me and Pelle even did pre-production. MAWL is probably the most organized album with LDOA.

What’s behind the title? Any specific meaning?

I just like the way it sounds, but also it can be referred to LDOA. I’m the only original band member but the band might as well live.

There have been some harsh criticisms for the new album, most of them picking out the down-tuning of the complex arrangements for a much more classical, direct and simpler experience. Do you understand where that criticism is coming from? Did you consciously choose to downplay the richer arrangements for a more direct approach?

LDOA is always changing a bit with every album and that is something that we’re gonna continue to do, something I like that we do. Over the years songs have become more important than huge arrangements, also those huge arrangements never fit the tour-bus. I wanted to bring back the guitars with this album, make it more guitar driven, just like the way we started. Guitars, bass and drums. Just a basic rock setup. If the songs are good enough that basic setup will work. I haven’t heard the criticism you referred to yet and there’s no down tuning, just basic E to E tuning. Simplifying is the way to go! ;)

How does criticism affect you these days? Do you follow-up on what’s written out there, or only from certain sources?

I’ve only read a handful reviews so far but they’ve all been very good.

How about the Scandinavian press? Are they generally supportive of underground/indie bands like yourselves?

They’ve been very supportive this time.

Over the years, and with the global rise of the indie-rock streaming, did you ever consider leaving Bad Taste Records and signing with a label with a lot more means? Have such offers been discussed/offered in the past?

BTR rules!

In what ways did Pelle Gunnerfeldt steer/direct the album? Would you say there are some clear touches of the man that can be heard throughout the album?

He wanted this album to be more Hi-Fi than Lo-Fi and I agreed. Pelle’s touches and strokes has been there for the last 4 albums and they always make LDOA a better band.

What’s he to work with like a person? More like the stern dad or like the playful father?

He’s a nice balance of both, although this time we were more like two brothers in a fight. Pre-production days were hard but we both salute the final result. Still good friends ;)

The bands line-up has been ever changing throughout the years, basically coming down to being the brainchild of yourself and then some musicians to back you up on the road and in the studio. How do you prepare before going on a tour? Excessive rehearsals with new band members?

Yes, that has been the downside to it. Always rehearsing old songs. Although the band we are now: Me, Carl(LDOA’s drummer since 2004) and Kristian (Eskju Divine) might be rocking for a while because it’s working so great. We’re probably the fullest and richest sound that LDOA has ever had. And as a three-piece!

Isn’t it hard to always have to lobby to get guest musicians with you on the road?

It has been tough from time to time but now it’s great.

Most bands are a tight bunch of personal friends by the time they go out on full-scale tours, or at least they know enough about each other to not play on each other’s nerves. How does that work for you? Isn’t it uncomfortable as times, to get a good feel behind you and the musicians backing you up? The lack of automatisms and all that stuff, …

It’s nice to get to know people. Being with new friends makes you grow and after just a week, you know pretty much all you need to know. The rest you find out is just bonus.

Over the years you’ve worked/played/recorded with a lot of people from highly known Swedish bands like Randy and Logh. Would you say that LDOA has become like a portal into all the Swedish scene has on offer, an all-star product of some kind?

NO, there’s still a lot more to hear from Sweden. But it has been really nice working with talented musicians.

You produced a solo album some time ago, “Pale As Milk”. How was that received?

Well I got good reviews although a lot of them wondered why it wasn’t called LDOA instead of Karl Larsson.

How did you approach the writing process differently than with a regular LDOA album? What differentiates a LDOA song and a Karl Larsson song, because the two seem almost inseparable to begin with?

Pale as milk was written and recorded in 3 weeks, something that would have been impossible for LDOA. Everything was made fast without any intensions of touring on or to be released. Just 2 friends recording together for the first time without thinking of if it will be a good follow-up to anything. Just for the love of indie-rock.

Do you have plans to release another solo album in the foreseeable future?

Not that I know of. Too busy with LDOA right now.

I was wondering, what with LDOA being named as one of the “essential heartbreak albums” by Alternative Press together with acts such as the Weakerthans, do you consider LDOA to be a household name in the European circuit, especially seen your change of accents now as opposed to your hardcore years in the beginning?

It was honoring to be on the list. I still believe people come to see us just to be nice. It’s still really hard to understand that people like what you do. But I’m very grateful to every good thing that happens for the band.

How has the deal with US based Sonic Management been working?

I’m not sure but from what BTR has told me, really good.

Have you heard the LDOA tribute album by now? How did you react to the news that such a thing was going to be released?

I was in chock when I found out about it. It’s awesome! I haven’t heard it yet but I’m picking it up at the post office later today.

Big tours are coming up supporting Fightstar in March and then The Ataris in May/April. Excited?

Fightstar was last year but The Ataris is in April. It’ll be fun!

What do you think of their new album, if you heard it?

I just got it. They sent it to me. Will give it a go later today. I’m sure I’ll like it.

How would you assess the strength of the Swedish/Scandinavian scene? Millencolin and Randy seem to go more and more for the rock approach, while bands the likes of Disco Ensemble are starting to make waves around here. Is the Scandinavian scene as strong as ever?

It’s weirder but it’ll straighten out.

Are there any bands from Scandinavia we should know about? What bands have surprised you positively with their creations as of late?

Check out the new bassplayer’s band Eskju Divine. Logh’s new album is awesome. What else… Hmm… I don’ know.

Time to get a bit acquainted with your personal preferences then: What song that is currently on the radio do you shamefully admit to liking?

Hehe, got the same question yesterday in Oslo. Didn’t have an answer then and I don’t think I have one now. I’m proud of what I like 

What’s playing in your stereo at the moment?

ACDC, Hell ain’t a bad place to be.

Everyone has this one CD they listen to when they want to get away from everyday life's worries. Which record would that be for you?

Don’t think I have it. Maybe Pet Sounds by Beach Boys.

Anything left you want to get off your chest? Famous last words?

Everyone should go out and buy the latest Hard-ons album.

Taken On:

March 25th, 2007

Interviewees:

Karl Larsson - Vocals, Guitar

Related Links:

• www.ldoa.com

Interviews

Mar 25, 2007