ARTUR CHACHLOWSKI: How did your cooperation with Jon Anderson start?
ROINE STOLT: Jon started to send me demos in 2014 and I developed and changed it quite a bit, I added new sections and he kept sending me new ideas too, I think I pretty much tried to be true to his vision but of course add my ideas to make it even more special. We are both thinking “progressive” - meaning we’re open to many different ways of fusion, many styles and many influences from classical,jazz,folk,ethno, worldmusic all sorts and electronica. He usually just say : “Have Fun” - I just went along with my ideas - and most of it he approved - and a few things he asked that we left out of the songs - That’s a natural process - We both seek a way to find the ultimate composition. We’re both perfectionists.
ARTUR: What was the work on the new album like? Have you met in studio personally?
ROINE: No this album was realized much by the internet - Jon was at home in California I I was here in Sweden - But the tracking of the music was done by us musicians in the studio - Me, Jonas, Tom & Felix were recording the music in a studio together - But Jon added his vocals from home -Sending me files after singing to the music - but it’s quite an instant communication thru email today anyways - I had some days around 8-10 emails from Jon regerding the developments of our songs. We were bouncing ideas forever....so many twists and turns…so many stones to turn...
ARTUR: Who brought the musical and lyrical ideas for „Invention Of Knowledge” album?
ROINE: Jon wrote all the lyrics and also had all the vocal lead ideas, I brought in a few backing vocal ideas , so did Daniel and Nad. The music was some parts that he’s been writing together with people over the years, and I brought in some new music to expand and to bridge older parts, some solo sections and some orchestrations of old and new.
ARTUR: The album consists of 4 long multisection tracks. What stories do they tell?
ROINE:Jon came up with the lyrical concept - He just sent me ideas and I started building the songs - bit by bit - and halfways he started re-writing the lyrics - it was a very organic process - even if we were not in the same room. I imagine it is the story o telling about how we invent and shape all that’s around us - as far technology,religion,medical, cultural etc. We spoke on the phone and we e-mailed a LOT - sent files for approval etc.
ARTUR: „Invention Of Knowledge” seem to be an epic album in a grand tradition of 70’s. Will you agree that to a certain extent it can be compared to some epic Yes LP’s or even with the legendary „Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe” album?
ROINE: With Jon in there I’m sure it would be impossible to not start thinking of older Yes albums etc. - but I think we stayed clear of copying any Yes or Vangelis - even if there are hints or homages hidden here and there.
ARTUR: Is there any particular moment (track or piece of track) on this album that is extremely close to your heart or extremely proud of?
ROINE: Not really any specifics , it is more seen as a whole - and grand piece of music - I enjoy everything - and I’m of course proud of our work - it is hopefully both grand and timeless music.
ARTUR: You are present on the progressive rock scene over 40 years now. Is the cooperation with Jon a culmination of your career?
ROINE: Don’t know really - it is perhaps the natural step for me at this time - but of course , being a fan of Yes music I have probably about the same relation as when Jeff Lynne works with the Beatles guys on new music.
ARTUR: I can imagine that close cooperation with such renowned artis as Jon Andersona is like the fulfillment of musical dreams for any musician. Is there any other artist you dream to collaborate with?
ROINE: We’ll see what comes - sadly both Prince and David Bowie died this year - But I’m sure the future will hold more surprises. I’m happy to be where I’m at right now - and sensing the success of this album will most likely encourage us to do another Anderson/Stolt album.
ARTUR: What are the plans for the future? Any concerts? Any ideas for a new album?
ROINE: Jon has expressed a hope for doing some concerts - and in fact he emailed me yeaterday to say again that “we need to do concerts in 2017 - people will want it”. So if that’s any indication, sure it is likelymbut nothing set in stone yet.
ARTUR: When can we expect a follow up to „Invention Of Knowledge” album?
ROINE: Again - nothing set in stone - but I’d imagine I start fiddling around with a few themes later this summer, but new album at the earlies late next year.
ARTUR: What musical projectswill you focus in the near future?
ROINE: I will first start a new recording next week with my old buddies in KAIPA - we call ourselves KAIPA DaCapo and we’ve written new material and will record anew album - It is really good material, very melodic, very symphonic - a bit more old school, with hints of both Swedish folk music, Procol Harum, Pink Floyd, Focus or early Genesis - Se we’re quite excited to go into a hi tech studio and record it in a 70’s style - meaning we PLAY together “live” - and work from there. We will also do a tour in Europe in February next year.
ARTUR: Do you know any Jon’s musical plans for the nearest future?
ROINE: I know that Jon will do a USA tour with Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman in Oct/Nov - and I’d imagine they will tour Europe early next year.ARTUR: Thank you.
