Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.
Hello! My name is Simon and I’m the lead guitarist for the band Pressure from Sweden. We play our own style of melodic hard rock. It’s hard to put us in a specific sub genre of Rock because we try to develop our own style. The name Pressure originates in that we know that everybody fights in their own way, everybody is feeling some kind of Pressure and we want to help people around the world to overcome the negative emotions pressures can inflict and instead embrace them. Our lyrics reflect all kind of different Pressures. Another thing is that we’re releasing many of our songs in different languages so more people can experience the lyrics and the true meaning of it.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
I have always had music in me, it’s in my blood. Even as a child I wrote music to express myself and it was not a tough call for me to choose a music career, it was my calling. I could not have resisted it.
Tell us about your The Shadow… What’s the story behind it?
Everybody has a shadow and all things cast shadows! But sometimes you feel like someone is watching you – is it the shadow? Is it good or bad? It’s up to the listener to build his or hes own opinion about the meaning of their own shadow. To me, my shadow is something good, something strong and comforting. Someone who is always around.
How would you describe your music?
Haha, as I mentioned before. It’s kinda hard! PressureMetal! It’s a bit old school hard rock, a bit heavy metal, some folk rock, some grunge, and a lot of other influences! PressureMetal!
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I have a lot of guitarists as my house gods! I love the feeling of Eric Clapton’s soloing. I love the apples of Yngwie Malmsteen, the genius guitar playing of Brian May, the fantastic harmonies of Steve Lukather, the heavy riffs of Dimebag Darrell and yeah the list is looooong! I appreciate a lot of other musicians. I get influenced by good music, in all genres!
Is there any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
Yeah! There are so many! Doing a really hard song with Sabaton, or making a heavy song with some of big 4 would be great! There is some many talented people I would love to work with!
How do you balance your music with other obligations–family, friends or work?
This is always hard. There is always a balance to consider! But people around us know how important this is for us! This is more than a hobby, more than a fun thing. Being in Pressure is more like a lifestyle! We thank everybody around us, they make it possible for us to live this life and try to go so far as possible.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Believe in what you are doing! Network and be humble! Listen to others and they will listen to you! At the end of the day it’s all about yourself and your music! You do it your way and if you love it, don’t let anybody put you down.
What’s next for you?
After this release we will release another single, record a couple of music videos, book more shows, write and produce new music. Hope to see you all out there on the road!
Follow on social media: @pressuresweden
