It’s really difficult these days when you find an electro artist who actually makes real music and not just using some pads and synth effects, so I was really amazed while checking ‘Voice of the Night‘ by G.H.T and how impressive it was by using unique electronic industrial elements which made me choose it as my favorite 2021 album so far in such genre.
● First I’d like to salute you for such an impressive album, well done! You’ve started all back in the late 80s right?
Thanks, I appreciate it.
Yes, I bought my first synthesizer in 1985 and in 1987 I started the band G.H.T. It lasted for a few years and then other music projects took over.
● Was your music direction electronic too at that time? And what made you stop for that long?
I was early inspired by EBM and industrial music, this was the music I tried to emulate. Skinny Puppy was and still is a great source of inspiration. When I first saw them live in 1986 I was ecstatic because I had never seen anything like it.
After G.H.T fell asleep, I started a music studio to record different bands and my own music.
I also produced a number of sample CDs over a few years that were sold worldwide. The most well-known is Eurotech, which can still be found if you search online.
In 2007 I closed the studio and took a break for 13 years.
● Can you please tell me what G.H.T stands for?
You could say that G.H.T is a kind of tribute to an old friend. The letters are in his name. At first it was mostly meant as a joke but means a lot to me now.
● I understand it’s a one-man project, still, arený you consider adding other members in your upcoming releases?
No, this is a solo project and will probably remain so. I like to have full creative control when it comes to writing songs, mixing, making music videos, layouts and everything else that belongs to the creation around making an album.
Maybe I will try to have a woman singing with me but we’ll see.
● It seems that American poetry is the core behind your music. What is the lyrical theme behind Voices of the Night?
My first album contained many lyrics by Edgar Allan Poe who is a Author that means a lot to me. Not least through the film adaptations made in the 60’s by Roger Corman.
Before this album, I sat and searched among various writers and poets to find someone who wrote with the right feeling and who suited my music. I started reading some poetry by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and realized that his poems were exactly what I had been looking for. They contain a Gothic 19th century feel inspired by a European tradition.
There is no consistent theme but I have picked up the poems that I like and best suited to the music.
● Religious texts are very controversial because nowadays people understand the verses based on their own personal views. What was the message behind using the Bible as one of your lyrical inspirations?
I have always been fascinated by the Bible and the significance and influence it has had throughout history. There are many strong stories whether you are a believer or not. That’s why I wanted to approach the subject by making my second album about the Seven Deadly Sins.
I do not take a position on any religious issue. I would rather convey a feeling about various questions and events in the Bible.
● Tell me, all music lines were written and recorded by you?
Yes, I have written all the music, mixed and mastered it. And I have made music videos where I largely film myself, but on some videos I have received help from my 12-year-old daughter Evina. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to do this with her.
● Many artists prefer gaps between releases, to have enough time for feedback, still, aren’t you afraid that 3 albums in a short period may cause confusion for your fans?
I have had an incredible amount of ideas and thoughts on how I want to design and create music. It may be a bit tight between the albums but I’m hard to stop when it works well musically. I have gradually started the process around the fourth album, but right now I am thinking about some theme and what the sound image should look like.
So in answer to your question, I do not know if it effect the listener. You never know when the creative flow will diminish.
● 3 decades are long enough for changing the music industry. In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the music business in the 80s and now?
The big difference is all the possibilities that exist for an artist now. It’s so easy to reach the world with your music through all the streaming services available. This means incredible benefits where the traditional record companies have partly played their part. At the same time, it’s easy to drown when 40,000 songs are released every day on Spotify.
If you look at the technical part, there are huge advantages if you compare with 30 years ago.
It was incredibly expensive to record and produce music and I bought equipment for very large sums. Today you come a long way with a computer, audio interface, microphone and studio speakers.
● Finally, the COVID effect still threatens our live music scene, what are your promotional plans for the current and the new releases?
Since I do not plan to play live, the current situation does not have or will not affect me musically. I will continue to spread the music through various social channels and hope that different music magazines and radio stations will pay attention to my music.
I hope for a very creative summer and we can all hope that the pandemic can subside quickly.
