Metal Man

Incredible,to say the least. I look at my life before and after India. You see and experience so much more here,both good and bad,in a couple of days than you would during a lifetime,say,in the north of Sweden.

Youre no stranger to this country. What has the Indian experience been like so far?

Incredible,to say the least. I look at my life before and after India. You see and experience so much more here,both good and bad,in a couple of days than you would during a lifetime,say,in the north of Sweden. My late dad had the same itch to go back here time after time. It runs in the Eklundh family,I guess.

Tell us about your Freak Guitar clinic at the Blue Frog in Mumbai. How long were you planning on your masterclass tour of India?

I travel this planet playing my freaky style and I am very fortunate to do so. I have been using a British amp called Laney for eons and the company wanted me to go to India to spread the word with my freaky playing. I never know what I am going to do at my clinics. To keep myself on the edge I improvise as much as I can. Its more fun and challenging that way.

What is your impression of Indian metal?

Having played the Great Indian Rock festival a couple of years I have to say there is some truly great stuff out there. You have such a rich musical legacy here,more than anywhere on Earth,and although most youngsters probably think it is cheesy to listen to Indian classical music,there is so much to learn from it. It is also easy to turn into metal with all the stunning rhythms of South Indian Carnatic music,for example.

Youve worked with Indian musicians like Selvaganesh and Niladri Kumar. Will you be working on any collaborations for the future while youre here?

Niladri and myself will go to Dubai to perform in January. Selvaganesh is always a true treat to work with. Hes amazing,and weve done a whole bunch of shows and recordings. The tremendous Ranjit Barot on drums,Jonas Hellborg and I are wrapping up a new album soon and I sure plan to work as much as I can with as many Indian musicians as I can.

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How is work on your new album,Smorgasbord coming along?

Its coming along great. My new,shiny studio is soon finished and I will move into it before Christmas and start to work hard again with the album in 2011. Many Indians are participating as well as fellow guitarist buddies such as Andy Timmons,Guthrie Govan and Kiko Loureiro.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you can give someone who wants to start playing the guitar?

To grow their own moustache,to try to find who they are and how to get that through in your playing. Keep your ears liberal and listen to tons of different music,but dont copy.

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