EMQ’s With Soul Sign
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA Heavy Rock band, Soul Sign. Huge thanks to Bass player and founder member Bjorn Englen for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Bjorn Englen – bass. The band was formed in 1995. It has gone through a few line up changes. The current line up has been intact since 2012. We have released two albums, and a third one will be released in 2023. We have toured in the US since 1997 and in Europe in 2010 and 2013.
How did you come up with your band name?
I don’t recall exactly but I thought it sounded good and has a mysterious meaning.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
Los Angeles, USA. It has been quite bad since the grunge wave in the early 90s. It can be a good place for a freelancing musician but not a very good stompin’ ground for a band or artist trying to build a following.
What is your latest release?
The album “Life In The Dark”.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Not sure, but we all grew up with the 70s and 80s rock and metal scene. The forthcoming album might have some resemblances to bands like Van Halen, Queensryche, Kings X, UFO and Disturbed, but I’ll leave that to the fans to decide.
What first got you into music?
Listening to lots of music, especially rock and metal like Judas Priest, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Accept etc. A lot of my friends had started playing guitar or drums so that also sparked me to pick up the bass.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
I love working with my bandmates in Soul Sign and wouldn’t want to work with anyone else.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Sweden Rock. It’s very close to where I grew up, and also one of the few big European festivals I still haven’t performed at.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I frankly don’t remember receiving anything too weird… Luckily, maybe.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Keep your ears open for the new Soul Sign record. I think you’ll really like it. And please support your favourite bands by purchasing their music and merch.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Jimi Hendrix, or Eddie Van Halen.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I enjoy performing live the most as well as seeing new places in the world. I hate the cruel business side of it. There is a lot of evil and unfairness.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Put the artists/bands and musicians in control. It’s time!
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“Lean Into It” by Mr. Big.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I like them all for different reasons, but would have to say CDs. It’s good for storage and you also get artwork and lyrics.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
I can’t pick one, but I had some really good ones with Soul Sign, Yngwie Malmsteen as well as Dio Returns/Disciples and also with Tony MacAlpine.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Hard to say but perhaps Music Producer or Music Journalist, or maybe work with a music gear company.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Albert Einstein, Ronald Reagan, Jimi Hendrix, John Entwistle and John Paul Jones. I didn’t meet any of them but they all seem interesting.
What’s next for the band?
Some shows, and the release of our new album, which will be sometime this year.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Official Website – http://www.soulsignband.com/the-band/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/soul.sign/
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
I’m gonna go with a muffin…
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I look forward to seeing everyone out there!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.