Vocalist Diddi Kastenholt of Bai Bang gives us the lowdown on their new album ‘All Around the World’, which is out now on AOR Heaven…
What are you currently up to? The new album “All Around The World” is just out, right?
“Hallo! Yes, the album “All Around The World” is out now!! Feels great!! We just had a release party for it, in our hometown of Helsingborg, at The Tivoli!! It was great, really packed with people! We are currently doing as many gigs as possible…..!”
Could you take us through the excellent new album ‘All Around The World’ now….e.g. recording process, ideas behind the songs.
“Thanks a lot! Yes, it’s our best album ever, so far at least! We’re very proud of it!! We did not want to do just another album. We wanted to add our live sound, from the guitars more! Hence, a mix that put the guitars upfront together with the vocals. More guitar-oriented but still with great melodies and hooks!!!”
What kept the band going through the 90′s when grunge had seen off a lot of 80′s bands?
“That was a hard period!! But we continued to play as much as we could! It was hard, but we struggled and the love for hard rock music kept us alive I think!!!”
Jens Lundgren has joined on guitar, but I believe there’s another change just been announced, on bass….. Has this changed the band’s sound at all and how did those changes affect the band?
“Yes! Our new bass player is Sikk Roxx! It feels really very good now!!!The sound is great! He’s a really good bass player!!! And it’s brought really good vibes with it; an energy and a lot of positive spirit!!! Jens has been in the band for 2 years now, so that’s not a new thing, but Sikk has really brought so much to the band.”
There is an upsurge at the moment in glam metal/rock bands like Crashdiet, Reckless Love et al. Has this seen an upsurge in interest in Bai Bang as well and helped you?
“Yes, perhaps?”
The band have been going since the late 80′s yet you don’t seem to have got the exposure and success of similar bands from the same time. Why do you think this was?
“Well, it’s hard to know but we have had, in the past, bad record labels that did not do that much for us. Could be an explanation! We also live a bit out of Stockholm…the capitol! And many bands came from there…… Well, well! Now we have a great label in AOR Heaven. We’ve been with them for the last 3 albums, and are very satisfied with them!!!Now we focus on the future!!!!”
How important is social media like Facebook, Twitter, etc., for the band in getting your music out there and communicating with your fans?
“I think it’s important!!! Many more people now get to hear your music!!”
What have been the live highlights for you and why?
“Oh, many highlights. It’s hard to pick just one. But, to play in so many different countries is great! We did a show outdoors, at a festival in Estonia once! 100,000 people in the audience!!! When we played Wacken Open Air the first time; that was special! And, when we played the Whiskey A Go Go! That was a dream come true!!”
Given the catchy nature of the band’s music have you ever been tempted to enter the Eurovision Song Contest like Wig Wam and Lordi have done in the past?
“Sometimes….”
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from music?
“I work out! I play GOLF!!!!! In the summertime!!! I’m pretty good… I’m a hard hitter, a pretty aggressive player!!!hahahaha”
Anything else to add and a message for your fans…
“Hope you like the album! Hope to see you very soon!!!! And Rock on All Around The World!!!”
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