22 years into pop history, Michael Learns To Rock, talk about their upcoming performances, history, et al
22 years into pop history, Michael Learns To Rock, talk about their upcoming performances, history, et al
We know their songs by heart, we could mouth their lyrics even in our sleep. Everytime we visit a pub or coffee bar weu00a0 sing along to them while we sip on our frappes.
The lyrics of Paint My Love, O My Sleeping Child, Someday Somewhere and Actor though a tad cheesy are etched in our collective memories forever.
The niche this Danish Pop band carved for themselves in the country, remains fresh, more than two decades later. Now the boy trio is back to promote their latest album Eternity.
How did the name of the band come up? Did thoughts of renaming it to fit these times ever cross your mind?
Kare: It's so old now; I can barely remember how it came about.
It was almost out of the blue. We haven't thought about changing it, we think it will cause a lot of confusion.
What genre do you classify your music in? Are you satisfied with the pop music tag?
Mikkel: We are a Classic Pop Band.
Kare: The whole idea was to create a 'pop' band. In those times, rock music was the only kind considered credible. All our friends were playing rock and funk. We wanted to break the barrier and do something different, make a clean pop band.
One of the members, Soren left the band ten years ago. Did it bring about any changes?
Mikkel: There were some major changes after Soren left. He was a very good musician and we have done some beautiful harmonies together.
Kare: We were socially lost for a while, though we are back on track now. We had to get used to being a three-piece band, and developed a lot in the process.
Your future plans for the band?
We will go to China. Also, we have already started recording our new album that launches early next year.
What is it about India that keeps you coming back? Which city do you like most?
Fans in the country are the direct reason. They keep the band together. Other reasons include the food, culture and people. We love Shillong. We had 25,000 people at our show when we performed there.
What do we expect at your shows this time?
A lot of old songs, back from the 90s, people come to our shows for those. A few new songs, but mostly numbers you can sing along.
Has any Indian musician caught your attention in the recent past?
Kare: Pandit Ravishankar with his Sitar, I listen to Indian classical music mostly.
Your music from the 90s still does the rounds in pubs and cafes in India. What do you have to say to that?
We are privileged, as we are essentially a radio band, the radio has always been our medium.
Fatafat five with MLTR
Most memorable song and performance
Complicated Heart at Shillong, India
Biggest music idol
Michael Jackson
Unforgettable on-stage anecdote
When Mikkel fell off the stage in 1997
Craziest fan story
When people name their children Michael after us, we always hope it's a boy
Artists you would want to collaborate with
Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Elton John
ADVERTISEMENT
On: June 20, Sunday. 8 pm onwards
At: Palace Grounds
The opening act from The Other People Band