Interview with Kashmir keyboardist and guitarist Henrik Lindstrand

Henrik Lindstrand the keyboardist and guitarist for the Danish rock band Kashmir recently spoke with me about the bands newest release, No Balance Palace. This disc is a collection of songs that could easily be heard on virtually any modern rock station across the country. It is a high-energy rock album that begs to be played at full volume. The skillful musicianship and a dazzling production of this disc are highlighted by a guest appearance from the legendary David Bowie.

Now that your brand new EP titled, No Balance is complete how do you feel about it? Are you satisfied with the outcome?
Henrik: Yeah. This is a short version of our LP, No Balance Palace, used to introduce the American audience to our band. It contains some of the favorite tracks from that album and it invites people in to our universe.

What can fans expect when they pick up a copy of No Balance?
Henrik: These songs fit perfectly well when driving. It has an ongoing pulse and a kind of dark rock sound which suites late night driving or listening to on your iPod while strolling through the city. It is the sound of a band that plays live, which gives it a very organic feel.

Different groups have unique ways of writing their songs. How do you guys go about writing your music? Is it a collective effort or is it more the efforts of one particular member of the band?
Henrik: Our lead singer Kasper has always been the main songwriter. However, we work intensely as a four-headed unit when creating our music in our studio; experimenting and often improvising freely. The title track is a result of a three-hour long jam session.

You credit David Bowie for guest vocals on “The Cynic.” How did this come about and what was it like working with him?
Henrik: It was the biggest thing to have Mr. Bowie contribute on this album. While working with producer Tony Visconti, we got the opportunity to get in contact with him. We had this song “The Cynic” where we had an idea of his voice in the second verse. He was into the idea. Actually, he knew our band and had our albums. His performance on the song was one of those unforgettable moments.

Could you tell us where the name Kashmir comes from?
Henrik: There was a rock band in the 70′ that had a song by the same name.

How has MySpace and the internet affected your band and do you think downloading helps or hinders the artists?
Henrik: We are not using MySpace that much anymore, more Facebook and Twitter as well as our main website. MySpace is a great tool especially if you are unsigned, but also to spread new music incredibly fast. I do think most people want to pay for the music they listen to. The music industry has just been two steps behind the piracy guys. For some artists, free downloading is a useful tool to get your music heard, but it is suicide in the long run.

What is the toughest lesson you ever learned in the studio and on the stage?
Henrik: Studio and live are two different planets. We are now moving out of a long studio-period into the live-mode. The transition between those two is often difficult. Going from intense nerving in the studio to exhibiting your new stuff. I think we have learned to work as a strong unit when playing new songs live – something that often is very sensitive.

Are there any plans for a tour in support of this disc?
Henrik: We are doing a few dates in the US in March, New York, Austin and Los Angeles. Please check our website for info. We are really excited to come over and play.

Are you looking at any particular bands you will be touring with?
Henrik: Not at the moment, we will keep our eyes open.

What is next for Kashmir?
Henrik: Intense touring the rest of the year in Europe and hopefully back to the US again ASAP. We hope to have a U.S. release of our newest album later this year.  [ END ]