Interview: Torben Enevoldsen

Torben Enevoldsen: "Heavy Persuasion" was recorded in Aabenraa Studiet here in Denmark in the month of May this year, and the whole thing was engineered, mixed and
mastered by Jacob Hansen. I was assisted by my band: Flemming Hansen on bass and Mickey Hurricane on drums and I produced the whole thing myself. Instead of doing a studio type thing like "Guitarisma", I wanted to record this album as a band. The intensity and energy you get from recording as a band is far superior than to that of using hired guns. Being very influenced by bands like Dream Theater, Symphony X etc., I wanted the new material to
be more aggressive and somewhat progressive, however still keeping everything very melodic.

Torben Enevoldsen: Well, I didn't use any head phones while recording. This was new to me, but very pleasant. I recorded all the guitar parts in the control room and I simply used the speakers as a monitor. In terms of effects, I did a couple of wah solos and the sweep part in "Off Limits" was recorded with a flanger type effect. We also added a bit of flanger to the guitar rhythm track on "Spacewalk". That was basically it.

Torben Enevoldsen: I simply surfed the Internet looking for suitable labels and after locating Lion Music, I sent them an e-mail enquiring the possibilities of a license
deal. They replied and I sent them my press kit. Lion Music liked what they heard and we negotiated the deal via e-mail -- and here we are!

Torben Enevoldsen: The advantages are many, but to narrow it down I'd have to say that they show sincere dedication and commitment, as well as a great promotional drive
and finally, they have the network necessary for sufficient distribution.

Torben Enevoldsen: Thanks. Being influenced by guys like Yngwie Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore, Paul Gilbert etc., I realized that I had to pay particular attention to the more technical side of things, yeah. I think that the actual part of being able to play fast is something you're born with. I have taught quite a few young aspiring guitar players in my time and some people have got it and others don't. I am fortunate in that regard, but the part of actually playing fluid (and in key) is something I have had to work on, much like everyone else I suppose. What I did was, I got some great patterns to practice off of
the first Vinnie Moore instructional video and then I practiced those every day, as well as adding new ones I made up myself. Finally I had a great workout to develop, and keep up my chops. I still do that work out today, playing to a metronome.

Torben Enevoldsen: No, not really. Although I might get a passing pain once in a while, normally due to something completely else than playing guitar, I just don't play. I think that it's important to pay attention to the signals your body is sending in order to avoid any form of injury. In order to keep my fingers loose, I always start off very slowly, doing chord changes and whatnot, before I play more physically demanding stuff.

Torben Enevoldsen: Normally they appear when I'm practicing, but on ocassions, I also stumble upon interesting new ideas just jamming with the band or playing along with
my drum machine right here at home. Ideas seem to come quite easily, but in order to finish a song, I have to work a bit on the whole arrangement. But I get new ideas every day, so I always tape everything for later use. I only do one song at a time.

Torben Enevoldsen: I love instrumental music, but I love all kinds of music, both vocal and instrumental, so chances are that some day I just might. For now, I prefer doing instrumental music though, but if a great singer suddenly appears - who knows?

Torben Enevoldsen: There's a lot. But to name a few, I'd have to mention the following amazing lead singers: Russell Allen (Symphony X), Andy Engberg (Lions Share), Tony Harnell (TNT/Westworld) and Glenn Hughes. I'd love to work with the Swedish
keyboard player Jens Johansson someday. It would be great to have for instance Allan Holdsworth do a guest appearance on a future release, but the list just goes on and on.