Artist:  Martin Kronlund (Salute) 

Date: 1 December 2010   

Following the release of the stunning new album by Salute, we catch up with founding member, guitarist and producer Martin Kronlund to find out more about the band and the artist himself ...

MM - Firstly Martin thanks for taking the time out to take part in this interview I know you’re a busy man so it’s much appreciated. 
MK - Yes very busy but a pleasure to speak with you and your readers! 

MM - So let’s start with Salute, with so many projects and bands and production duties under you belt what made you decide to start another band? MK - Basically I love Mikael's voice and we work very well together and we always wanted to do a project like “Salute” . MM - How did you come together with Imre Daun and Mikael Erlandsson in the first place and did you have a vision of how the band would sound? MK - I’ve known Imre since I was around 15 years old and we have done multiple shows and records together so he was the natural choice.

MM - The bands debut album ‘Toy Soldier’ really hit the mark with me and many fans of Melodic/Hard Rock, were you surprised with the impact that album made?
MK - I’m always surprised at the great responses I often receive but to be honest when you work with such talented artists it comes naturally.

MM - So on to the new album ‘Heart Of The Machine’.  I must say I really loved this album, I thought the debut was wonderful and this one really goes one step further.  Did you have any fears or doubts when starting the album on how you were going to top ‘Toy Soldier’?
MK - No because we knew we were on to something and I had already begun writing for “Heart of the Machine” together with David Reece and Mikael so we knew what direction we had in mind and just let the music do the talking.

MM - With your name being attached to so many albums and bands how did you find the time to do another album and were there any problems along the way?
MK - Being a producer first you're always happy to be working, that said ... honestly of course there's always outside pressures connected with doing so much work, but I take each project seriously and somehow find the time to give my all to each one.

MM - Speaking of other projects I’ve noticed that the new Gypsy Rose album is underway, but also a new Dogface album as well as writing with Joe Lynn Turner, so is 2011 going to be as busy as this year?
MK - Actually Gypsy Rose David and I decided to put to rest for the time being but at the moment we're writing and recording a new album together which we will call “Reece Kronlund”, which will be released on AORHEAVEN next spring. With regard to Dogface?  We have recorded some new tracks and are waiting for an offer.  With Joe Lynn Turner we hopefully will start writing early next year, so yes I’m very busy but that’s the way I like it! LOL!

MM - On the Gypsy Rose front, again we see David Reece handling the vocals, was this a must for you to keep him as part of the band even though Bangaloir Choir is back up and running?
MK - David and I have something special musically together and we get along personally very well.  David actually recorded all the lead vocals for “Bangalore Choir” (Cadence) here in my studio in Sweden.  I understand David's commitment to B.C. but we both know, as I said, when we work together the results are always special!

MM - David also contributed to ‘Heart Of The Machine’ not only as a backing vocalist but also a songwriter.  Do you find having another songwriter helped in the making of the album?
MK - Yes because David when I send him a piece of music it’s as I said before? he understands my vision and delivers what the song needs, so yes I find it very helpful.

MM - So which side of the desk do you prefer or are you just a man of many hats?  Do you just put on the musicians hat when playing and the producers hat on when on the other side of the mixing desk, or does each side have it’s own merits?
MK - I am all of the above in the studio meaning producer, writer, arranger and guitarist on almost all of the projects I do.

MM - Are you more critical of yourself when you hear back the tracks you’ve just recorded?
MK - Of course and I believe you must because the song is most important after all!

MM - Are there any artists you haven’t worked with yet but would like to in the not too distant future?
MK - I’ve always admired Tony Harnell and hope to one day write and record a record with him!

MM - So Martin apart from the projects already mentioned, is there anything else on the horizon we should keep an eye and an ear out for in 2011?
MK - Actually I’ve recently finished a record for the late Paul Young, singer of “Sad Café” and Mike and the Mechanics, it was a strange experience recording music around his voice but I truly believe this was some of his best works and I am honored to have been a part of it all!

MM - Finally are there any words you like to add or any thing we missed you like to tell us about?
MK - Firstly thank you for this opportunity to share myself with you and your readers!  The next year looks really amazing for me and keep your ears wide open for more of my works!  

MM - We'd like to thank Martin for taking the time out of his very busy schedule to chat with us today and wish him every success with all his endeavors.  Be sure to check out the new Salute album if you haven't already as it's one of our favourite releases of 2010.

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