We wish you all a relaxing break over the holidays
And leave you with our latest rock video.....or perhaps not.....
Sunday 21 December 2008
Friday 19 December 2008
Thursday 18 December 2008
// STUDIO UPDATE / 18 DECEMBER 08 //
Hello everyone.
Hard at work in the studio in Stockholm. Norum is laying down some great guitars using both Les Paul and Strat for the rhythm guitars. Joey's working on lyrics. When asked what the songs are about he just replies "defiance, politics and sex.....not particular in that order".
In between Norum's guitar overdubs both Mic and Leven records some of their magic. Leven has put down some fret-less bass. Mic some pads and and Nord klav. We're also preparing a score for a strings orchestra we're gonna record on a few tracks in Prag.
Ian just came in to visit us in the studio. Straight from doing his radio show. As you know the drums are already done and fabulous. We're working here in Stockholm until Sunday. Then we start up again on the 5th of Jan. in Gothenburg with vocals, keyboards and more guitars.
There will however be lyric work and other preparations over the holidays. But we'll try and get a few days of over Christmas.
There is a rumour that the "real" Santa's gonna appear this year.
Talk to you soon.
/Europe
Tuesday 16 December 2008
// JOHN'S GEAR //
1. Gibson flying V 76, Seymour duncan custom
2. Gibson Les Paul., Custom 80, Seymour duncan George lynch Screemin' demon
3. Gibson Les Paul, standard faded 2007, Sheptone pickups
4. Gibson Les Paul, standard 58, Di Marzio 36th anniversary Paf pickups
5. Gibson Les Paul, 2001 Gary more signature model. Gibson Paf pickups
6. Fender Stratocaster 74, Van Zandt pickups
2. Gibson Les Paul., Custom 80, Seymour duncan George lynch Screemin' demon
3. Gibson Les Paul, standard faded 2007, Sheptone pickups
4. Gibson Les Paul, standard 58, Di Marzio 36th anniversary Paf pickups
5. Gibson Les Paul, 2001 Gary more signature model. Gibson Paf pickups
6. Fender Stratocaster 74, Van Zandt pickups
// MORE ANSWERS / 16 DEC 08 //
mery.
No gig on New Years Eve this time. 2009 we will start recording again on the 5th of January in Gothenburg when we will concentrate on vocals and keyboards/organ.
Stefanie
We will do our best to get a tour going in the US 2009. After this album anything is possible
Marcino
We did play "Danger" a few times this summer. We'll see, maybe we'll try some different ones next year. But we're really exited to play some new "killers" 2009.......
Yes we have met the guys in Scorpions a few times. Mainly "Rudy" but also the rest of the guys.
We have listened to them quite a lot over the years. A few of our favourite albums are. Love Drive, Tokyo Tapes, Virgin Killer.
Melani
One regret we have is that we never toured Australia. We hope we can put this right this time. We have heard of a series of festivals called "big day out" or something like that. We have absolutely no booking made for this but maybe something to look into.
Mic Macovic
It's a PRS SC-250 . with Sheptone picups.
THRILLHO
No special guests at this time.......
JimmyZ
We will document Sweden Rock somehow. Don't know how yet. We're looking forward to that gig very much.......
We were set to record both Dalhalla shows but the deal fell through in the last minute. Nalen show will come out 2009.
No gig on New Years Eve this time. 2009 we will start recording again on the 5th of January in Gothenburg when we will concentrate on vocals and keyboards/organ.
Stefanie
We will do our best to get a tour going in the US 2009. After this album anything is possible
Marcino
We did play "Danger" a few times this summer. We'll see, maybe we'll try some different ones next year. But we're really exited to play some new "killers" 2009.......
Yes we have met the guys in Scorpions a few times. Mainly "Rudy" but also the rest of the guys.
We have listened to them quite a lot over the years. A few of our favourite albums are. Love Drive, Tokyo Tapes, Virgin Killer.
Melani
One regret we have is that we never toured Australia. We hope we can put this right this time. We have heard of a series of festivals called "big day out" or something like that. We have absolutely no booking made for this but maybe something to look into.
Mic Macovic
It's a PRS SC-250 . with Sheptone picups.
THRILLHO
No special guests at this time.......
JimmyZ
We will document Sweden Rock somehow. Don't know how yet. We're looking forward to that gig very much.......
We were set to record both Dalhalla shows but the deal fell through in the last minute. Nalen show will come out 2009.
Monday 15 December 2008
// JOHN'S AMPS //
John's amps
Here is the selection of amps that John checked out today.
At one point we connected them all together. John played a chord and all lights in Stockholm dimmed for a second. Talk about powerful stuff.........
// NORUM IS IN DA HOUSE //
Hello again
We're back in the studio. This time in Stockholm and John is tearing the house down with greatest guitar sound we've ever heard......We got one song down at the end of the first day. The one with the working title "ready".
Norum's setup for this tune was:
Guitar: Gibson Les Paul (Gary More signature model)
Amp: JCM 800 (lead series) 50 watt
Cabinet: Marshall 72 with celestion 30 watts greenback speaker woofers
Stay tuned for more this week.
/Europe
Friday 12 December 2008
// 1ST WEEK OF RECORDING //
This picture is to visualize the new direction Europe are going for with the forthcoming album... NOT!
Anyways, our first 5 days in the studio have come to an end and drums and bass are recorded for all the songs. Job well done Ian and John L.!
We're looking forward to a couple of days off now and will get back to you next week with info on how the work is proceeding.
Stay tuned
// CELEBRITY VISIT //
An old friend of ours (as well as singer/guitar player of one of the word's biggest rock bands) desperately wanted to come and visit us in the studio. In order NOT to be recognized by the locals he put some make-up on and tried to dress casual.
For some unknown reason he was very anxious to show his private parts in the picture taken here. Fortunately our fast-handed guitarist saved the situation.
John later said:
"This was the easiest cover I've eve done"
// SO MANY GUITARS, SO LITTLE TIME //
Whenever there is a note to be played, there is a guitar to be chosen. It's not an easy job but someone has to do it.
Thursday 11 December 2008
// JOHN DOIN' HIS THING //
Ian's left Gothenburg and it's now up to Mr Leven to deliver his goods. Tobias has created a fantastic bass sound for John and his Sandberg basses.
Just for your info, before Tobias became a producer he was working for the FBI. (By the look of things it seems he's not gotten away from dealing with suspicious characters.)
// THERE'S SOMETHING REALLY WEIRD GOING ON HERE //
Eerie! Looks like John Leven and blog reader "alex" were separated at birth... they seem to be connected telepathically! Alex guessed correctly the number written on John's paper, and in doing so has won Ian's well-worn autographed drum head and signature drumsticks. Good work man!
Be sure to add your email to your blog profile page alex, so you can be contacted about claiming your prize.
There were some very creative answers along the way and we thought one of them in particular deserved some special recognition. But unfortunately that winner has deleted their post. As a result, we've decided to award a consolation prize to "MIM" who was the first member who came in just one number shy at 6111. Nothing worse than being just one number off. MIM has also won a set of Ian's signature drumsticks, used during the recording of the album. MIM, we need to see your email address too.
Good work everyone!
/Europe
Wednesday 10 December 2008
// A FEW MORE ANSWERS //
@ mic's girl - im planning on using my old Hammond B3 a bit more on this album. It seems to really fit the vibe and direction were going.
@ Jenny - were not trying to overthink anything this time.. just following our hearts and souls and using our experience together with a great young producer.
@ mari - we're planning a release around april/may, in time for summer festivals (eg: sweden rock), so in a perfect world we will be mixing the album end of february.
@ tone irene - together with our manager we will find great partners to work with on this project, but we all do have a special feeling with this particular album. As for the fans, we love it when youre active spreading the news of the release by word of mouth, online, banners and so on. The internet is very powerful these days, so you can actually be a part of the whole thing.
@ ravscool - with "almost unplugged" this is the first time weve released a vinyl in a long time, so we will learn from the process, however we do still like this format. Its not impossible.
@ olga maria - I think all artists toys with the idea of making conceptual albums, like Pink Floyd for example... for us, as a touring rock band, we channel all our ideas into a selection of songs, which is more practical for us. We like to think there is always a thread both musically and lyrically on every Europe album.
@ Marian - hopefully we will make a new DVD on the forthcoming tour. Time will tell.
@ Bojana - the working title for the song in the video was "I Break Down" - the song originated from a John Norum riff.
@ Daniela - its a pretty straight forward rock album... however there are 1 or 2 more quiet moments.... we wouldnt call it "acoustic" though.
@ RnRCroatia - The way we approach and record this album is more related to "Wings of Tomorrow". There are many similarities to our other albums, but we also have a new fresh approach working with our young producer. Perhaps with some more keyboards.
@ katefromrussia - Yes, John Norum had a "waxident"... maybe he'll tell you more about this one of these days.
@ arsen - A big Neve console, and Pro tools recording system.
@ Jenny - were not trying to overthink anything this time.. just following our hearts and souls and using our experience together with a great young producer.
@ mari - we're planning a release around april/may, in time for summer festivals (eg: sweden rock), so in a perfect world we will be mixing the album end of february.
@ tone irene - together with our manager we will find great partners to work with on this project, but we all do have a special feeling with this particular album. As for the fans, we love it when youre active spreading the news of the release by word of mouth, online, banners and so on. The internet is very powerful these days, so you can actually be a part of the whole thing.
@ ravscool - with "almost unplugged" this is the first time weve released a vinyl in a long time, so we will learn from the process, however we do still like this format. Its not impossible.
@ olga maria - I think all artists toys with the idea of making conceptual albums, like Pink Floyd for example... for us, as a touring rock band, we channel all our ideas into a selection of songs, which is more practical for us. We like to think there is always a thread both musically and lyrically on every Europe album.
@ Marian - hopefully we will make a new DVD on the forthcoming tour. Time will tell.
@ Bojana - the working title for the song in the video was "I Break Down" - the song originated from a John Norum riff.
@ Daniela - its a pretty straight forward rock album... however there are 1 or 2 more quiet moments.... we wouldnt call it "acoustic" though.
@ RnRCroatia - The way we approach and record this album is more related to "Wings of Tomorrow". There are many similarities to our other albums, but we also have a new fresh approach working with our young producer. Perhaps with some more keyboards.
@ katefromrussia - Yes, John Norum had a "waxident"... maybe he'll tell you more about this one of these days.
@ arsen - A big Neve console, and Pro tools recording system.
// WIN! //
Its been a long day in the studio today, so for some light relief, we're inviting you to WIN a pair of pre-loved drumsticks and a snare drum head signed by Ian Haugland, used during the recording of the new album.
HOW TO WIN:
John Leven is thinking of a number in his head between 5814 and 6402 (naturally). He's written it on this piece of paper for safe keeping, so the person who guesses the correct number first (or closest to it without going over) by 8am CET tomorrow morning (Thursday) will win!
One entry each... so make it count. We wanna hear some noise!
For purposes of identification, the winner will have to supply a valid email address. For those signed in with blogger profiles, please ensure you have a public email account included with your profile so we can contact you if you're a winner.
// PETRI IS IN THE HOUSE //
Our manager, Petri Lunden has stopped by the studio to listen through some songs with us. He's (quote/unquote) "amazed" with the songs so far, particularly after just 2 days recording. If he could, he'd have this album released tomorrow. This is encouraging.
When asked if he has any comment for you, the readers; in his typical businesslike fashion, Petri cheekily advises: "spend more money".
When asked if he has any comment for you, the readers; in his typical businesslike fashion, Petri cheekily advises: "spend more money".
// BASS IN THE PLACE //
We're very pleased with the drums so far... comin' up, John L will open his bag of tricks and we'll put down some more of his groovin' bass tracks which will give us a powerful rhythm section. Can you handle it?
// DAY 3 //
Its day 3 and we're gearing up again. Ian has finished the drum tracks, and today we're gonna go through and review some of the material we've recorded so far. This album is shaping up to be a killer!
More to follow in a short while...
More to follow in a short while...
Tuesday 9 December 2008
// MORE VIDEOS //
A couple more videos shot today in the studio... more updates tomorrow.
Enjoy!
/Europe
Enjoy!
/Europe
// SOME ANSWERS //
@ Aleksander - Norum is using the same junk he always uses... Marshall 50 Watt JCM 800... Gibson Les Pauls.... Mike - Shure SM57.
@ petdetect - as were still working on lyrics we will have to wait and see what feels right as an album title - working title right now is "More is More".
@ Deni - as of now there are two ballads - Mic and Joey have written one, and Joey one.
@ gibsonlove_ - Norum and Leven say "mind your own business, but Leven's room number is 405". :-)
@ JimmyZ - the video vault may or may not appear in the future - what we can promise you is a brand new website in time for the new album.
@ Fernanda - we're always looking for new places to play!
@ rockatroll - the word ass will probably appear in that song. At this point, all are working titles, and a handful of them are likely to be changed at a later date.
@ james - closest we could describe it, is a modern retro rock album.
@ THRILLHO_use - when in the studio, we always play with covers, but nothing is carved in stone yet.
Thanks for taking the time to post your questions...we will do our best to answer a few more questions tomorrow.
/Europe
@ petdetect - as were still working on lyrics we will have to wait and see what feels right as an album title - working title right now is "More is More".
@ Deni - as of now there are two ballads - Mic and Joey have written one, and Joey one.
@ gibsonlove_ - Norum and Leven say "mind your own business, but Leven's room number is 405". :-)
@ JimmyZ - the video vault may or may not appear in the future - what we can promise you is a brand new website in time for the new album.
@ Fernanda - we're always looking for new places to play!
@ rockatroll - the word ass will probably appear in that song. At this point, all are working titles, and a handful of them are likely to be changed at a later date.
@ james - closest we could describe it, is a modern retro rock album.
@ THRILLHO_use - when in the studio, we always play with covers, but nothing is carved in stone yet.
Thanks for taking the time to post your questions...we will do our best to answer a few more questions tomorrow.
/Europe
// IAN BEATIN' THE SKINS //
Ian has been workin' his ass off today - we're focusing on getting the drum tracks perfect this week, and he has really delivered!
More words from Ian a little later.
// NEW DIRECTIONS //
This time, we're taking some new directions with our songs, and we're exploring different styles. There is a definite classic rock vibe on some of the tracks... a tip of the hat to groovin', funkin' 70s rock songs - but ones we have bought into the here and now. We've also got a couple of great ballads in the pipeline, and some thundering rock tracks that will knock you on your asses! :-)
We've taken all the best qualities from our modern recordings, and catapulted them to a whole new level. We hope you'll enjoy them.
More following soon...
/Europe
We've taken all the best qualities from our modern recordings, and catapulted them to a whole new level. We hope you'll enjoy them.
More following soon...
/Europe
// MORE PICS //
Tobias Lindell - stellar producer and professional knob-twiddler!
Joey and acoustic guitar
Norum doin' what he does best...
Joey and acoustic guitar
Norum doin' what he does best...
// QUESTIONS & ANSWERS //
We know you've probably a ton of questions you'd like to ask us... so we're inviting you to post your questions in the comments section here.
Sometime (probably this evening) we will get around to answering a few of them. Go crazy people!
Sometime (probably this evening) we will get around to answering a few of them. Go crazy people!
// DAY 2 //
We're back in the studio this morning, fueled by caffeine and adrenaline. There was some great progress made yesterday and today we're keen to keep the pace. Stay tuned for additional updates through the day.
/Europe
/Europe
// VIDEO FOOTAGE / STUDIO JAM //
Sometimes its cool to jam a little, just to loosen the fingers and play with some melodies.
Monday 8 December 2008
// MESSAGE FROM JOEY //
Hello everyone. We're now back in the hotel bar after a long day in the studio. This week we are concentrating on drums. So it's all about Ian and he's been rocking out like a king. We've managed to put down 6 tracks today which is more than we expected.
We've been filming some stuff as well which we will hopefully put on later tonight. Tomorrow we'll post some more material for you guys.Keep checking for updates.
Talk soon.....Joey
We've been filming some stuff as well which we will hopefully put on later tonight. Tomorrow we'll post some more material for you guys.Keep checking for updates.
Talk soon.....Joey
// BACK TO THE HOTEL //
Its a wrap for today! Back to the hotel in a short while... stay tuned for more messages from the comfort of a hotel room (or the bar) - whichever we find ourselves at first!
RECORDING HAS BEGUN!
Its been a heavy day in the studio today! Ian has been laying down drums for a couple of the tracks on the new album. The vibe is is great, but theres much work to do!
Photos following soon!
/Europe
Photos following soon!
/Europe
Monday 1 December 2008
WELCOME TO THE STUDIO BLOG
This winter, Europe the band will return to the studio to record their 8th studio album.
We invite YOU to check back here between December 8 and 10, to enjoy direct updates, interviews, pics and video!
It promises to provide some fire to melt the winter freeze, so do not miss this rare opportunity to "chill" this December with Europe, and see history in the making.
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