Alternative melodic rockers MY MISSPENT YOUTH have not one but two albums, a couple of singles, with newer music slowly in the progress and out soon. The band's discussion with us, goes into detail, about song creativeness, influences, and the plans to continue to make music so all could gear and like it too!
1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or did it come out just like that?
I read it in a book years ago and thought it sounded good. A misspent youth doesn’t just mean that you did something in your youth that you regret, but also that you didn’t do things you wanted to do. I think I can say that I fit in both categories, he he.
2. Why did you want to play this genre?
I have always had a deep passion for music, from rock to metal. My Misspent Youth is my outlet to explore the more melodic, alternative rock stuff. I also have a metal band were I get out the more aggressive stuff.
3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?
When we first started the band, it was with a friend from high school and a friend I met later in life. Since then there’s been a lot of line-up changes, and now it’s basically my studio project were I play bass and guitar. I record the music in a studio here in Bergen, and Iver Sandøy who owns the studio, plays session drums. My Misspent Youth have always had a female vocalist, but this time I tried a male voice for the first time. I hooked up with Bjørn who I played in a band with in the 90's called Loophead.
4. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
I live in Bergen, Norway. That’s the second largest city in Norway. There are a lot of bands here, but mostly metal bands. I could recommend Sectarian Love, they are a good live band.
5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?
Anything can inspire me. Often I just sit in front of the TV and play guitar or bass, and then suddenly i start to play something that I think sounds cool. Then I record it on my mobile phone, and after some time I listen to the recording and decide if it’s good enough to work more with.
6. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)
I only did lyrics for three of the songs on the older material. One was about my mother, one about my father and one about my first girlfriend. Listen to the songs and find out for yourself which songs, he he.
7. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)
I guess I answered some of this in question 5. I usually make the song on the bass guitar. When I have a finished structure for a song, I go to the studio and record the bass. Then Iver will record the drums. I will then use the bass and drums recordings to develop the guitar riffs at home. When I have something finished, I go to the studio again and record. Then it’s time to get some vocals recorded, and that’s been the problem for the last 6-7 years. I’ve been waiting to find someone that can fit the style of the music I make. It was easier before, when we were a band and rehearsed on a weekly basis. If it works out with Bjørn, there will be new songs released soon. I also hope to put together a band that can play live.
8. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
Before we released "The Bigger Lie" in October this year, we have released two albums and one single. I’m very pleased with the music that’s been released under the My Misspent Youth name. It’s melodic and mellow, but also heavy and aggressive. I like it when a songs builds from always no sound to a big explosion. Check out "Silvermule" on the "Colours Gone Cold" album and you can hear for yourself.
9. Do you have any new music in the works?
Yes, I have one song that only needs a bit of mixing and vocals. Also two songs with only bass and drums. There’s also a lot of rough ideas on my mobile phone, so it’s just a matter of working out the vocals.
10. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Not at the moment, but I hope to get a live line-up ready for some gigs.
11. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
For me it’s the same plan I have had the whole of my life; to make music that I like myself. If someone else also likes it - great!
12. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
https://www.youtube.com/@MusicIsLifeNorway
https://mymisspentyouth.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mymisspentyouth
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5dud0t8BEiiRe5kPox5ycV?si=83AC2ocZQyanlUsmaJ8BDA
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