Getting to Know… Machine 85 | Interview 🎤

In the 396^th Q&A in our Getting to Know… series, we get the inside scoop from Swedish metal band, Machine 85.

“So, I had one directional thought when writing songs for this band. Don’t let anything stop you if you like the song, whatever direction the song took.” Word, Machine 85! In response to our first burning question, Jokke, who answers our burning questions about his band, expounds, “I mean brainfucks like – Is this rock enough? Is this to bluesy?” No brainfucks – that’s one takeaway! Jokke gives us the inside scoop on the Swedish metal band’s genesis, goals, musical influences, and current and future musical endeavors.. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into 🎤 Getting to Know… Machine 85: Interview No. 396!

For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes Machine 85 distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

Hi There! Jokke from MACHINE 85 here. Thanks for having me. I think what makes us unique is the blend. I love all kinds of music and been exploring a lot of different styles on the guitar. So, I had one directional thought when writing songs for this band. Don’t let anything stop you if you like the song, whatever direction the song took. I mean brainfucks like – Is this rock enough? Is this to bluesy? Well, we are a brand new band, so I don’t know about the socks yet. But I KNOW they will be sweaty until they fall of haha. No but honestly, we have played live together in other continuations, and I know we put on a great show, lots of brutal energy and pure joy.

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did Machine 85 form and what were some of the goals or visions you had early on?

I’ve been playing with our drummer, Ulf Wahlgren, since we were 13. We met through our t-shirts. Slipknot and Metallica. He was a great drummer and we instantly started to rock out. Our first band was a Metallica cover band called Warlocks, haha. We both studied music later on and met Alfred Andersson. The three of us have been working together since. Many bands, tours, etc. So, when I finally wanted to create the dream band that was in my head, I didn’t have to look far from the perfect lineup. I wanted to record my dream album, with songs that had been in my head for many years. Rent a studio and record it live. No click tracks, no bullshit. So, I did. I rented sound emporium studio B in Nashville Tennessee. We recorded the whole album except for vocals in 3 days. The rest I finished up in my own studio in Sweden.

Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting out? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

Well, We all wanted to be rockstars and play Wembley stadium right? haha. I guess what changes is that you realize that if you love the music you play it really doesn’t matter where the next show is gonna be. If people love my music and want to see us live, I can die happy.

Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Whom would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?

My biggest is Metallica for sure. Watching all those old gems, Cliff em all, a year in a half, live shit made me obsessed with music. The whole idea of playing small clubs, grow, record in a great studio, and tour the world. If anyone is a brand new rocker, I highly recommend you with those old vids. Very inspiring. Don’t look a monsters inc., hahaha.

Ah, the fun stuff.  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.  

The three of us played with a country star from Nashville, live on the Apple Music fest in London a few years ago. 14 million viewers around the globe or something crazy like that.  We only had 20 minutes of stage time and Ulfs snare broke, which, btw, has never happened before. And we didn’t have a rodeo who could give him a new one. So, when we watched the show afterwards you can see him solving this on his own. Lending one from one of the other bands.  Not saying a word. We all knew but didn’t make a face. So, everyone handled it very pro. But inside we were screaming VERY loud. What are the odds…

Up until this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

I must say “20 Days” – just released btw. It always works. Up tempo and fun. People love it both live and in their living rooms. You can, bang, dance mosh or whatever. That song turned out EXACTLY as I had heard it in my head.

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left of center the world should know about you? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

I’m a hobby expert on Suzuki motorcycles from late 70s early 80s. I tear them down and rebuild them. Great therapy. So, if you want to know how to adjust the valve clearances for a gs550 from 1981, ask me! And also, my aunt is Marie Fredriksson from Roxette.

Closing out, what is Machine 85 currently working on, promoting that you can share with us or want us to know about? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure. 

We just put out our second single, “20 Days”. The response has been fantastic. We just signed with our first management, Deadfall. Really looking forward to digging in the world with them.

There will be one more video and single before the full album lands. Filming it right now!

Thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward. 

Thanks!

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Getting to Know… Machine 85: Interview No. 396 [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Machine 85; Tumisu via Pixabay]