SOURCE – You’ve got so many projects. Let’s start with Johansson & Speckmann, since that’s next up for you. How did you get involved with that?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – Actually Rogga Johansson contacted me a few years ago and said he had written a song in the Master style so to speak, and ask if i was interested in sing this for his project. To be honest I never really heard of this legend before. I gave it a shot. Obviously in today’s recording world anything can be done through the Internet. I went to studio Shaark here in the Czech and did the vocals. A few months later he said he had written a whole series of tracks and asked if I was willing to participate in this endeavor. It went so well the first time and after hearing the new tracks I new I was in. I went and recorded a few tracks per day and sent them to Rogga. He was satisfied so I continued and we had the first album called Sulphur Skies! What made me happy about this was that he just sent the songs and some lyrics in no particular order so this was a challenge to say the least. In the end I wrote the last few songs lyrics and it worked out well with this collaboration.
SOURCE – I’d be interested in hearing about the writing process for this new album Mask Of The Treacherous – how does the duo write new material and how do these tracks differ from previous material?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – This time around was exactly the same. Rogga sent tracks via the computer only this time I wrote lyrics for more than half of the album which made me happy again. It’s always a challenge to write lyrics for someone else’s vision and I am always up for a challenge. The new tracks are more interesting I guess. I like both albums regardless!
SOURCE – So you’ve just released Johansson & Speckmann’s 2nd album, Mask Of The Treacherous, hows the feedback been since?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – The reaction from Youtube has been phenomenal. The Mask of the Treacherous will be released on February 28th!
SOURCE – Is there anything that can be done to fix the industry?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – Sure less bands and more support for the band label’s already have is the secret of success.
SOURCE – As someone who was around for the beginning of American death metal, who were your favorite bands from that era?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – Motorhead, Venom and Slayer who else?
SOURCE – Let’s talk a little about your brand autobiography, Underground Survivor – The Pictoral. Who came up with the idea of doing a book?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – Enni from Skullcrusher came up with the idea almost two years ago and after many mishaps the book is finally available at master-speckmetal.net my site.
The book has hundreds of never seen before photos of my life and history in the music industry! It’s a must for Speckmann fans!
SOURCE – Any other projects you’ve been working on?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – Cadaveric Poison will record a full length this year as well as Master will also record a new CD this year!
SOURCE – Has your partying slowed down a little as you’ve gotten older?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – Sure, I only party on the road these days and not nearly as much as in the past as I would like to live a bit longer of course.
SOURCE – Is there a release date for the Master CD?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – Some time in the spring of 2016! We will begin recording the 20 or so new songs I have written for the next masterpiece and choose 11 tracks.
SOURCE – Anything else you’d like to say?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – Go out and support your local bands as this is what is needed to keep the scene alive my friends.
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