SOURCE – Your newest record, titled Edge of the Abyss, recently came out on the label Soulseller Records. What was the recording/songwriting process like and was it any different than previous releases?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – No, to be honest brother the writing process is always the same whether it comes from my side or someone else’s! Rogga sent me the tracks and said to write some lyrics.
Of course I put the songs on as they came in, he usually sends one or two at a time. I began to work on the songs track by track like I always do. With other people’s songs I just play them repeatedly a few times and the lyrics come naturally and immediately to me. It’s really the same process when I write songs for Master as well. It’s definitely not rocket science, it’s Metal!
SOURCE – I know you’ve played with some great musicians in your career, but how does it feel to play with another seasoned veteran on guitar like Rogga Johansson in this project?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – This is the third recording together and it’s like working with anyone else as Rogga said the same about me in an interview recently. Professionals have no problem creating together. If you are into something, you obviously do your best as you know many people will hear this. I spent a longer time singing and re-singing some of the songs this time around, so I hope people enjoy the effort of course.
SOURCE – With the state of the music business today, how do you determine your expectations for an album?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – I don’t, whether or not it sells makes no difference to me as long as I like the album. For my efforts I received 15 vinyls and 25 CD’s to sell and 100 euros to sing the album, this covered the studio, so it’s not about getting rich by any means brother. Rogga and I like what we do, so we do it!
SOURCE – What’s your take on the evolution from records/CDs to MP3 downloads to streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – I actually make money from all entities from time to time so be it. I liked it when downloading wasn’t possible, but you must change with the times and life goes on brother!
SOURCE – Would you say that the best promotion for heavy metal bands is still doing videos for songs at this point?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – No idea, I have never done a video! Is it?
SOURCE – You also recently released an album titled Cadaveric Poison under the name Cadaveric Poison where you work with Simon Seegel and Felix Darnieder. Can you talk about this project and about how it came about?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – It came about the same way, Simon contacted me a few year ago about singing a few songs for an EP. The EP was well received so he wrote a full album and again I sang on it because I liked it. I wrote all the lyrics and went into the studio and belted them out.
Again I like it so be it. People seem to enjoy Cadaveric Poison as well. These days I am keeping busy with studio recording, tours, single shows etc. This is what I do!
SOURCE – An Epiphany Of Hate was a blast! Should we expect a follow up?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – Yes I have a year or so I am never in a hurry, I have already written 10 or so new songs for the next Master opus!
SOURCE – Your work with Master in the eighties has inspired a legion of bands, what’s your opinion on the state of death metal today?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – I have no opinion on it!
SOURCE – What are your touring plans for the rest of the year and going into 2017?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – I know we’re hardly halfway through 2016… Just back from 22 shows in the USA, Germany this weekend, Finland next weekend, Malta two weeks later, then Central America in December and on and on!
SOURCE – Thanks for taking the time to allow me to interview you. Do you have any final words for the people at home?
Paul Speckmann (Vocals, Bass) – Thanks for support!
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