October 04, 2004

Interview with Kee Marcello

The sign of a true musician is their undying passion for music, life, and their ability to touch the lives of others through their music. The award winning guitarist Kee Marcello, has been reaching music fans through multiple artistic mediums for more than 20 years. Through his band K2, his work as a manager and producer for other artists, and his media soundtracks Kee continues to touch the lives of melodic rock fans everywhere.

In this interview, Kee takes the time to tell us where he has been, how he got there and where he is going now...

1. There is so much information about your role as the guitarist for the multi-platinum band Europe we would like to start this interview by asking you to describe yourself, Kee Marcello, the man behind the music?
I’m this guy from Umeå in the north of Sweden who left for the big city (Stockholm) and made it! That’s the simple explanation, in reality I was living in poverty on the verge of starvation, crashing at friends places since I couldn’t afford the rent for an apartment, working my ass off to get some kind of recognition. After years of struggling it finally paid off. After “D’accord”, “Silver” and “Kee & The Kick”, I got in touch with the guys in “Noice” who wanted me to tour with them. Me and Alex Tyrone, the bass player formed “Easy Action”, and the rest is history. Nowadays I live with my family in Gothenburg on the Swedish west coast.

2. From Europe to a solo album with “Shine On” and everything in between, which
role do you think defines who you are as an artist?
Well, I’d have to say that I’m foremost a guitar player. I really enjoy singing, but the guitar playing runs in my veins!

3. From the time you were a kid you wanted to be a guitarist, playing air guitar with your friends and make believe with tennis rackets, was there ever a time when you wanted to do something else?
No. That’s probably why I’ve made it this far, there was never a plan B!

4. Your eclectic style has been heard throughout radio and film. From heavy guitar and double bass to haunting ballads you have created a style that is original as well as unique. Is there a style or project that you feel really defines you and your music?
I would like to think that there’s a signature in everything I do, at least that’s how it feels for me. Right now I really think “Melon Demon Divine” defines me.

5. With the release of the album Melon Demon Devine, your fans are waiting eagerly for news of your next project. Tell us a bit about your next big project or projects.
I’m producing coming Swedish glam band the Supergroupies, whom I’m also co-managing together with former Europe/Mr. Big manager Sandy Einstein. Later this summer we’re touring with K2 in Europe, and we are talking about a Double bill in Japan later this year.

6. How do you feel about the Melon Demon Devine as far as the Production? Quality? And the over all feel of the album … I think it’s great, but wanted to ask you as the artist what you think!
I’m very pleased with the production. It came out pretty much the way I intended it to do. I’ve gotten some criticism for including all these different styles on the record, but that’s who I am! I like the variety. Personally I’m tired of all the records with one good song and the rest mediocre clones of it!

7. The guitar instruction video you released in 2000 has been called a must have for any aspiring guitarists, will you be doing any more educational or instructional projects to aid the next generation of musicians?
I want to record a new instructional video, since it’s been such a long time since I did the first one. I don’t know exactly when yet, it’s all a matter of time.

8. Are there any artists, or individuals, that you credit as your inspiration in music or in life?
Well, guitarist Ollie Halsall (whom I wrote a tribute to on MDD called “Tattoo For Patto”) was a great inspiration. I’d also have to say that my biggest vocal influence is Mikael Rickfors, former lead singer for the Hollies, whom I’ve also produced two solo albums for.

9. With the Final Countdown into 2000 both you and John Norum played together with the rest of the band members of Europe. A lot of fans were hoping to see a Europe comeback and it looks like they still might. Are you still planning on working with them at all or are you to busy with your many projects?
I’ve decided not to, I’m way too busy running my own show. Between K2, Einstein/Marcello Management and GEM Publishing and the studio there’s really no time left!

10. Your recently completed GEM Studios is where Melon Demon Devine was produced, are there plans in the works to produce other artists or is this strictly for your own music production?
I’m doing the Supergroupies album here, and some other projects in the future if I’m involved as a manager/publisher. But it’s not really a studio for hire; I’m mainly doing my own projects here.

11. Tell us a bit about The Meltdown Festival in Gothenburg on June 19th. Was this your first big show in your home country in recent years?
Yes, and it was great to meet the crowd on a big stage again! Since Gothenburg is my hometown nowadays, it was extra cool.

12. You have always been a high energy performer, so with all of the work that goes into recording, producing and promoting an album, how do you keep yourself energized and motivated?
It’s the love for the guitar that keeps me doing this. I can’t be without it for very long!

13. An instrumental version of the song “Raptor” was used in the U.S. film
“Blood Shot” Have you seen the film yet? Do you have future plans for movie
soundtracks?
I recently got an award from the “US Film And Video Festival” for best soundtrack for a film called “Controlling The Battlefield” made by Patric Ullaeus (www.revolverfilm.se), who also got the award for best directing. It was a promo film for JAS Gripen 39C, the Swedish fighter jet. I’m sure I will get more offers like that in the future, and I only hope that I can find the time to do it, if I get a really interesting offer, like writing the score for a major Hollywood motion picture!

14. Is there any other message you would like to leave with the fans?
Thanks for your incredible support throughout the years! I hope you’ll all show up for the coming shows!
Best
Kee

Posted by Kathy at October 4, 2004 06:30 AM