They call it Street Metal…they are a wild bunch from Sweden, and proud of it!  Hardcore Superstar will most likely become a household name in 2013, with the help of their latest album “C’mon Take On Me”.  And that is exactly their attitude…this foursome are not shy on blending Metal-Grunge-Hard Rock with loads of melody.  Their lyrical content is intelligent and cutting edge.  The group are not afraid to take on sensitive subject matter.  I caught up with Jocke, the group’s lead vocalist just prior to their mini tour of the Northern part of Europe:

Question: Can we begin with a brief history of the group?

Answer: We started up back in 98, Martin and I started the group.  Adde joined a few years later, and Vic during the Dreaming in a Casket tour in beginning of 08, when Silver decide to leave the band. We have done a total of 8 records. On the 3 first albums we were searching for the "Hardcore Superstar sound". We didn´t find it until the self titled album "Hardcore Superstar", or as some want to call it "The Black Album". From then until now, we have always known how we want to sound, but of course you always have to try to improve yourself, otherwise you might get stuck. Each new album needs to have its own special touch.

Q: You seem to be a very independent group, not getting on any ‘bandwagon’, which is nice to see. However, has this independence held you back in any way?

A: Yes, we always tend to go our own way, sometimes good and sometimes bad. Of course it is sometimes a bit stupid to not be more commercial, and accept commercial amusement TV offers, but if it doesn’t feel right we won´t do it.  And due to this we have never lost the "Hardcore feeling". Although we understand that this might have kept us a bit unknown to the big audience. Good or bad, that´s up the the fans to decide! 

Q: Let’s talk about the new album coming out… somewhat experimental, however with a strong and fresh Rock presence!  Would you say that this album is your best to date?

A: Of course it sounds a bit a cliché, but according to me the newest album is always the best one. It’s new and fresh! I like the mix in-between the different genres you can hear on the album.  There are grunge elements, sleaze, thrash and pure rock n roll.

Q: “C’mon Take On Me” is not only the title of the record, but it pretty much sums up the band’s attitude… Any comments?

A: Yes, in away maybe?! But the song titled "C´mon take on me" is about a girl who's stalks you and wants you just because you are famous.

Q: By the sounds of the new record, I hope Hardcore Superstar is preparing to conquer the world! What plans do you have in 2013 in regards to touring and generally reaching out to that untapped worldwide Rock audience?

A: Hardcore Superstar’s plan is and has always been "World wide domination"!  We are gonna tour in Scandinavia during March and April. Then we hit the European festivals during the Summer months and hopefully a European tour later this fall.

Q: Thanks Jocke for taking the time to answer some of my questions… ”C’mon Take On Me” is a huge slice of great Rock!... Nice going! May 2013 be the year that Hardcore Superstar become, what we call, a household name!

A:Thanks a lot for your kind words! 

Photo: Contributed

Hardcore Superstar “C’mon Take On Me” Nuclear Blast Records

 2013 sees the wild party bunch opening another chapter in the history of street metal. Their ninth output “C’mon Take On Me”, produced by the band and mixed by no less a figure than Randy Staub (METALLICA, MÖTLEY CRÜE, THE CULT). “C’Mon Take On Me” is such a succinct title for this, the latest

from “Hardcore Superstar”. Hard core Rock: yes it is! Superstar potential; Most certainly. These guys meld several styles of Hard Rock and Metal into a unique rhythmic powerhouse of swirling sounds that will make one’s head spin! In a good way, mind you. The group’s sense of dynamics propels this

record. A driving wall of sound which wraps itself around compelling lyrical subject matter delivered in a towering - sometimes desperate manner. “C’mon Take On Me” is a incredible way to start 2013, a sonic delight and a true ‘take no prisoners” musical statement. Bruce Atkinson (90/100)

Now, lately I’ve been immersing myself in all types of music, from all over the world, preparing stories for a number of outstanding Artists.  Of course, Hardcore Superstar caught my ear, but thanks to Tony Stevenson, so did this lad:  I will introduce him via this Review of his first solo album, and I feel very strongly that we will hear much more from this very Talented Albertan!

Craig Baceda                            
“Shredding The Mindset”     
Review by: Bruce E.J. Atkinson

There is no denying this lad has talent—and that is spelled with a capital ‘T’.

Craig Baceda’s first album is a solo effort—and he means solo!  Craig has written, performed all instruments, sang and produced this effort!  “Shredding the Mindset” is mostly a progressive hard-rock album…with elements ranging from blues to some jazz passages sneaking through.  His voice is strong-mature and rich.  His playing—precise, and in whatever instrument he finds himself in.

This is a ‘groove’ record!  Craig sets up a certain groove that runs throughout and then he reaches further out from that groove, exploring the musical spectrum within each and every composition.  As one journeys’ with him, more emotion and soul can be heard and felt. 

I must admit, that at first listen this effort seemed overblown.  However, the more one listens, the more you recognise the depth and the more you become a fan!

Good on you Craig—‘Shredding the Mindset’ does just that!

Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

97^th Street Pub:    Radio Lifeline:  March 8^th & 9^th   Floyd Vedan Band:   March 15^th & 16^th    Moni Funk & the Groove Machine:   March 29^th & 30^th

The Blue Gator:   The Young ‘Uns:   March 8^th & 9^th    Papa Dawg:   March 13^th    Zamboni Brothers:   March 14^th-15^th-16^th   Easy Fix:  March 20^th   Orio:  March 21^st    Jimmy LeGuilloux Band:  March 2^nd & 23^rd

The Minstrel Café:   Deanna Carter Band:   March 9^th  Kenny Wayne & Sherman Doucette:   March 14^th   Calum Hughes Collective:   March 15^th    Fighting Orange:   March 16^th   Devin Cuddy & Whitney Rose:  March 20^th                                                                       

Notable Concerts:    

South Okanagan Events Centre:   Heart:    March 9^th 2013    Motley Crue:   April 20^th   Alan Jackson:  August 3^rd

 Kelowna Community Theatre:   Natalie MacMaster:   April 7^th    Randy Bachman:   April 20^th     

Prospera Place:  Sting:    May 30^th   

Vernon:  Funtastic---Honeymoon Suite:  June 28^th  Sweet:  June 29^th  Julian Austin  Aaron Pritchett:    June 30^th   

Dancin’ Barefoot Music Festival- Peachland :  Nick Gilder & Sweeney Todd: July 20^th                 

Peach Festival  Penticton:  Honeymoon Suite:   August 8^th                 

Notes & News:   It has been a while since we have heard from Ville Valo, better known as HIM!  Come April a brand new album will be unleashed to the world: “Tears On Tape”, and a special ‘Metal Hammer’ HIM edition will be available at your favourite magazine stands!    

Photo: Contributed

 Darby Mills will have her only solo album re-released in the Spring/Summer: “Never Look Back” is well worth looking for!        The Voice behind “House Of Lords” will release a new solo album, James Christian’s “Lay It All On Me” will be out by Summer.   Locally, some news:  The Flu are gearing up for a showcase gig at The Roxy (Vancouver) in April, and they have been recently named ‘Band Of The Week’ by MusicBC!!  The Steve Jones Band may have been laying low lately, however prepare to see them live this Spring around the area, plus they will be performing brand new Originals as well!

…if you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something… drop me a line at:  fbainternational@telus.net  and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!!.....