A Fistful Of Questions With Johan From Statues

     Vocalist.  Guitarist.  Vinyl enthusiast.  This edition of Fistful of Questions goes out to Statues frontman Johan.

 

What is your full name?

 

Johan Arnold Sellman

 

Do you have any aliases?

 

Alter Schwede

 

What bands are you actively involved with?

 

Statues exclusively.

 

What was the first instrument that you played?

 

Acoustic guitar (I was very violent with that guitar and little has changed)

 

Tell me about one of your first musical memories?

 

The discovery of the beauty of vinyl records. Heavy listening to the Kiss record Destroyer (I still have it).

 

What was the name of the first band you were in?

 

Kriminell Karamell (Criminal Sweet). We played raw punk in fast tempo.

 

Tell me about the genesis of Statues. 

 

The three founders played together in a different constellation in 1991/92. Several years later we decided to play together again and focus on the same energy as in our teens (it actually worked). Since then we have added a new bass player and a live guitar player to live sessions.

 

What inspired the name Statues?

 

It’s inspired by the first Husker Du 7”. We wanted something short. Then we discovered there were a couple of other bands with the same name, I don't think the others are active.

 

How long did it take you to write and record Black Arcs Rising?

 

We wrote forty songs and rehearsed nineteen of them. We booked Svenska Grammofonstudion for five days and said that we would cut the songs both day and night to maximize the studio time.

Then we came down to earth and slept 9h per night��

 

If you could insert yourself into any one band what band would it be and why?

 

I think Statues is an optimal band to play with. Touring heavily is not an option so it has to be a none-active band. Maybe Dinosaur Jr? They aren’t touring much but always play with high energy.

I don’t want to replace a band member, so maybe in the role of playing cowbell/dancer.


Have you ever heard a song and immediately wished you had written it?  If so… What was the song and artist?

 

Guided by Voices' song Drag Days is one of those songs. A 5+ song that is not appreciated enough.

 

Do you have any non-rock musical inspirations?

 

Zombiefilm and series with apocalyptic themes.

 

What’s a pop song that you’d like to do a cover of?

 

Mission of Burmas – That’s How I Escaped My Certain Fate

 

What band have you played with that has really impressed you with their live show?

 

The Prodigy in the 90’s. Didn’t like it then, but in hindsight it was awesome.

 

Do you have a favorite venue to play at?

 

I really liked Loppen in Christiania, Copenhagen in the 90’s. Not sure if it’s still around.

 

Do you have a pre-show ritual?

 

Wandering nervously back and forth.

 

What is your favorite thing about touring?

 

Shows and record stores.

 

What is your least favorite thing about touring?

 

The waiting is the hardest part.

 

Is there a city that you love to hit while on tour?

 

Barcelona

 

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had on the road?

 

When Tico Torres from Bon Jovi asked us if we needed help loading the Van in Frankfurt. He didn’t mean it though and we all screamed ”Ticoooo Tooooorrrrrres” acting starstruck. Horrible band.


The year is 2010.  Where are you at and what are you listening to? 

 

I had small children and had a long period when I discovered the classics. Oh David Bowie is great and Neil Young. My wife was not impressed.

 

What advice would you give young musicians that are just starting out in the music business?

 

Build locally. You have so many options for getting gigs that you don’t have to arrange yourself. And please use the time wisely/old man

 

What is an absolute band killer?

 

When there are unsolved issues that are treated with silence.

 

Have you ever recorded a song that you really didn’t like, but somebody else in the band really did?

 

Yes, once or twice! The democratic decision is what counts.

 

If you were to start your own music festival what would be the name of that festival and who would be the three headlining bands?

 

My next birthday festival

 

What’s the longest time you’ve gone without bathing?

 

Has to be on tour in the late nineties. Wouldn’t do it again.


What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?

 

I am scared of stuffed animals.

 

Is the Fistful of DOOM show in the top 10 of your favorite music podcasts?

 

Now it is

 

Do unicorns sleep standing up?

 

Yes, they do.

 

Give me three albums that I should listen to immediately, if not sooner.

 

1. Sabu Martinez – Afro Temple

2. Neu – s/t

3. Repulsion - Horrified

 

You’re driving cross-country and you can only listen to one album the whole time.  What album will it be?

 

A movie score I think. Something for a John Carpenter movie.

 

You are writing a book about your life thus far.  What is the title of that book?

 

Vinyl Hoarder (with great taste)

 

What is your favorite song by Taylor Swift?

 

Has to be Shake it Off

 

Van Halen or Aerosmith (if you had to choose)?

 

Van Halen in the past, but now I prefer early Aerosmith

 

Doobies or Boobies (if you had to pick one)?

 

I’m a high school teacher. I have to choose Movies��

 

(Interviewer’s note; would that be movies with doobies or boobies?  🙂

 

Waffles or Pancakes (if you had to pick one)?

 

Waffles!

 

Star Wars or Star Trek (if you had to choose)?

 

Star Wars


Favorite band t-shirt you own?

 

My vintage Judge tee from the 90’s.

 

Favorite meal?

 

Vegetarian

 

Favorite book?

 

Nowadays I never read books:/

 

Favorite movie?

 

A Clockwork Orange

 

Favorite album?

 

Impossible to choose. But Daydream Nation with Sonic Youth is timeless.

 

Favorite video game?

 

NHL 2022

 

Favorite Professional Wrestler?

 

Hacksaw Jim Duggan in the 80’s

 

     Big thanks to Johan for taking the time to answer my queries.  I appreciate you.  Statues’ new album Black Arcs Rising is available for your listening pleasure courtesy of the link so generously provided below.  So click on over and give it a spin!

 

~El Pedo Caliente (aka Uncle Jameson from the Fistful of DOOM show)

 

https://statues.bandcamp.com/album/black-arcs-rising

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