HavThere is currently a wave on bands who are releasing eighties sounding albums, and the latest are Sweden’s Grand Design.  If you like Def Leppard then this is one band you certainly don’t want to let pass you by, as they have managed to create an album of Def Leppard sounding songs, with a production to match Mutt Lange’s, but still having an indentity all of their own. With debut album ‘Time Elevation’ just released, Ant Heeks got in touch with main man Pelle Saether to find out more.

Can you give us a history of how Grand Design came together, and who is in the band?

“Well, Grand Design was, from the very beginning, really just something in my head - haunting me, haha! For a long time I’d wanted to do a production with songs in the style of the 80s and the ultimate production of the 80s sound. I started writing songs in 2005 - just acoustic guitar and me singing...waking up the neighbourhood, haha!. In early 2006 I asked a drummer friend to play some drums to my tracks that were recorded during free slots in my studio. For the guitar sound I used a Rockman I “borrowed” from my sister’s boyfriend. Next task was to find a guitar player that would like the idea of not playing metal but rock – and playing it on that Rockman - with a lot of chorus and delay. It wasn’t easy, but I found a soul mate in Peter Ledin who was eager from the first day - and during the summer of 2006 we worked our way through each song, and did one helluva job I think. I had studied Mutt Lange’s work in detail so I knew how he got the sound and how he was thinking and producing during the era of ‘Pyromania’ and ‘Hysteria’, so it was easier then I had first thought, but still a challenge. Next up was the bass and the choirs, then the extra guitars and solos – all this during 2007 running right through to spring this year, 2009. Now, here we are!“The members are myself, Pelle Saether on vocals, Anders Modd on bass, Peter Ledin on rhythm and lead guitars, Dennis Vestman on rhythm guitar and Richard Holmgren on Big fuckin’ drums, ha ha!”

What inspired the name Grand Design?

“A friend of mine, Jan Stark, came up with the name and we liked it instantly. It kinda sums up the whole idea - a big production with a big sound and nice songs = A Grand Design!”

Are there any other bands that influence you?

“Yes: TNT, Boston, Europe, Foreigner, Kansas, and that’s just to name a few!” 

Who writes the songs, one or two of you or is it a more democratic approach?

“Just me. I wrote it all... As I said, I had a vision as far back as, well, as long as I can remember really. I wanted to see if it would work out, and it came out pretty nice I think? Of course, the guys have their opinions and some stuff did change during the recording, but still I’m president – a rock n roll tyrant, ha ha!”

What inspires the lyrics?

“I think that was one of the toughest areas actually! The lyrics were really tough to do. It took me almost a month to do all the lyrics for the 10 songs and the inspiration is from all around – situations in life, memories from other decades and so on. I wanted the lyrics not to be too political but fucking rocking – still with a deeper meaning but not so deep.. You know, you can sing ‘Rock On’ or whatever, for a whole song but if there is some stuff before in the bridge or in the verses that adds more to it, then I think it adds a little more depth.” 

The album will be released on Metal Heaven on October 26th.  What attracted you to this label and where will the album be available globally?

“Well, right after the two songs on myspace had been out for 2 weeks or so and we’d had 5 different offers from different labels. It was a difficult choice but I had been working with Georg and Metal Heaven for some years on the production side and Georg convinced me that we are to be top priority – at least around the end of October – so, in the end it came down to dedication. Georg is very devoted and I like that. I hope fans will be able to get our album without any problems. We’re gonna put out banners on our myspace site with links were they can order the album and also do some give aways and competitions too – all on our site, www.myspace.com/granddesigner.” 

Does the title ‘Time Elevation’ refer to fact you have released an album of Eighties style music in 2009?

“You’re spot on! That was the idea behind the title right from the start.. Like a journey from past to present but in a big rock style, haha! The title was given to us by Jan Stark, the same guy that came up with the name of the band – he’s a genius and a great guitar player. He’s one of the guests on the album actually and we only have two. He does the solo on sixth song ‘No Time For Love’ and on the second song, ‘“Slugged Out’, it’s Tommy Dennander doing the intro and main guitar solo.”

Will you be touring to promote the album and will you be coming to the UK?  And will you be able to re-create the multi-part harmonies on stage?

“We are working hard to get out and play in 2010 but, it all depends on how well the album does. We are looking for booking agencies all over Europe and in the States – lets see what happens. As to the multi-part harmonies, well, to be honest – on the album it’s sometimes 96 channels of choirs going on – so we will probably use backing tracks, I think. We will use digi-drums with the same sound as the album and Line 6 Pods with the same sound as the album. Ultimately, we really want it to sound like the album, but maybe a little rough? Let’s see what happens!”

Obviously your album sounds very like Def Leppard, but I think it’s great because it’s in the style that Def Leppard do not seem to want to do any more.  Have you had any criticism for not having your own identity and how do you deal with any such criticism?

“So far it’s been only thumbs up all round, so we’ll have to see! Like you said, we sometimes sound more Leppard then Leppard themselves are doing today, but rockers we’ve spoken to don’t seem to mind. They like the songs and they like the sound and we’re happy with that. I’m sure some guys are gonna hate us for that, but what the hell. I just say shut up and rock it!”

How much do you attribute the contribution of MySpace to your fan base?

“Oh, a lot!! Myspace is the place to be nowadays. If you have a good product, it’s up to you to promote yourself until your fingers bleed. We add like crazy and make people discover the band and I think that’s essential today. We probably have to work even harder after the release, but, we’re not stupid! There’s a helluva lot of good bands out there and a lot of rockers out there – we just need them to find out who the hell are “Grand Design-ers”. Once they find us I hope they like what they hear!” 

Are there any songs left over from the writing sessions, and if so are they in a similar vein?

“Actually, no, there are no leftovers. We had 9 songs right from the beginning and I wrote one more during the process; and 10 is more than just “one song more than 9” if you get what I mean, haha! It was just complete, there was no need for more!” 

There have been many bands recently who have released albums of 80s sounding rock music - for example H.E.A.T, Outloud and Steel Panther.  Can you explain what was so special about the era that is inspiring a whole new generation of bands to re-create this style?

“Personally, I think it’s the combination of good melodies, big “larger than life” productions and great looking/cool dressed fans that made the 80s and people seem to want some of that again now. All this was extreme in those days – but today it’s just god damn cool again! And the guys who were there rocking in the 80s have kids now that think this kind of rock is so cool too, so they want some of the action.”

Who are you listening to at the moment?

“Me? Honestly, I’ve got so little time to listen to other bands these days. I produce a lot of bands in my studio – Studio Underground in Sweden – and I’m really, really busy which is a blessing, but occasionally my girlfriend forces me to listen to bands like H.E.A.T. and The Poodles and that’s cool. Peter, one of our guitarists, told me recently about Out Loud – that’s pretty cool, I must say!” 

Are you all involved in music full time or do you have other commitments?

“Me personally, yes, I’m working full time with music in my studio and in the evenings with Grand Design but the other guys have jobs on the side. Hopefully, one day we can live on rocking the globe, who knows?” 

Have you any message for the Fireworks readers?

“To all you rockers out there – kick-start your 80’s rock heart, get dressed up 80’s crazy and Lets Get R80kked! Let it out and get all your neighbours doing it as well!”