AVATAR
In today’s times, it is a bit difficult to find wise souls who are insanely thoughtful about current day economy, AND are also successful music artists/performers. When Eddy sat down with Johannes Eckerstrom, he was not prepared for the conversation they were about to dive into. In fact, he was so unprepared, he was practically speechless; desiring to give center stage to Johannes’ brilliant mind. So if you’re finding yourself a bit sick of listening to Eddy, tap into this interview, and sit along with Eddy as Johannes explores a variety of important current day issues + the power of music.
For reference (though you likely don’t need it), Johannes Eckerstrom is the lead singer for the band AVATAR; a successful Swedish heavy-metal band, formed back in 2001 in Gothenburg. Receiving recognition and praise from the likes of Loudwire, Revolver, Metal Hammer, Metal Injection, Rock Sound, Alternative Press, New Noise, and many others, they are highly admired for their musical qualities + talents, and storytelling abilities.
Eddy and Johannes dove deep into how there are many artists who are making music reflecting our current state of the world. Pondering whether music will actually have an impact in helping bring about the changes the world needs, Johannes reflects that it he is often in wonderment of this. This brought forth the question of what it means when people speak of music having “power.” We all to some extent have explored the idea, and spoken the words, “Music changed my life.” But what level of influence and power can music truly have on a person, and at that point - the world?
Johannes speaks to how he has often heard, “Your music saved my life,” to which he is quick to adamantly sway credit away from his music, and instead, turn it back to the person speaking.
“If you’re in a mental state where you want to hurt yourself, or end your life, and you don’t do it - then YOU’RE the strong one.”
Going further, Johannes makes valuable points on how it is people who make any and all changes - by choosing to take action, or help others, or be proactive on a subject. And while music is a strong force to help inspire, uplift, or encourage a way of thinking, it is truly people who have the power in their hands.
For further demonstration, the 60’s and Vietnam War came up as a topic. Of course we can all recall a number of famous songs and artists from that era; there was so much music available against the war. Exemplifying his thoughtful and wise way of thinking, Johannes argues that there must’ve equally been plenty of “patriotic” music supporting the war; we are only in constant remembrance of the anti-war art because in hindsight, those artists were right. Point being that it wasn’t so much that the music was the main successor in ending the war, but instead, music’s role was reflecting what was happening at that time.
Finalizing his point, Johannes explains that music is simply the soundtrack of what is currently going on. It’s reflective of our times, and the various times before us. If anything, it helps us resonate with how we are feeling collectively about current day events.
Blown away by the depth, wisdom, and thoughtfulness of Johannes, Eddy remained astonished by the conversation’s direction, and insanely honored to have spoken with such a “woke” soul.
The main goal Johannes has for their latest album, Hunter Gatherer, is to remind fans (and all who will listen) that many, many things in this world need solving - and the responsibility of this change lies directly in each of our hands.
If you’re ready for an eye-opening awakening, do not hesitate or put off listening to this podcast episode any further.
