Interview Selected

Discover the fascinating collaboration between Costa Rican vocalist Randall Hammer and Swedish guitarist Stefan Ljungqvist, shaping the distinctive sound of Selected. Delve into their unique blend of death metal and rock 'n' roll in this exclusive interview.

1. Selected, your unique blend of death metal and rock 'n' roll has garnered attention. How did the collaboration between Costa Rican vocalist Randall Hammer and Swedish guitarist Stefan Ljungqvist come about, and what sparked the idea of merging your diverse musical backgrounds?

Our partnership began online. Merging our backgrounds seemed like a natural evolution, realizing the potential of combining the raw energy of Randall with the melodic groove of Swedish death n’ Roll, leading to the unique sound of Selected.
2. Randall, your vocals bring a raw and energetic quality to Selected, drawing from your rich cultural background. How has your Costa Rican heritage influenced your approach to death metal vocals, and how do you balance traditional techniques with innovative elements?

Here in CR the metal scene is huge and very friendly, that definitely influenced my taste in music. I started trying to imitate my icons, but when I realized I couldn’t sound like them, I thought I should just focus on developing my own sound instead, mostly drawing from more groovie genres than death itself.
3. Stefan, your guitar work is influenced by Sweden's death metal scene, and yet it adds a melodic and rugged edge to Selected's sound. How do you navigate between paying homage to the traditional death metal sound and infusing a rock 'n' roll groove into the music?

I strive to honour the roots of Swedish death metal while infusing rock 'n' roll groove. I focus on creating riffs that maintain the genre's intensity but are infused with a rhythmic bounce.
4. The synergy between Randall's vocals and Stefan's guitar creates a sound that's both familiar and refreshing. How do you maintain a balance between the recognizable elements of death metal and the groovier aspects of rock 'n' roll in your music?

We maintain this balance by focusing on the essence of each genre. Our goal is to keep the intensity of death metal while integrating the catchy, rhythmic elements of rock 'n' roll, creating a sound that's both recognizable and fresh.
5. Selected's music is often described as a fresh take on death n' roll. Can you share your thoughts on the evolving landscape of metal, where genres are blending, and how Selected fits into this dynamic musical landscape?

We see Selected as part of a growing trend in metal where genre boundaries are being pushed and blended. Our approach to death n' roll is our contribution to this evolving landscape, offering something both familiar and innovative.
6. Randall, your vocal style resonates with death metal aficionados. How do you approach the storytelling aspect of your lyrics, and what themes or narratives inspire your songwriting?

I approach storytelling in a straightforward manner, avoiding metaphors. This album explores themes of planetary destruction by our own hand, emerging beasts, and man-made machines ruling the world. I draw inspiration from spontaneous ideas that come to mind during the creative process, no matter how crazy they sound.

7. Stefan, as a guitarist, how do you see the role of melody in Selected's music, and how do you balance the heavier, more aggressive elements with the melodic components?

We strive for a synergy where Randall's lyrics drive the narrative, and my music sets the tone. This interplay allows us to maintain the aggressive edge of death metal while embracing the infectious grooves of rock 'n' roll.
8. The combination of a Costa Rican vocalist and a Swedish guitarist adds an intriguing dynamic to Selected. How does this cultural diversity influence your creative process, and do you find that it contributes to the uniqueness of your sound?

Our cultural diversity fuels our creativity. It brings different musical perspectives, enriching our songwriting process and adding depth to our sound.
9. As a band, how do you navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the global nature of the music industry?

We leverage digital platforms to reach global audiences and embrace diverse cultural influences in our music. These challenges are opportunities to expand our reach and connect with fans worldwide.
10. Selected's sound captures the essence of death n' roll. Can you share some insights into your songwriting process and how you go about crafting a track from inception to completion?

Our songs usually start with a riff or melody from Stefan, which inspires my lyrics. We build the track layer by layer, ensuring each element enhances the story and the overall sound.
11. The fusion of rock 'n' roll grooves with death metal aggression is a defining aspect of Selected's style. How do you see this fusion evolving in your future releases, and are there specific directions you'd like to explore within this blend of genres?

We're influenced by a variety of bands, from classic death metal groups like Entombed to rock icons. These influences shape our music, providing a rich tapestry to draw from.
12. Are there any particular bands or artists that have had a significant influence on Selected's music and style?

Bands like Entombed and Motörhead have significantly influenced our music, providing inspiration for blending aggression with groove.

13. Selected has undoubtedly built a dedicated fan base. How do you connect with your audience, and what role does fan feedback play in shaping your musical journey?

Fan interaction is crucial. We actively engage with our audience through social media, with their feedback playing a significant role in shaping our music.
14. What are the most rewarding aspects of being part of the death n' roll scene, and what challenges do you face as a band in this genre?

The most rewarding aspect is the ability to innovate within a genre with deep roots. Challenges include ensuring our music stands out in a genre with many talented artists and staying true to the essence of death n' roll.
15. Looking ahead, what can fans expect from Selected in terms of new releases, tours, or other exciting projects?

Fans can expect new music that pushes our boundaries. We're always working on bringing fresh and invigorating content to our audience. Our 11 track debut album “Steel” will be released by the end of November to start with.
16. As a final question, if you could collaborate with any musician, living or dead, who would it be, and why?

If we could collaborate with any musician, it would undoubtedly be with the members of Entombed. Their pioneering work in creating the death n' roll genre has been a major inspiration for us. 

Selected Death Metal Band (selectedband.com)

https://www.facebook.com/selected.deathnroll/

Selected (@selected.band) • Instagram photos and videos

(32) Selected Death N' Roll - YouTube

Selected - Steel | Selected (bandcamp.com)