Interview with MFG Zine (2005-03-31)

First of all, we would like to thank you for taking some time to answer these questions for MFG.

No problem! :)

Could you shortly introduce yourself and your band Canopy for all the people who will be reading this?

Well, my name is Fredrik Huldtgren, and I am the vocalist of Canopy, a deathmetal band from Stockholm, Sweden. On guitar we have Jonatan Hedlin and Eric Björkman. On bass, Daniel Ahlm, and last but not least, on drums Peter Lindqvist.

How would you describe the Metal genre you’re playing? What are your main influences?

Personally I feel that we don't fully fit into one genre. We're not melodic enough to be considered melodic deathmetal, and we're not brutal enough to be brutal-death. We've had people compare us to all from Cannibal Corpse to Opeth.

As for influences, I'd say we're heavily influenced by 'old-school' deathmetal that came out of Sweden in the early nineties, bands like Edge of Sanity, Unanimated and Dismember. Naturally we listen to many other bands, and I would list Nevermore, Amon Amarth, Immortal, Porcupine Tree and Grave as influences, even though we may not sound too much like them.

What bands have you played with until now?

We've giged with a multitude of smaller local bands here in the Stockholm area, and plans are in the making for a few gigs with the swiss band Amok.

“Canopy” is not really a typical name for a Metal band. Could you tell us a bit more about the reasons why you chose this name?

More importantly, Canopy isn't a typical metal band. We didn't want a band name that would be associated with any genre in particular, and after many different suggestions, we came to the conclusion that Canopy would fit us rather nicely.

Will And Perception, your second demo, has been released recently. What is the general concept of this demo (Lyrics, cover...)?

The lyrics and the cover go hand in hand on Will and Perception, as it is a concept album. It tells the story of a man struggling with understanding reality and the insanity that evolves once it has been understood.

Tell us more about the recording process!

We decided to record in two different studios this time. First we went to Modern Art studio, were we recorded drums, bass and guitar. All under the supervision of Kristian Niemann (of Therion fame). We then went to Midtown Studios to record the vocals. We choose this setup because Ola Englund(owner of Midtown Studios and producer of Will and Perception) is a good friend of mine that I feel very comfortable working with him, and we know that the sound would turn out great. The album was mixed and mastered at Midtown Studios and we're very pleased with the sound, it's amazing.

Your first demo, “During Day One”, is fully available for free download on your website (http://www.EnterCanopy.com/). Why did you choose to proceed like this?

We thought that it would be the fastest and best way to get our music out to as many people as possible. Our primary goal is not to make money (we wouldn't be playing deathmetal then), but to create music that we enjoy, and that we think others will enjoy as well. The fact that we put out the entire CD on mp3s to be downloaded didn't really affect the sales anyway. People downloaded the album and when the realized that they liked it, they ordered it. A CD is so much more of an experience than just the music, and paying $8(world incl. Shipping) isn't much when you think about it.

What is the general feedback you got so far concerning your two demos (Will And Perception and During Day One)?

Overall the feedback has been very positive, and we're convinced that once Will and Perception will get great reviews as well.

What about labels? Didn’t you get any proposal yet?

As of yet, we haven't gotten any proposals, but we're hoping with the release of Will and Perception that we will get a deal. There is a natural evolution from the first demo, and I think with the sound we have on it, recording companies will be very interested.

What will Canopy be like in, let’s say, seven years?

Hopefully playing on a stage near you! As all bands, we hope that we will be able to continue recording CDs and one day be able to perform our music our fans. Personally, I think this will happen!

If you were a fish, which one would you be?

I'm not sure, perhaps a herring?

OK, thanks for the interview! I hope that you will have a lot of success with Canopy and that you will continue to release such great stuff like your 2 demos (People, buy them, it’s worth the money!). Stay Metal!

Thank you!

For those interested, mp3s and live videos are available for download at our homepage, http://www.EnterCanopy.com . From there you can also order both During Day One and Will and Perception. At the time of this interview, there are very few copies of During Day One left for sale.
Keep slayin'!