Dear readers, it is with great pleasure that we offer you in this article an interview with a Swedish artist, bassist of Monolord and with a new solo album out. We welcome Mika Häkki.
Hi Mika, nice to have you among our pages, how are you?
“Hi, nice to be here! I’m doing good excited for the release and currently writing more.“
How did your passion for music and bass guitar in particular start?
“Well I started at a very young age with violin and progressed to the electric guitar when I discovered rock and heavy music. Eventually I picked up the bass guitar as most of my musician friends were guitarists. But only when I started performing live music, I discovered how powerful instrument the bass guitar actually was. The feeling of bass vibrations travelling cross the floor and hit your chest is just the best.“
You are the bass player of Monolord, one of the most interesting bands on the modern heavy scene, how did your passion for these sounds come about and what are your sources of inspiration?
“I think the biggest inspiration for this is the fuzzed out sounds and low rumble. It just brings a lot of joy to create that sound and to harness the loud noise on the verge of feedback. But musically of course the inspiration comes from such a wide spectra of artists. Like Black Sabbath, Deftones, Nine Inch Nails and the list goes on and on.“
In parallel you cultivate your solo career, how do the sounds of the two projects differ?
“The solo project lets me go to places that we as a band might not go to. I’m a huge fan of early country music, singer/songwriters and psychedelic music. I can freely experiment in those elements while keeping a certain heavy element within the lyrics.“
The second solo album “Mørker” is due out on April 11, 2025 via Majestic Mountain Records, how would you describe this work?
“After I started working with Kristoffer Ragnstam on the first solo album, I really got more wind to my sails wanting to write more. And to write for a full band. Compared to the first record which was more coming from a singer/songwriter approach, this record has a more detailed view for a band but with a constant lead guitar and vocals pulling the songs forward.“
Some guests are participating in the album, what did they bring to the sound of the album and how did they contribute to the songwriting?
“All the organs and keys are played by the fantastic Klas-Henrik Hörngren, who is just a genius. Watching him play his instrument with such passion and dedication is so inspiring. He has his own band doing more experimental jazz and he’s been touring with huge Swedish artists, so he knows when to take place and when to keep low. And the bassist Krister Selander, whom I’ve had the pleasure of having with me playing the bass on stage as well, has such an amazing groove and tight playing. So in the songs “When You’re Old” and “Time Stood Still” I really wanted to have his groovy bass lines. As both of those songs were recorded live, playing the guitar, bass and drums at the same time, He was the perfect person to do it. And same goes for Kristoffer Ragnstam, who is also the producer. He’s a fantastic drummer for the music I write. He plays with such passion and creativity. I’m honored to have him on my records.”
You released two singles to anticipate the album, do you plan to release any more before the release?
“There will be more to listen to on the release week.“
A beautiful cover artwork characterises the album, who made it and what significance does it have?
“The cover art is by my wife Emma Häkki as it was for the first album as well. It really brings forward the psychedelic aspect of the album and the darkness from within. While keeping the cowboy hat on, haha.“
I have always been impressed by your equipment and the sounds you create, what instrumentation did you use to make the record?
“Most songs start with an acoustic guitar. As I switch to an electric guitar, trying on different sounds and effects, something inspiring always happens in the translation. Making demos in my home studio. It’s also fun to enter the studio with Kristoffer Ragnstam, who has a big collection of cool gear as well. He has a small studio packed with amazing gear that he has collected during a long time. Using his guitar amps like a vintage Hagström.“
Being your solo project, will there be a chance to hear your music live in the near future?
“There will definitely be more live shows soon. I’m right now finishing the writing of the next album. This time I’ll have a backing band for all the songs and it’ll be recorded live to really capture the band feeling. After the recording this spring I’ll be looking into booking more shows both solo and with the band.“
Live performances with Monolord are always enthralling, do you have plans in this regard for 2025?
“Oh, yeah. There are lots of plans all the time. For now we’ll be doing festivals this summer and working on some new material.“
Music is constantly evolving, how do you see today’s scene as far as heavy sounds are concerned?
“I was actually just talking about this with a friend last night. Coming from a Swedish perspective, Sweden is really sensitive to trends when it comes to live music, but the heavy and punk scene has a constant gathering and people who are interested in experiencing music. It gives a lot of hope to know there’s always people who are curious to new music. And as the scene as a whole really works together, supporting each other.“
What advice would you give to young artists approaching music with sounds like yours?
“Be curious! Open your mind to experimenting music in different ways.“
Do you have any other activities or artistic passions outside of music?
“I love drawing and painting when I have the time. I also work sometimes as a bartender at the new venue in Gothenburg called Monument 031. A great place to experience new music, see a lot of live music and meet new people. Come say hi!“
I thank Mika for the interview, wishing him all the best for the release of the new the continuation of his artistic career in his various projects.
“Thank you!!“
Pre-Order his new solo album on Bandcamp: https://mikahakki.bandcamp.com/album/m-rker
