<p>The Danish soft rock band Michael Learns To Rock, popularly known as MLTR, was in the City recently for a concert. Metrolife caught up with the band members for an interview where they spoke about their musical influences and India. <br /><br /> Dressed casually in T-shirts and jeans, they were at ease posing for picture with fans and signing guitars. The band, which has been on the music scene for over 20 years, consists of Jascha Richter (keyboards), Kare Wanscher (drums) and Mikkel (guitar). <br /><br />With an association that spans over two decades, there must be an interesting story behind it too. <br /><br /> “Jascha’s little sister was actually my girlfriend in high school,” says Mikkel smiling. “And Kare and I were in the same class. We were pretty young then, about 19 years old, when we started out,” he says. Talking about their musical influences, the members speak about a variety of artistes ranging from really old to young ones as well. <br /><br /> “We have been influenced by a lot of new albums,” says Jascha. “George Michael inspired us very much,” he says. “ABBA’s album Super Trouper, The Beatles and (pauses) Justin Timberlake in the recent times,” says Mikkel. <br /><br />And who among them writes the lyrics? “The guy who just went to the toilet,” says Mikkel laughing, pointing towards Jascha, who just leaves the table. <br /><br />And with the number of years they have been playing, have the things influencing them changed? “No. I don’t think so,” says Mikkel. “The things we write and sing about have remained very much the same. We concentrate on the relationships between human beings,” says Kare. “We communicate through feelings and emotions,” he says. <br /><br />The band has been quite active on the music scene through tours. <br /> So what do they enjoy more — making music or touring? “We love both because we love to create music. But we also love the interaction with fans which happens during performances,” says Kare. “And we like travelling around,” says Mikkel. <br />Speaking more about the places where they have had good experiences, the members say, “China, Indonesia and also India.” <br /><br />They have come to India twice before. “We recorded an album in Shillong the last time we were here,” says Mikkel. What is it about the country that they find interesting? “It is very spiritual and I like the atmosphere and the people over here,” says Kare. <br /><br />And having performed at many places, what do they find different about the country? “The Indian mentality is very welcoming and you feel quite comfortable,” says Mikkel. <br /><br />“It’s a very cool place to be in,” he says before the band leaves.</p>
<p>The Danish soft rock band Michael Learns To Rock, popularly known as MLTR, was in the City recently for a concert. Metrolife caught up with the band members for an interview where they spoke about their musical influences and India. <br /><br /> Dressed casually in T-shirts and jeans, they were at ease posing for picture with fans and signing guitars. The band, which has been on the music scene for over 20 years, consists of Jascha Richter (keyboards), Kare Wanscher (drums) and Mikkel (guitar). <br /><br />With an association that spans over two decades, there must be an interesting story behind it too. <br /><br /> “Jascha’s little sister was actually my girlfriend in high school,” says Mikkel smiling. “And Kare and I were in the same class. We were pretty young then, about 19 years old, when we started out,” he says. Talking about their musical influences, the members speak about a variety of artistes ranging from really old to young ones as well. <br /><br /> “We have been influenced by a lot of new albums,” says Jascha. “George Michael inspired us very much,” he says. “ABBA’s album Super Trouper, The Beatles and (pauses) Justin Timberlake in the recent times,” says Mikkel. <br /><br />And who among them writes the lyrics? “The guy who just went to the toilet,” says Mikkel laughing, pointing towards Jascha, who just leaves the table. <br /><br />And with the number of years they have been playing, have the things influencing them changed? “No. I don’t think so,” says Mikkel. “The things we write and sing about have remained very much the same. We concentrate on the relationships between human beings,” says Kare. “We communicate through feelings and emotions,” he says. <br /><br />The band has been quite active on the music scene through tours. <br /> So what do they enjoy more — making music or touring? “We love both because we love to create music. But we also love the interaction with fans which happens during performances,” says Kare. “And we like travelling around,” says Mikkel. <br />Speaking more about the places where they have had good experiences, the members say, “China, Indonesia and also India.” <br /><br />They have come to India twice before. “We recorded an album in Shillong the last time we were here,” says Mikkel. What is it about the country that they find interesting? “It is very spiritual and I like the atmosphere and the people over here,” says Kare. <br /><br />And having performed at many places, what do they find different about the country? “The Indian mentality is very welcoming and you feel quite comfortable,” says Mikkel. <br /><br />“It’s a very cool place to be in,” he says before the band leaves.</p>
