Although it’s the first time the band is to take the stage in the country, their music has enjoyed admiration, ruling airwaves right from the early 1990s.[break]
The band started out as a group of three wanting to form a “cafe band” in 1987. Loved in Nepal and internationally, MLTR aren’t only Denmark’s leading band but enjoy the position of one of the world’s most sought-after soft rock bands.
Back in 1987 at a high school in Aarhus, Denmark, the now singer and keyboard player Jascha Richter, drummer Kåre Wanscher, and guitarist Mikkel Lentz came together to share among themselves their love of music.
It was only obvious that these youngsters decided to form a band, a little café band.
Later In 1988, Søren Madsen joined in as bassist and thus formed Michael Learns To Rock. That very year, the quartet got them the winning position at an annual Music Contest in Aarhus and then there was no looking back.
With international best sellers like “Sleeping Child,” “Take Me to Your Heart,” “Strange Foreign Beauty,” “Someday,” to name just a few, this internationally acclaimed Danish band boasts a global record sale of 10 million copies since their debut album in 1991.
Although while MLTR were beginning to work at their fifth studio album in 2000, Søren Madsen left the group for a solo career, the remaining trio claims to never fall apart.
The band has till date produced seven studio albums as well as several live and greatest-hits albums. The band has an immense following in Asia and they attribute their success to a clean-living image and singing in English as a second language, and the fact that their lyrics are relatively easy to learn and sing.
Known for their blend of pop music and Scandinavian musical euphony, the band from Denmark are excited about the prospect of adding Nepal into their long list of Asian tours. “We have wanted to come here for quite sometime now,” they share.
The concert will be held in Tundikhel adjoining the northern section of the Shahid Gate area. It looks forward to see above 25,000 fans gathered at the venue and will begin with Nepali artists performing from 12 noon. MLTR will take the stage at 6 pm and will perform for two hours.
The event is put together by ODC Network and their India-based partners, Engage.
Tickets are available for online booking at eSewa and at all eSewa outlets as well as at Bhat Bhateni Supermarket, City Center Mall, New Orleans Restaurant, Adidas Store, and Sherpa Mall. Ticket prices vary: Silver for Rs 500, Gold for Rs 2,500, and Platinum for Rs 4,000, and VVIP Seats for Rs 10,000 each.
The Week caught up with guitarist Mikkel Lentz, drummer Kare Wanscher, and lead vocalist and keyboardist Jascha Richter who revealed that they can’t wait to hit the stage on Saturday, November 19.
For fans, the day should come as a double bonanza: apart from their greatest hits, the trio is planning on playing new songs from their yet to release album. Excerpts:
It’s been three years since your last album in 2008. Why such a long gap?
Mikkel Lentz: We’re perfectionists. (Laughs) On a serious note, it definitely takes time to compose music.
Kare: We as a band always want to get it right. Even back in the ‘90s, we took our time to release our music. “Take Me to Your Heart” took us a whole month to complete. Also, we never set deadlines for ourselves. We plan in a proper way before executing anything. We believe music takes time, and the best comes only after immense work has been put in it.
Tell us what makes your so special?
Jascha: We have our own style, and that’s what sets us apart. This unique identity has been our selling point.
You were a quartet initially and Soren Madsen left. The three of you have stuck together since.
Kare: It’s one less person to argue! It’s been ten years since. Now we’re three and we’re working very fine now. We do have creative differences but it works for us and we have no plans of changing it.
Your music always has a soothing melodious feel to it. Is it a conscious decision?
Jascha: We never decide what our music should sound like. We sit together and work. All of us are an equal part of the result.
You have an immense fan following in Asia. Do you see any specific reason for it?
Kare: We love the Asian audiences as they love us. Although all the countries in Asia are different, there is one common quality among them - they sing along with us, always. It might be due to the Karaoke culture here.
Mikkel: Another factor that makes playing in Asia a great experience is that the audiences enjoy and it shows in their gestures while they sway and sing. It’s heart-whelming to see them get into the feel of our music. Ask any performer and he’ll tell you that audiences enjoying is always a huge encouragement for the artist on stage.
Jascha: About our music being loved here, we think it’s because our songs are very easy to listen to. We do have a classical touch to it.
Any younger-generation artists you admire?
Mikkel: Justin Bieber. (Laughs)
Kare: We haven’t really noticed any particular artist. I sometimes overhear the music my kids play and I have definitely come across some great tracks. I don’t recall any names, though.
Jascha: There is definitely great music coming from the younger generation.
Any memorable events at concerts?
Jascha: We travel intensely, and sometimes during concerts fans tend to get a bit overwhelmed. There was this concert we had in Vietnam where the scene got a bit wild, almost turning into a riot. You know it’s always good to have fans love you and enjoy your show but no one should get hurt.
Your message for your fans in Nepal?
Kare: Come with an open mind when you come on Saturday. We’ll try our best to get you into the feel and make it an event to remember. We would really like you guys to sing along and enjoy yourselves.
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