Notes From The Other Side

Mattias “IA” Eklundh, vocalist and guitarist for the Swedish trio Freak Kitchen, is a unique guy. In every sense of the word. As a solo artist, his albums are a tour de force of styles, sounds, and tempos. As avant-garde as the day is long. As part of one of the most original bands Sweden has ever produced, he has carved out a musical niche that’s wholly unique. Freak Kitchen sounds like no other band. Now, nearly 15 years (and six albums) on, Freak Kitchen is one of the most anticipated bands to take the ProgPowerUSA stage. I called IA at his home in the “Swedish woods.” I hadn’t a clue what I was getting myself into with this interview…

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It might not take an entire village to make America’s Premier Metal Fest the world-wide success that it is, but it does take the efforts of a team of hard-working, dedicated, and passionate backstage crew members.

I put six questions (via e-mail) to the behind-the-scenes people who make it all happen. What follows are the answers I received from one of those people.

Say hello to another of Glenn’s finest.

BM: What is your name?

RW: Ralf Walter

BM: Describe what it is you do at ProgPowerUSA.

RW: Wherever help is needed. Vending, signings, drum tech, banners, etc. I’m (happily) a bitch of all trades.

BM: How many PPUSA festivals have you worked?

RW: 2.5

BM: How did you get the gig with PPUSA?

RW: I was asked to come back to help out with banners one year, and that weekend it led to helping with the gear and tearing down and it must have had a positive impact.

BM: What is the funniest/strangest/best thing that ever happened to you while working at PPUSA?

RW: The anal-raping I got from the crew my first year. It hurt so bad, yet it felt good. Took months to recover.

BM: Why is ProgPowerUSA such a success year after year?

RW: Because of strong leadership and crew that knows their shit!

BM: Thanks Ralf!