TsarKastic - The Chronicles Pt 1

Introducing TsarKastic, an artist who encompasses both musical mastery and lyrical artistry. With a versatile skill set that includes creating, crafting, and playing multiple instruments, as well as experimenting with vocals, TsarKastic's passion for music knows no bounds.

While having been part of various bands throughout the years, this talented artist has recently embarked on a solo journey driven by a unique artistic vision. Previously, The Obsidian Blue project showcased the release of four albums, serving as a stepping stone towards TsarKastic's current musical evolution.

TsarKastic ushered in 2024 with a new EP, titled "The Chronicles Pt 1". It is an exploration of past works, presenting reimagined versions of familiar tunes alongside exciting new tracks. It's intriguing to note how some older compositions hint at the artist's future direction, incorporating a distinctive expression that sets TsarKastic apart.

With an unpredictable journey ahead, TsarKastic invites you to join in and experience the ride together. Take a moment to delve into the fascinating Q&A with this promising artist and immerse yourself in their captivating musical world.

Can you tell us about your musical background and how you got started as an artist?

My musical background started when I was 10 years old, actually it started when I was 8 and my sister bought me to the movies watching The Sound of Music. I fell in love with the movie and with music at that moment, I believe that I listened to music in a totally different way after that because I started to see images whenever I closed my eyes and listened. But anyway, at the age of 10 my parents gave me a guitar and within the first year I had written my first song. A couple of years later I was at a friends house and found a piano, so I started to play around with that as well.

My musical background started when I was 10 years old, actually it started when I was 8 and my sister bought me to the movies watching The Sound of Music. I fell in love with the movie and with music at that moment, I believe that I listened to music in a totally different way after that because I started to see images whenever I closed my eyes and listened. But anyway, at the age of 10 my parents gave me a guitar and within the first year I had written my first song. A couple of years later I was at a friends house and found a piano, so I started to play around with that as well.

This friend of mine was 3 years older so when I was 13 he asked if we could play together with some other guys in a band, I thought that would be great so we did. I became the vocalist and in the beginning the second guitarist.

Anyway over the years we had different members, but eventually at the age of 13 I toured with a band on small venues in Sweden with my proud parents full support.

When I was 15 we played at the first bigger venue, it was a place that was common in Sweden called "Folkets Park" or the peoples park in english. There was an audience of a bout 2000 people, and I was nervous as f-ck. But after that gig, I realised that going on stage could only go in one of two directions so why bother being nervous, just do it.

After this we played over a bigger part of middle Sweden, and eventually we had an offer to come to two important venues in Stockholm, people said if you're going to one of them you might be a coming star, and we were invited to both of them. But as usual, me and my brother, who is a really gifted drummer, started arguing again and the band fell together.

May I ask how you arrived at your artist’s name? Give us the scoop.

The name is kind of a joke. My grand dad on my mothers side believed that we had our roots in St: Petersburg from the end of the 18th century

Well I take that with a truck load of salt. So the Name Tsarkastic was my first hint of true disbelief and I used it as my first twitter tag.

How would you describe your unique style and sound as an artist?

Style and sound? Well to be honest, I have great difficulties with genres, I really don't understand them. When I make a new song I just follow the road ahead and do what the song leads me to. So I don't really know if you're asking me about genre.

But the style I want is the one rooted in the 70s when I grew up and the sound I want to get is that pure and natural sound, unlike some of the guys I've been playing with the later years. Thats why I went on my own, only hoping that more would join, I have some people that I hope will be in on this now and then. But I guess this will be a fluid gathering of musicians.

"The Chronicles Pt 1" is your most recent EP. How does this album differ from your previous works?

In The Chronicles I feel that I've reached closer to the sound that I want, there will always be improvements I hope. And the songs will probably always find their own way to conclusion. I believe it depends partly on the lyrics.

What inspired you to create the song "Walk Down the Border" and what story does it tell?

Well Walk Down the Border is a song of opposition. I believe that I've always had trouble with authorities and believe me, in Sweden we've had a lot of stupidity happening on the highest levels. I can say that I'm definitely not a fan of socialism in any form. So I hope that the song conveys a message of resistance, skepticism towards authority, a call for change. The repeated call to walk down the border I see as a call to break free from societal constraints and challenge established norms.

What challenges did you face while creating this particular album and how did you overcome them?

The greatest challange making any song is how to get the sound right and the only way to get past it was through trial and error, besides my equipment is getting old so the computer crashes frequently. But you know, we never give up.

What do you hope listeners take away from your music and the overall experience of your album?

I hope they can see that I feel there is always a way out in any situation, there will always be love somewhere waiting for you. Maybe not in a person, but as long as we believe in love and take care of each other and the world we're living in, we are always going to end up where we are meant to be. In love!

What is the best song you ever released and why?

Why! is the best song I've never released. I wrote it together with a good friend of mine a long time ago. He was much older than me and had been out touring with a couple of famous Swedish artists, because this guy could really play the piano, I mean really play. I loved listening to him playing classical music.

Anyway, during one of these tours his girlfriend found out that he'd been cheating on her so she left him. So sitting there with that fantastic music that he'd been writing on this occasion he suddenly revealed that even though he missed her and he really believed that he did love her, he loved music even more. I had no problem agreeing with that at that time, but since I've got my kids I found love that is impossible to cast aside.

But to that music I wrote one of my best lyrics ever, I think. But I think that recording it will be an insurmountable quest, I'm still thinking about it though, maybe there is a way. Can't ask him for help as he is no where to be found these days.

What song do fans seem to favor?

The most popular song on The Chronicles is a bit of surprise to me as it is Cross-Tie Walker.

But if we include the first album, Being, there's a song there called It's Been a Long Hard Road.

That too is a surprise to me, I didn't get the feeling that those would be the most popular, that people should like them I hoped ... but not the most popular. But they are all released quite recently so that migh change, you never know. Do you?

Do you, or would you like to, perform live?

I haven't performed in many years. But if I ever got a band together again, a band that I felt secure with in the background, that could be an outcome, definitely.

What song, any song, do you think would be fun to perform live?

That was a tough question. Probably a song that I can feel the audience love. I really don't know to be honest, but I guess that it would be one of the faster. Maybe not from any of these first releases, maybe from a coming, I don't know?

Which aspect of being an artist brings you the most satisfaction?

What brings me the most satisfaction? That's another tough question. I really loved to stand in front of an audience feeling their response to what as a band we're trying to convey is great.

On the other hand when you've come up with something that feels fresh and good, with a message or a really good lyric mixed in with good music. That is also good.

Share a funny moment or positive experience that has happened during your music career.

That was when, with an old band, we got together to play only for fun, all the songs that we used to play. And one day in the local newspaper a journalist had discovered this writing about it and a local venue contacted us asking us for a gig.

And then playing on the gig, noticing that the place was overcrowded and people were hugging, laughing, cheering, overjoyed about the fact that they could hear us once again. And Afterwards in the bar talking, laughing, remembering with all these people, that is also why I would go on stage again, with the right band.

(Wow, that's quite a strong memory, sorry I got a bit emotional there.)

What is your favorite/best outlet to connect with your followers Instagram, Spotify, FB, Twitter, iTunes? How would you want them to follow?

The question should have been where would people who like what I'm doing like to connect with me. That is where i will try to be.

I've been trying to set up a Patreon page, but I'm always distracted by music so Its been hard. I might get a www adress, but FB, Instagram or Twitter works alright with me.

Are you currently working on any projects we should look out for?

Yes, I am working on new projects, there is always something new popping into my head. The only thing that keeps me from doing that is my daughters, some time with my friends at the bar and The Expense. 😊

Is there something you would like to say that I didn't cover?

I think you've touched all the subjects that might interest people, at the moment I can't think of anything that comes to mind.