What is your name and role within the band?
Pontus Hjelm, songwriter, producer, singer, guitarist.
How did you start?
Me and Jimmie Strimell founded the band in 2007 with only one rule in mind; ”Let there be no rules at all”.
We wanted to truly write and perform music we loved. No matter if it was metal, pop, fast, ballad, or whatever.
We’ve always considered a good song to be a good song. Period. That was the vision we had in mind for Dead by April.
Where are you based?
In Gothenburg, Sweden.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
It’s everything from sitting on the tram on my way to the gym when all of sudden a melody is born in my head and I immediately have to record it to my phone in order to work on it later, to actively entering the studio to start working on something from scratch. Also, I think a lot when I write. Like, entrepreneurial-thinking, and I take good time and try not rush things. It’s really important that the song is telling me what to do. Not the other way around.
What are you working on right now?
We’re working on booking tours and shows in order to support our latest album ”Worlds Collide”.
What is your gear setup?
Guitar: Strandberg, Boden 8-string, V-fret.
Amps: Axe-FX II, Positive Grid.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
I very much like to cook. Cooking all kinds off food from various cultures is like therapy to me. And in a way it’s also very creative.
Through that perspective I guess you could say it’s affecting my songwriting. But probably on a more sub-consious level.
How would you describe your music genre?
Pop/metal.
Do you know any music theory?
Well, some very fundamental theory. But close to none.
What are your plans for the future?
Continue writing great music with Dead by April, touring the world and meet all our amazing fans!
How did you get into music?
My family was always very musical. Playing different instruments and having a huge CD collection with music from pretty much every culture there is.
Needless to say, as this was how I grew up, I’ve just had it in me as long as I can remember.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I find myself listening to lots of movie soundtracks at the moment
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
- Michael Jackson
- Michael Jackson
- Michael Jackson
- Michael Jackson
- Michael Jackson.
When are you playing next?
May 23 at Liseberg (amusement park) in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Please feel free to include any extra info.
We just recently established contact again with our original (and co-founder) singer mr Jimmie Strimell which is amazing!
