Pleased To Meet Me: Pulse Park
Pulse Park
Introduce yourself.
Frank: Hi, I´m Frank Hagen, bass player (and sometimes even "melody guitarist“) with Pulse Park and I’m from the very West of Germany
Magnusson: I´m Magnusson. I play guitar and I sing in Pulse Park.
Oliver: I´m Oliver, the drummer of Pulse Park.
Why do you play music?
Frank: For me its one of the most exciting things you can do, especially in the context of a band. I would recommend it to anyone who ever has a chance to pick up an instrument or to sing. You don’t regret it, it accompanies you for a lifetime and provides considerable benefits, ideally also for the listeners.
Magnusson: Because it makes me feel alive. Sometimes it feels like untying a knot that´s been tied around my heart.
Oliver: When I saw the drummer from the German band TRIO on TV for the first time, it was clear: I want to do that too. I like the versatility of the creative process in a band. For me, it's about conveying emotions and the opportunity to express myself. And of course this also includes a visual concept and much more.
What was a major influence on you as an artist/band?
Frank: As an artist: I would say its a nice mix between Lemmy, Justin Chancellor and Jaco Pastorius :-)
As a band: it’s very diverse, we have very different tastes in some cases. So it’s difficult to attribute this to individual influences.
Magnusson: So many great artists and bands. The Cure, Nirvana and Red House Painters to name just three.
Oliver: in this chronological order: The Beatles, Trio and Sonic Youth.
What´s a favourite book or film?
Frank: Book: Mr. Nice, film: Brazil
Magnusson: Favourite book is Huckleberry Finn. Favourite movie is The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
Oliver: Book: Franz Kafka: The Trial, film: The Big Lebowski.
Do you prefer the recording process or playing live?
Frank: Again, these are two completely different worlds, but I wouldn't want to do without either of them. For me, recording is more about creating something new and designing sounds, soundscapes and the whole feel of a song and an album. In contrast, playing live is more about creating the best possible version of a song at the moment
Magnusson: Playing live can feel magical. But the real magic happens when the songs evolve in the studio.
Oliver: I love both. The drum part is normally done quickly. After that, I love to see how the song develops layer by layer. Live I love the power, the interaction of the band and the direct resonance of the audience.
What would be a dream collaboration?
Frank: would love to hear what Daniel Lanois would make of our music. I like his work pretty much.
Magnusson: Kim Wilde.
Oliver: Paul McCartney
What´s your strangest experience while performing live?
Frank: Many years ago I played with my band at the time and had a "special tea" just before we went on stage. During the gig I could only remember the exact structure of the songs in fragments, which was a bit unpleasant.
Magnusson: Bleeding like a wounded dog without realizing it after I cut my fingers on the guitar strings.
Oliver: To see how Magnusson experiences disasters at almost every show (broken strings, bleeding fingers, broken cables).
What are some of your favourite aspects of being a musician in Germany?
Frank: t still is one of the coolest things you could do with your time on this planet as long as you don't have to make a living from it.
Magnusson: There still is a little network of clubs and inspired people supporting independent music. It´s great to be a part of that subculture.
Oliver: There are still a few music enthusiasts. But that's also the case in other countries. We are happy to have built up an international network.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine influenced your creative process?
Frank: Yes, it actually has boosted our creativity and output as well. We met shortly before the first extensive restrictions came into effect and this situation kind of forced us to songwriting and recording.
Magnusson: It forced us to concentrate on recording instead of playing live. We had to get our stuff together…so yes.
Oliver: In the beginning we couldn't play live. In the beginning we couldn't play live. But perhaps that was also good for the development of the band. We were able to go our own way step by step.
If you weren´t creating music in Germany where would you be?
Frank: I'd probably be diving in some caves in Mexico or chilling in the Maldives. But I should at least have a ukulele with me…
Magnusson: Probably nowhere else. We all have full time jobs and other obligations. But our lives would be poorer without doing this passionate thing.
Oliver: I'm not only in Germany, but also in Montréal for part of the year. That wouldn't change without the band. But life would be deprived of a very, very important part.
Any sage advice for young musicians?
Frank: Don't give up, making music is fun even in old age (I think ;-))
Magnusson: Don´t hide your influences…but be pure and original. Steal…but try to find your own voice.
Oliver: Only do things you are really convinced of.