Introduce yourself…
I'm Christian, but my friends call me Crippe, and I'm one of two guitarists and singers in Bombshell Rocks.
How did the band start?
Out of plain boredom I believe. We come from a typical industrial small town in Sweden where there's not much to do at a young age. At least we thought so at the time.
How did you come up with the name?
At first we named ourselves Bombshell but then we heard there was another band with the same name so we just added Rocks. We thought it sounded cool.
Who would you say are your influences?
In the beginning we were influenced by bands like Swingin Utters, Operation Ivy, Rancid, The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers etc. Pretty much various punkrock from the 70´s to the 90´s. But as years gone by we listen to all kinds of music. A natural step I guess.
What was the Swedish punk scene like in 1996?
Vital and full of energy. Every punk and hardcore show had hundreds of kids on it. It didn't matter if you played in an unknown local band or a more established act. The scene was crazy. I'm glad I was a part of that.
How did you feel it has changed?
First of all I am older. So is most of the people and bands I used to or still do hang out with. We are the oldschool kids on the block now. And also you have to have in mind that punkrock and hardcore had a big upswing not only in the scene but also in the media in the mid 90´s which had a big impact on everything in general.
But I still belive sweden has a good punkrock scene with alot of interesting bands even if it's not as big as it was back then.
Describe the song writing process...
Either someone comes up with an idea and we start jamming around that, or someone has written an almost done song. It's very different from time to time. But usually the music comes first and then the lyrics is written after that.
You first released 'Who's the Real Bastard', tell us about the EP...
It was the first songs ever written by Bombshell Rocks and we released it by ourselves DIY style.
I even belive the social welfare office in our hometown helped us out a little with the budget for that one.
Your first Album was 'Street Art Gallery', tell us about the album...
That is our first born child. We were so happy when we got the news that were going release an album on Burningheart Records that we stayed at our practice place for 10-12 hours a day for over a month writing songs. We even brought lunchboxes and had lunch break at 12 o clock. That is how determined we where to write a kick ass punkrock album. I can still feel the energy from five hungry and pissed off kids in that album even today. I love it.
You guys worked with Mathias from Millencolin on two records, what is it like working with him?
It was great. We learned alot from him as he is a real professional in the studio. He still produces alot of stuff and i have the biggest respect for him both as a musician and as a person. We've toured with Millencolin a few times so we know eachother on another level aswell. He's a great guy.
How do you feel 'Cityrats and Alleycats' differed?
We wrote and recorded that one between tours so I think that's why it sounds a little bit different. I guess all the new experiences from travelling around the world and meeting new people had a big impact on each and everyone. It changed the song writing a bit, but in a natural way. I remember Kerry Martinez from US Bombs introducing me to the music of The Rolling Stones, and Dropkick Murphy's old guitarist Rick Barton buying me my first country record with George Jones when we where in the states. I loved what i heard and that probably changed my way of writing music in a way atleast.
You guys then released 'From Here and On', tell us about the album...
That album costed twice or triple as much to record as the previous records. We had to much time and to much money to spend. Still I am very satisfied with the way it came out. It shows another side of Bombshell Rocks wich i've always known was there. I remember that we were so tired of that whole "streetpunk" thing that we decided to do something completely different from what we had done before. And it also shows the diversity of the songwriting within the band. This was Mårten's last record and you can pretty much hear it in the lyrics. He was in a different place than the rest of us when we wrote that one. This is my favorite record alongside with Streetart Gallery.
You then released 'the Conclusion', tell us about the album...
The Conclusion was our second debut album in a way. Mårten was out and we had decided to go on without him with Richard and myself on vocals. We recorded it in our hometown and we wanted to make a simple punkrock album again. Today I can hear some things I would like to change on that album. I'm definetly not ashamed of it but it is not my best achivement either. Mostly I can't stand the guitar sound. It has it moments though.
What else have you released?
A whole bunch of EP's and 7 inches. And a 10 inch record. A couple of videos also.
You have worked with a pretty good list of record labels, Burning Heart, Epitaph, etc. Is there a favorite?
No, not really. All the labels had a purpose at the time.
Who are some of the bands you have done shows with?
Millencolin, Dropkick Murphy's, Bouncing Souls, Anti-Flag, Blink 182, The Offspring, Blood For Blood, No Fun At All, Raised Fist, US Bombs, 59 Time The Pain etc etc. And the list goes on.
Do you prefer to do shows at large venues or small clubs?
Depends on the show. But usually I like nice clubs. Not to small though. I prefer a good stage with a good sound.
Where have you toured?
All over Europe, USA, Canada and Japan
Is there a favorite band you like to do shows with?
I don't understand if you mean a favorite band i would like to play with that i havn't or if i have a favorite band that i always enjoy playing with?
I'll take a chance on this one. I would love to play with NOFX, beacuse i havn't had the chance yet to this date.
Is there a favorite place you like to do shows at?
No, it totally depends on the show.
Do you see the future of Bombshell Rocks?
No one can look into the future, no matter what they say. The future can change within a heartbeat. Bombshell Rocks is what it is.
How can people contact the band?
Through our website.
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