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Swedish band The Royal Concept will never forget their first-ever show in Manila
The Royal Concept first came to Manila as one of Wanderland 2014 headliners. In a lineup that included indie heavyweights like The Drums, Architecture in Helsinki, Paper Kites and Lucy Rose, the Swedish band’s fun, energetic set proved to be one of the highlights of the music festival.
On Sunday, October 7, the foursome of David Larson, Filip Bekic, Magnus Robert Nilsson and Povel Olsson are performing again in Manila for Mix 3.1 of the Karpos Live series.
The band is expected to play new music as well as all of their big hits, including “On Our Way,” “D-D-Dance,” “World On Fire,” and “Goldrushed” at the big show, where they will be joined by Pinoy rock superstars Urbandub. This one promises to be even louder and more fun than their first show.
GMA News caught up with the band while they’re making their way through Asia on their current tour. Their bassist Nilsson was game to answer our questions. Excerpts:
Where are you now exactly and what can you see outside your window?
Nilsson: We’re in our tour bus on our way to Shanghai where we’re gonna play tonight! Outside the windows there’s some beautiful Chinese nature. Very green!
You were last here in the Philippines for Wanderland in 2014. What are your best memories from that show?
It was like a wonderland! Neon lights, happy beautiful people, great music and good food. Our best memory must be starting the intro to our song “On Our Way” and the place going totally crazy. Will never forget that.
You last released an album in 2015. Any new music you're working on?
We just released a brand new EP a few days ago called “The Wake Up.” That’s a sneak peek of an upcoming album that we’ll be releasing early next year. But this Asia tour has been so great for us and we’re so grateful for all the fans that have come to the shows. So I feel more inspired than ever to go back home and write some more music!
How would you describe how the band has evolved musically since 2014?
We’re learning new things all the time and becoming a better and better band. Musically we’re closer to each other now than before, it took some years to really grow together. Live, we feel more like a unit now, rather than five individual musicians.
What's the best compliment you've ever read or heard about the band?
Fans are so kind and say a lot of overwhelming things, especially in the excitement after a show. But we’ve heard we’re the best live band in the world. That’s wonderful.
What's one thing you always carry with you wherever you are on tour?
A great mood and Jonatan’s backgammon game.
You're coming back to Manila! Anything you're looking forward to seeing or dong this time around?
Manila will be the last stop of this almost month-long Asia tour. So we’re just gonna relax and enjoy the city. Have some great food, meet some cool people and take the day as it comes. No tourist stuff this time. And of course give you guys the best show of the whole tour! — LA, GMA News
The Karpos Live Series Mix 3.1 happens at 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 7, at the Vertis Tent, Quezon City. Tickets at karposlive.com
Paul John Caña is a writer and live music geek. Check out his blog manontheotherside.blogspot.com. Email him at pjcana@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @pauljohncana
