"Mike Tramp & The Rock ‘N’ Roll Circuz", the new album to be released October 5th 2009, promises to be the most profound musical statement by Mike Tramp yet. The album will be first only released in Denmark via Kick music/Sony Music, but also made available via
http://www.targetshop.dk/miketramp/ so that loyal fans around the world can purchase the album Tramp refers as “my best ever, my masterpiece.”
Co-produced with guitar player Søren Andersen, the term “Rock N Roll Circuz” refers to the atmosphere created by Tramp around the band in the studio when recording the album. The album was recorded and mixed in the same studio in Copenhagen.
Having now returned home to Copenhagen, Denmark, the road that Tramp has traveled in his 32 years of rock n roll is uniquely his own. The stories of which can be heard throughout his 5 studio solo albums, his latest no exception.
First rising to stardom over 30 years ago with “Mabel”, Tramp earlier this year re-emerged as a public figure in Denmark via his appearance on the TV show “All Stars”. In October 2009, Tramp will be embarking on his first big tour of Denmark ever and early next year will venture out into the world, step by step.
In this exclusive interview, Tramp reveals all about the new album and about a life of no limits, rules or compromises.
You have a brand new album due on October 5th through Kick Music/Sony Music in Denmark titled “Mike Tramp & The Rock N Roll Circuz”. Can you explain the concept behind the “Rock N Roll Circuz”?
Well it sort of came about during the TV show that I was doing, where from week to week I used a lot of different costumes and outfits. When people were asking what I was all about, I just used to say that this was my rock’n’roll circuz. When later, I prepared to record the album and put it all together, I created an atmosphere around the band that made us visualize this old fallen apart circus. From there we built certain things into the songs and into the album. But it’s still a Mike Tramp album.
Is this album going to primarily be a local release in Denmark?
The album will first be released in Denmark and then bit by bit in other countries. But from day one, I am making the album available on my website and others (www.targetshop.dk), so my diehard-loyal fans around the world can also experience what I call my best album ever, my masterpiece. Copenhagen/Denmark is now my main base and home. I have returned to where I was born and it is the right time in my life to do this. There is so much that has matured here and ready to be harvested. But most of all, I am ready to come back home again.
What can we expect from the new album from a musical point of view? Is it a logical continuation from past solo releases?
Yes it is a continuation from my past solo albums and then it is so much more. An artist hates to admit or say this but even though I am proud of songs that I have written and recorded on my other solo albums I never managed to take the production all the way and obviously I know the reasons why. But this time no stone has been left unturned, no compromises have been made. This album is complete in every way.
Did you record the album entirely in Denmark and did you self produce the album? Generally speaking, how did the recording process for this album compare to past experiences?
The album was all recorded and mixed in the same studio. I am co-producing this album with my friend and guitar player Søren Andersen. I proudly admit than Søren has been a blessing in disguise to this album. He was able to find all the missing things in my music and compliment my songwriting and it has left so completely satisfied with it all.
From a songwriting point of view, particularly with your previous solo releases, you have never shyed away from lyrics that are effectively autobiographical in nature. Has this very personal insight into your life continued into the songs for your new album?
It is the only way I can write and this album is even deeper and more personal than before. But I always hope that in my own confessions and in speaking the truth others will find themselves and find strength, reasons and answers in how to deal with those very personal issues.
Will the 'Rock & Roll Circuz' be taken on the road to promote the album? And if so, where will it go?
Of course. I am starting off with my first big tour of Denmark ever (check my Myspace above for all the tourdates) and early next year I will venture out into the world, step by step. This album can sustain for a long, long time.
Upon your return to Denmark earlier this year, you appeared for a few months on the music reality TV Show "All Stars". What was the reaction of the Danish people to your re-emergence as a public figure, given it's been over 30 years since you first shot to stardom with Mabel?
It was a great chance to show and tell an entire country my life story of 32 years in rock’n’roll. You have to keep in mind that not every one knew who I was. But I I can tell you this much, now they do and it is in a good way. I didn’t sell out, I was able to give them everything I stand for and believe in….
How has Denmark changed from the country you left as a teen over 30 years ago?
Oh it has changed a lot, but at the same time it hasn’t. What I mean is that even though certain things change, the foundation remains the same and that is the heart and soul of a country, with old history. Now you add the modern world of uncontrolled, rebellious youth, riding high on the internet and you have a lot of the same that is in every other country. But I came home and went looking for the good things I remembered and what I love about my country and that is what I stick to.
Through your involvement with "All Stars" did you find it a satisfying and liberating experience pulling together a bunch of people from varying musical and social backgrounds and imparting some of your extensive rock n roll and worldly wisdom to those you led? Is this something you could see yourself being more involved in down the track?
To be very honest, the thing that I loved most about it was not having to be up on stage being the singer, but instead being in front guiding and leading this choir. And yes I would love very much to be working and helping others in the future, as I have much energy and knowledge that I like to pass on.
Over the past decade, you have taken rock n roll, either as a solo artist or with White Lion, to some pretty amazing countries – eg. Colombia, Brazil, Peru, India & Indonesia. What are some of your memorable experiences from these opportunities from a non- musical point of view?
The thing that always comes to mind, when looking back at ones career is being so lucky to have been able to travel around the world numerous times visiting far away countries and meeting interesting people, and all this while playing rock’n’roll. That is truly the best of all. I have never had a vacation in my life, why should I, my life is a vacation. I am so thankful for this opportunity to be able to live life as rock’n’roll musician……
Referring to your appeal in the countries mentioned above, whether it be as a solo artist or with White Lion, what do you think that this is attributed to?
I think it comes down to writing songs that people can relate to. It comes down to being real, honest and dedicated to what you do. One has to realize that lots of people around the world, live with rock music as their guide through life. Some see us artists as more important than their leaders in government or even parents. Some come close to holding rock music higher than their religious beliefs. Yes music is a powerful thing and when we finally go play their countries, it is an awesome experience that you are left with for the rest of your life.
What are your thoughts on music today? Are there any new artists that you're listening to at the moment that you feel could be the future of music, or do you find yourself continually going back to the classics?
Might be the most difficult question of the bunch. To me music doesn’t change, I play what I always have and I don’t see it change. The millions around me that come and go as fast a speeding bullet I never ever get to check out as there are only so much time and one has to chose what to do with it and I choose classic rock. But once in a while something great comes around and everybody will take notice.
Over the last 15 years or so you have built up quite an impressive tattoo collection including a portrait of Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott. What's been the inspiration for your work so far? And with a whole arm bare, are there any plans for new ink on the horizon?
Oh looking back at the first session in the chair and till today. Well maybe I would have done it different, so now I am a bit more careful. I am dying to do my complete right arm. But I am held back by not knowing what I want and what artist should do it. These days great tattoo artist are solid booked up to a year ahead and it’s hard to know where you will be by then. Once I started getting tattoos, I must admit that Phil Lynott was the only thing I really planed ahead for.
Is there any song from throughout your entire career you’ve written that you can honestly say you're most proud of or is the definitive statement of what epitomises Mike Tramp?
People should get ready for “All Of My Life” on the new album, it speaks for itself, and as many describe it as “Classic Tramp”. I am very happy with that. Still songs like “More To Life Than This” and “The Good, The Sad And The Ugly” are big songs in my life.
As someone who has gambled his life and given his heart and soul to rock n roll, what do you feel rock n roll has given back to you in return?
Just as it is hard to describe a song in words, it is also hard to describe what rock’n’roll is or how it makes you feel. But to me, it is my life style, a pair glasses that I view life through, and a pair of boots that take me to where I want to go and a feeling that is a sense of belonging and comfort of knowing who you are. A religion that allows you freedom to follow your heart and do what you want.
A life of no limits, rules or compromises.














