So have you always been a musician or have you had a ‘real’ job?
I worked at the swedish company Ericsson for 2 years, programming computers / databases. Also worked extra as a postman when I lived in Gothenburg.
Are you working on anything interesting at the moment?
My first solo-album, hope to release it during the first half of 2010. The second album with Israeli group Amaseffer, I’m doing the vocals for their trilogy about the Old Testament Also providing vocals & melodies for a Finnish death metal guitarist who’s written a 48 minute piece – a bit like Meshuggah meets David Lynch…I’m also doing backing vocals on two albums this summer.
What are your favorite / worst aspect(s) of your job?
Enjoy: Freedom & being creative.
Hate: The pressure of keeping the voice in shape during tours can be tough sometimes.
If you weren’t doing what you are now, what other job would you be doing?
I’d love to work with animals or kids
If you could travel to any part of the world, where would you go and why?
Galapagos – I’m very fascinated by animals & our nature, not always that fascinated by humans though….
When not working what do you do for entertainment, relax?
Hang with my girlfriend, watch a lot of concerts & movies, play soccer, floorball, go to the gym, snowboard…
If you could choose to have dinner with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Ronnie Dio would be great, I met him 10 years ago and he was very nice. I’m pretty influenced by his stuff with Rainbow.
or David Bowie & the Mael brothers (Sparks) could also get a couple of plates.
You’re from Sweden, so what are your favorite Swedish bands?
Bob Hund, The Hives, Infinite Mass
In the metal genre I very much respect bands like Opeth, Candlemass, Meshuggah and of course Krux (my band) ha ha…
What’s the most memorable part of your career so far?
Too many to mention really…we had some really cool shows in South America with Therion…Japan tour with Yngwie was great …hanging / rehearsing with Cozy Powell is a beautiful memory.
We saw you at Sweden Rock this year, what were your favorite band(s)?
The Tubes
If you want to find out more about Mats Leven then check out
Mats website or
Mats Leven MySpace page