Stockholm Rockers, Kerbera, poured forward raw nerve and emotion throughout their latest single release, “Home Is Where I Don’t Belong”, which is sparking conversation and garnering views around the globe. I caught up with Seize and Dave to discuss the reality of touring, treating their fans like family and how Kerbera has grown through it, how your appearance affects your band, social media being a key competent of their success so far and more.
“Home Is Where I Don’t Belong” is a mighty track full of emotion. Tell us about the personal meaning behind the song and what it means to you.
Seike: The song is about the feeling to have built something up and been a huge part of that something, just to get it stolen from you. Robbed of the credit so to say.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
Seike: As the front man you’re always questioned by your surrounding and with a weak appearance you can drag a whole band down. I’ve doubted myself a lot in the past. I’ve asked myself if I was good enough, good looking enough and if I have what it takes. My voice have a lot of personal ID, and I’ve struggled with it in general. To believe in myself as Kerbera’s vocalist has been a huge challenge, but I’ve found faith in my progress and I’m sure I’ve got so much to deliver.
Dave: Touring and such is VERY stressful for both your body and your mind, in the beginning you tend to eat bad and sleep even worse but with time you learn that if you take care of yourself you will perform AND feel better.
If any of our readers have never been to Stockholm, what are some must-see attractions that you recommend to check out?
Seike: Old town. It’s beautiful. There’s so much history to it.
Dave: Even though stockholm is a big city there is a lot of beautiful nature and such, i recommend just going a few minutes out of the actual city and look at the beautiful nature!
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
Seike: Kerbera is a band that would never have the success we’ve had without social media. I believe it might consume people, but when used the right way it’s the most powerful weapon we got to reach far on your own without companies having your back. I’m a social media nerd. I love to be able to reach out to our followers in such a direct and personal way. It gives us the freedom and transparency that makes me love what I to even more.
Dave: Before I joined Kerbera, I didn’t know anything about social media and the impact it has on the world, now (with a lot of help from Seike), I understand how to use it to my own benefit to interact with friends and fans. I think that Seike’s mindset of fans being more of a family than people who just likes your music has made our following really loyal and is one of the biggest reasons for us being where we are today!
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Seike: I want to be an author. Writing on a trilogy since a few years back. Also I love photography! That’s a big passion of mine.
Dave: I love video games! On the side, I am a part the management for a Swedish e-Sports organization called Valhalla Vikings. Through that organization I have learned even more about social media and how to talk and connect to people and potential business partners.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
Seike: I don’t, and that’s a problem. I have ADHD and I’m bipolar. Being on the road fucks with your medication cycle, especially when you travel between time zones. It’s hard but I’m gonna be all emo about it and say it’s also a part of my artistic persona. When I’m under pressure, I perform better. I wanna be destroyed on stage. Exposed and a total mess. Sounds destructive but I find some sort of cure in that. It’s like a meditation. Facing yourself at your worst. Processing it all on stage. God, this sounds so pretentious but I don’t know how to explain it better.
Dave: Sometimes i just call a friend and talk about something else than music/being on tour. Exposing myself to the “real life” makes me happy and makes me think that life can be very different that what it is right now.
Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way on tours that you have been a part of over the years.
Seike: Sleep as much as possible and try not to kill each other. Don’t skip meals! You never know when you’ll have time to eat again.
Dave: Pretty much what Seike said, sleep and food are the most important thing in any work environment, it doesn’t matter if you are working in construction or if you are on tour performing on stage with a band!
Speaking of touring, any current or upcoming tour plans that you can fill us in about?
Seike: Europe and US are both in the risk zone. People all over should be prepared. You never know when the modern freak show will arrive.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Seike: Our fans are family. They are everything to us. Many bands say this but our fan group are a living proof of how close we are. You can ask any of them, and they’ll all reply that to be a part of this is something special. I can’t wait to share this journey together with them and all new people out there who’s about to join in. 2018 was a huge year for us. 2019 will be even better.Dave: I don’t think we can say anything that we haven’t said before, we wouldn’t be where we are without you guys. You made Kerbera what it is. You are a part of us.
