Jonathan Hultén opted to use mattresses for sound insulation while recording an entire album within his walk-in closet, mirroring the solitary creative process of Nick Drake's Pink Moon era.
Rockstar guitarist, Jonathan Hultén, gained recognition as the original shredder from gothic metaller, Tribulation. Post his departure from the band in 2020, it's his individual endeavors that truly showcase his artistic brilliance.
His inaugural album, Chants from Another Place, skillfully combined his fascination with the bleak, folky melodies of Nick Drake with the ethereal harmonies of church choirs, resulting in an enchanting masterpiece. This musical odyssey was so captivating, it persuaded Hultén to walk away from the band he invested 15 years of his life in.
"It was an existential journey, our time on Earth is limited," he reflects. "Deep consideration ought to be given to how we utilize it. I should also mention that Pink Moon by Nick Drake is one of my most adored albums ever crafted. I can scarcely imagine what he was suffering through when he wrote it. Its depth and power left me spellbound. I was also inspired by an artist called Anna Ternheim, who employs a stunning fingerstyle technique to conjure intimately moving songs."
Fast-forward to this year, Hultén is set to release his second solo album, Eyes of the Living Night, which shifts away from its celestial predecessor towards a more electric soundscape. He pairs his beloved Ibanez AEL40 electro-acoustic with an aged Epiphone Sheraton II in Violin Burst for this electrifying journey.
"I've only ever used that Epiphone in the studio," Hultén admits, "before confessing his current studio is more of an abstract DIY concept rather than anything grandiose or formal.
"I record everything in my walk-in closet," Hultén reveals. "I will use mattresses for isolation and strive to keep disturbances for the neighbors to a minimum. As for going electric, I was merely allowing the songs to guide me to see where they lead.
"When you hit upon an idea that resonates, it will instruct you 'I need this to flourish!' You then adhere to the song's journey until its end. I've been using that Epiphone for ages. We've grown quite close. And the Ibanez was my first acoustic but, unfortunately, it's on its last legs."
As a mysterious bard who crafts from a strikingly holistic perspective, where the continuum of profound introspection dictates the melody that follows, the notion of letting go of his cherished acoustic provokes an enormous amount of sorrow.
"I replaced the pickup at one point and the tech declared it would cost as much to buy something new," he sighs. "Yet, that didn't feel right. I wasn't ready, even though the buzzes and crackles can be heard on recordings or when I perform live. It's becoming a compromise, but I'm not quite ready to say goodbye yet."
Eyes of the Living Night is out now via KSCOPE.
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- Jonathan Hultén, known for his work with Tribulation, showcases his artistic brilliance through his solo ventures, including his collection of guitars such as an Ibanez AEL40 electro-acoustic and an Epiphone Sheraton II in Violin Burst for his latest album, Eyes of the Living Night.
- In his DIY studio, Hultén records his music, often using unconventional methods like cushions for sound isolation to minimize disturbances, and varying his guitar selection between two beloved instruments.
- Despite the aging condition of his first acoustic guitar, an Ibanez, Hultén is reluctant to part with it, having grown close to the instrument over time.
- Hultén's heartfelt connection with music and his guitars goes beyond their tangible worth, as he often allows the songs themselves to dictate the style and instruments he uses, making each recording an unique masterpiece.
- With Eyes of the Living Night now available via KSCOPE, fans of Hultén's signature blend of ethereal and electric sounds can appreciate his continued commitment to the world of entertainment and music.
