This interview came about in a slightly different way. I sent the interview to another group and had never heard of this group. But I listened to their music and the questions suited No Possession quite well as well so I let the interview be published. May 2021

Little story about the group? Previous records?

-We started in 2009 as "No Possession Blues" and the goal was to become a pure blues band, it didn´t become so. We realized early on that we had a hard time just sticking to the blues. After we won the "Scandinavian blues contest" and released our first album "No possession blues", we started experimenting with other genres that resulted in our second album "Patchwork". There are influences of jazz, rockabilly, soul and rock.

Tell us a little about each member, age, job, family, band in front and band on the side?

-Micko Ylinikka, guitar & vocals. Music teacher, freelance musician.

David Ylinikka, guitar & vocals. Teaching aid coordinator.

Thomas Andersson, drums & background vocals. Supervisor.

Mattias Vestlund, bass and vocals, Supervisor.

I can hear both old 70's hard rock and a little psychedelia? Was it better before?

-Well, at least musically. We love the 60s-70s sound when bands recorded live in the studio, and small mistakes were left on the final product. We have tried to record with that philosophy to keep the live feeling.

No Possession are you happy with the name? How did it come foreward? If the best band name had not been taken, which name would you have chosen then? I mean what is the best band name?

-No Possession Blues was originally a song that is on the first album, and later became the name of the band as well. When we deviated from the blues, we shortened the name to No Possession.

What is the best thing about playing live? Do you miss it right now?

-Meet the audience's energy and have fun on stage. We miss it very much.

Where is the best to play, where is the worst?

-Club stage and festivals are best, worst are empty places in central Sweden.

What is it like to play this kind of music in Sweden today?

-There is a committed audience for this kind of music, and is usually appreciated.

How would you describe your music in three words?

-Raw, straight and honest.

Who is the group/record that got you into playing music yourself?

-Rolling Stones, Exile on Main Street is on the top list.

How do you see on downloads, mp3s and the like?

-It is sad that artists do not get the compensation they should have, but it is good that the music spreads quickly and reaches many more.

How do you think it is to live in Sweden today, politically?

-We are not a political band.

Are there any bands in Sweden today? In your hometown?

-There are many good bands in Sweden.

Do you play anything outside Sweden? If so, where and where has been the best?

-Binz in Germany at the Blue Wave Festival was the best!

Other good bands from abroad?

-There are too many to list.

Your lyrics, what are you influenced by? Who writes the lyrics? Do you help with making songs or is it just someone in the band who makes them?

-Micko usually writes the lyrics and music, then we arrange the songs together, we often come up with new riffs when we jam.

Is there anything you will never write about? Or is there nothing sacred?

-You can write about anything as long as you are responsible for it.

Politics and music, do it always belong together? What is your most political song or do you not care about such "shit"?

-We are not the right band to answer that question.

Best political band/artist?

-Little Steven, Bob Dylan, Rage Against the Machine.

Do you think music can change someone's life, then I mean lyrics etc?

-Absolutely, that's probably why you started playing music.

Your cover is really nice on your new record, who did it. Is it important to have a cover that you understand the type of music you play? What is your favorite cover of all time?…

-The cover is made by Micko's brother Ari Ylinikka. With our cover, we want to get a 70's feeling. We think one of the best covers is Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers.

Is it important to get out physical records? Vinyl or CD or both? Is there a good record store near you?

-It is important for us to have physical records so you have something to hold on to after all the hard work, and to cover expenses. Vinyl record would have been the dream, but it is too expensive to print.

Please tell me something really funny that happened during your career on stage or behind the scenes etc?

-A guest artist got entangled in the guitar band around his neck and refused to stop playing guitar solo, we had to pull the cable to keep him quiet.

How does your audience look like? What type of people comes? Do you miss any types of people?

-We have a fairly wide audience, we usually have a lot of metalheads. People of all ages tend to like rock.

Please rank five favorite records?

-Exile on Main Street – Rolling Stones

Shake Your Money Maker – Black Crowes

My Aim is True – Elvis Costello

Project One - John Chasing Pirates

Born and Raised – John Mayer

Is it boring with interviews?

-No, but it can be difficult to get out what you want to say.

If you could choose five bands from history, dead and alive to have a concert with your band, what are the dream bands then?

-The Rolling Stones, The Dirty Mac, Faces, John Mayer, Johnny Winter.

Is music a good way to get out of frustration and become a kinder person? Are you angrier today than you were younger? Or is it the other way around?

-Yes, music is a good valve but do not know if we are angrier or younger or vice versa.

What is the strangest question you were asked in an interview?

-Are you a good band? What should one answer to that?

What is the question you never get, ask it and answer it?

-Would you like a paid world tour? Answer yes!

Future plans for the band?

-To get out and play live again.

For yourself?

-To get out and play live again, again.

Words of wisdom?

-Damned if you do, damned if you dont.

Anything to add?

-Hope we have spread some musical joy.