Mike Tramp Interview: White Lion, More to Life Than This and a Lifetime in Rock

Following the release of More to Life Than This, Rockum's Gino Alache speaks with Danish singer, songwriter and former White Lion frontman Mike Tramp about the latest chapter of his solo career while reflecting on the music that made White Lion one of hard rock's most successful bands.

In this exclusive interview, Tramp discusses the making of More to Life Than This, his songwriting, his years with White Lion, life in Australia, the changing music industry and the memories of a career that has taken him from arenas around the world to a new and deeply personal chapter as a solo artist.

Gino Alache: Mike, we know about your first live album, Rock 'N' Roll Alive. Could you tell us more about it? Unfortunately, it has been very difficult to find it here in South America.

Mike Tramp: I'm sorry it's hard for rock fans in South America to get my albums. If anyone has connections or suggestions for a label that would like to distribute my music there, please let me know at trampfans@hotmail.com. I felt it was the right time to release a live album, especially since neither White Lion nor Freak of Nature had ever released one. I think it represents Mike Tramp very well.

Gino Alache: Did you produce the album yourself?

Mike Tramp: Yes, but there wasn't much to produce. The band played a kick-ass set, we recorded it, and then we mixed it.

Gino Alache: More to Life Than This was recorded and mixed by Flemming Rasmussen. How was it working with the man behind Metallica classics such as Master of Puppets and ...And Justice for All?

Mike Tramp: I've known Flemming since long before he worked with Metallica. On More to Life Than This, he simply recorded and mixed the album. He didn't have any musical input whatsoever.

Gino Alache: Your first solo album, Capricorn, showed a much more personal side of you. What inspired that change?

Mike Tramp: Capricorn was actually recorded in 1996 and released in 1997. It only sounded different to people who knew me from White Lion or Freak of Nature. That's always been my natural style when I'm by myself. Going solo gave me the freedom to write much more personal lyrics, and that's what I've chosen to do. Most of my songs are about my own life, whether the experiences are good or bad.

Gino Alache: Do you see Capricorn, Recovering the Wasted Years and More to Life Than This as connected albums?

Mike Tramp: They're not really a trilogy, but they're all Mike Tramp albums. I've definitely progressed from one album to the next, although my personal style remains the same throughout.

Gino Alache: You were born in Denmark, spent many years living in New York City, and now you've made Melbourne, Australia, your home. Why?

Mike Tramp: It's a combination of survival, boredom and wanting to be where my son is growing up.

Gino Alache: We know you're a big football fan, especially Arsenal. Looking ahead to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, do you think the trophy will stay in South America or return to Europe?

Mike Tramp: I don't think it will stay in South America. A few European countries need to play much better football than they did during Euro 2004.

Gino Alache: If you owned your own football club, what would you call it?

Mike Tramp: The Tramp name belongs to rock 'n' roll. My team would be called The Northern Rebels.

Gino Alache: Were you involved with any bands before White Lion and Freak of Nature?

Mike Tramp: Yes. I joined my first band back in 1976 in Denmark, but that's a story for another day.

Gino Alache: White Lion became one of the biggest hard rock bands in the world, selling millions of albums and touring with acts like AC/DC, Aerosmith and Ozzy Osbourne. How would you describe that experience in one sentence?

Mike Tramp: Lucky.

Gino Alache: Which bands would you place among the greatest of all time?

Mike Tramp: Any band that continues to make great music.

Gino Alache: What bothers you most about today's music scene?

Mike Tramp: Too many things. Music has become one hundred percent business, and nothing feels real anymore.

Gino Alache: Would you ever consider recording a song in Spanish?

Mike Tramp: Maybe not a whole album, but I wouldn't be against recording one song. Don't forget, I lived in Madrid for three years.

Gino Alache: What advice would you give to young musicians?

Mike Tramp: My advice probably won't be followed, but don't build your music around Linkin Park, Sum 41 or Blink-182. Go back to the birth of rock 'n' roll and make that your foundation.

Gino Alache: Do you know South America?

Mike Tramp: Of course. I've been to Brazil twice, although I haven't yet visited any other South American countries.

Gino Alache: What do you know about Peru?

Mike Tramp: I couldn't list many things, but I know there are many good things that come from Peru. I also enjoy a lot of your traditional music.

Gino Alache: What would you like to say to your fans in Peru and throughout South America?

Mike Tramp: First of all, I'm very happy to know I have fans there. Thank you all for your support. There is nothing I'd like more than to perform in Peru someday. At this point, it's not me saying no—the invitation simply has to come first. A promoter has to offer me a concert or a tour.

Gino Alache: Thank you very much for your time, Mike.

Mike Tramp: You rock, Gino!