Let me start off with the question about your new album entitled "Solo". As you admit, after ten years of playing with The Hellacopters band and four years with Dundertåget, you finally decided to release your debut CD. Tell me, what was the reason for that? Did you feel tired of playing in a band - you wanted to try something else, something new?

I just needed to record something that is pure Robert Dahlqvist, I’m so tired of rockin’ out, when I see all these bands jumping around with their guitars trying to be something that they are not I just wanna puke. I’m so sick of it.

How would you describe the material contained on this record? Is it far different from your previous recordings or whether it is a continuation of what you've played so far? How do you perceive it?

No.. I wanted to record an album without any influences, just songs that I like. Songs that is straight from my heart.

You seem to be very happy with the final result. Well, you worked on the album for two years. What was your idea to record these songs? I mean, what was your plan - the goal that you wanted to achieve with this album? 

No plan at all, no goal at all, Björn Olsson (producer) and I sat down and wrote songs, a lot of songs, and choose 11 of theme and worked our asses of to make them as good as possible without trying to sound as anything else.

You received your first guitar at the age of ten. You also attended to a music school but you decided to quit after ... a month. How do you recall the beginnings of your musical career? The times when you took your first steps into the world of music? Do you still remember your first recordings?

I just hated practicing and playing guitar in school, that’s why I quit. I quit for 4 years, when i picked up the guitar again I became my own teacher and practiced to my record-collection. I got into Johnny Winter, The Stooges, Kiss, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and so on... My first recordings with a band was in the early 90’s when I hear them today I get happy. Not so good but very cute.

I have a feeling that "Solo" is one of your most personal projects. And it's not just because it's your first solo album, but also because of the emotions that we can find in each of these 11 songs. It seems that a lot has changed in your life over these two years. Tell me, do you feel more mature as an artist? More focused on what you're doing right now?

I’ve had a few really bad years and I guess that’s they the album sounds like it does. I was really, really focused when we recorded the album. The lyrics is very personal and honest.

Without a doubt, music is an important part of your life. We can hear it in every sound of your guitar, in each sung word. You love music, but I wonder if it is actually a fulfilled love. Being an artist requires a lot of sacrifices. Tell me, could you imagine a life without music?

No, I actually can’t.

I wonder, what is the role of emotion in the life of musician? In the life of someone who creates and records his songs? I believe it was Tolstoy who said that "music is the shorthand of emotion". Do you agree with that?

It’s a hard question to answer. For me, after my daughter, my ex girlfriend... music is everything. It helps me when I’m sad, it helps when I’m glad, it helps me when I’m doing my dishes..when I drive my car. Its a part of me and I cant see a life without music. Period.

What are your future plans? Are you going to go on tour to promote the new album?

I’m gonna tour Sweden from January to April, after Sweden I really hope I can tour the rest of Europe.

At the end, please tell me, where do you see yourself in 5 years? Do you sometimes look ahead? Do you think about what is before you or maybe "here and now" is what really matters?

I see myself playing music, taking care of my daughter and being a good father. The most important thing is to be yourself all the time. Trying to do your best and be a loving human being.

Thank you very much for your time. It was a real honor for me. I wish you many further successes. Take care.

Take care.

Journalist: Kamil Mroziński