The Chuck Norris Experiment (CNE) are a Swedish hard rock band formed in 2004. The name is not a tribute to the actor Chuck Norris, but to American blues guitarist Charles "Chuck" Norris. We caught up with guitarist Chuck Daniels to learn more about the band.
Photos by Richard Bloom
HI, I am Chuck Daniels – guitarist in the mighty Chuck Norris Experiment. I´m back in the band now from a break where I tried to escape the Rock. But it was impossible, so I won´t be trying that again. I´ve been in quite a few bands as lead singer and guitarist, but the CNE has always been something special.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW ALBUM OR SINGLE
Our new album is called “20” simply because we have been around for 20 years now. And I know this is a cliché, but this is our absolute best work yet. Experience is a beautiful thing, and our new album is packed with it. We know how to craft killer songs now, and we keep improving.
WHICH SONG WOULD YOU SAY SUMS UP YOUR SOUND THE BEST?
It´s a tricky question because we blend a lot of styles. But it´s always hard rock to its core. Sometimes fast and sometimes a bit slower. I think that “You go boom!” is a good example to describe our typical sound if you consider our whole career. It is simply a one of those songs that will make your feet stomp.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO MUSIC?
I picked up the electric guitar early in my life, thanks to the sheer boredom from growing up in a small swedish town in the middle of nowhere, and the vague promise about
getting more girls as an on-stage guitarist. After a few years with poorly performed covers of bands like Metallica, AC/DC and Black Sabbath, I started to get into heavier stuff. We formed a death metal act called 21 Lucifers and I was the lead “singer” for a few years. Then I moved to Gothenburg via London, met the CNE guys, and here I am. 20 years and a pile of records and tours wiser(?).
WHAT DOES TYPICAL WRITING AND RECORDING DAY LOOK LIKE?
We do a lot of the writing at home and bring it to rehearsal for shaping and special effects. Once we have a bunch of songs, we go into the studio and make them even sharper. We usually record a few more than we need, so only the very best songs make the album.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR BAND NAME/ STAGE NAME?
Every member in The CNE has a Chuck name. They kind of describe our personalities, or our way of being. With a name like Chuck Daniels it´s easy to think that I like Tennessee whiskey. And that might be the case.
WHAT HAS BEEN THAT HARDEST THING ABOUT YOUR MUSIC JOURNEY SO FAR?
It´s always tricky to be in a band. Personal stuff and idiots are always trying to ruin vibes and success. So I’d say that people (fake promotors, labels, “musicians”) have presented me with the biggest hurdles along the way. It is – indeed – a long way to the top if you wanna rock n roll.
WHAT'S BEEN THE EASIEST?
Getting on stage with my Chuck-brothers. It is so easy when you know that we can play any stage – from headlining big festivals to the smallest bar – and always deliver a solid, exciting rock show.
WHAT WOULD YOU DOING IF YOU WEREN'T MAKING MUSIC?
Probably producing or sound engineering. Or just continue with my professional ice-hockey career, but unfortunately, I’m too old for that now.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?
To listen to my heart and ignore when someone tries to tell you what to do. So, my best advice is not to listen to them.
WHAT'S NEXT?
A big release of “20” with PR, live shows and touring. Meanwhile we are always writing new stuff and will be releasing them as soon as we have them recorded.
PLEASE ADD ANY SOCIALS SO WE CAN SHARE
Our main platform is www.chucknorrisexperiment.com where you find our webshop and all the info you need. And links to all our social platforms and Bandcamp as well of course. Thanks for having us, ROCK ON!
Comments