Our next member will be recognized by his gazillions of fans world-wide and the 2 he has in Aruba, as our Kompoz King of Kollaborations. With over 360 songs he’s either started or contributed to, Bjorn, (no last name needed, he’s like Madonna or Cher) along with having been sued at least 500 times by Alan™ Jackson’s®© Lawfirm – which he has prevailed in every case but one – settlement terms remain confidential to this day (rumor has it, it was all about a G chord) - continues to be the leader of collaboration here on Kompoz and a model citizen of our little community.

From my first day, Bjorn has been one of the best ‘teachers’ one could ever ask for. Always willing and able to help out fellow Komopzers, can play absolutely anything from METAL (see www.humancometh.com ) to Jazz (see www.facebook.com/alicebjorn )

And he’s quick with a joke or a light up your smoke – Hmmmm, that sounds familiar…. Oh well.

Ladies & Geets, I give you sanger’s Spot Light On Bjorn Pehrson (B1)!!!!

sanger: Has Kompoz made you a better bass/guitar player?

B1: Kompoz has made me an infinitely better bass player, a better guitar player and has boosted my songwriting ability to a level I cannot believe. It has also inspired me to buy a ukulele and an upright bass, both of which I had never played before joining.

sanger: How so?

B1: There are several factors that make me better by being on Kompoz. The first and foremost is of course to hear other players that are so much better, and to learn and steal from them. Much like when I started out and listened to records and radio and tried to figure out what they played. The difference here, of course being that I can actually ask the player.

Secondly, the "nakedness" of recorded tracks makes you hear much more of your mistakes, I used to play a lot in live bands, and there is a lot you can get away with live (especially on bass in a hard rock back - no one hears it anyway), but when recording, you have to do it much more precise.

There is also the element of discussion, not always exactly how to play that riff, but almost like a transfer of a musical "soul" between players. Some Kompozarians have taught me very, very much just by being very experienced musicians, without even discussing specifics like scales or riff. It is an attitude.

sanger: What can you suggest to make Kompoz even better than it is today?

B1: This is a hard one, I find Kompoz already very good and I am probably very biased since I love the place. There could probably be a million "little things" that can be tweaked, but all in all it is already fan-fornicating-youknowwhat. I would like to see more spotlight on Kompozers (old and new) to "present them to the gang", but I guess that is what this is :).

I am not too keen on the Staff Picks and Member Picks sections since people seem to put too great importance in appearing there, but that is just me.

I would like to see more international participation on Kompoz, but that is something that I don't think can be "arranged", it will come in due time.

sanger: Have you had a chance to actually meet any of your fellow Kompozers face-to-face?

B1: I have met several Kompozers face-to-face. (see Stockholm Showdown)

sanger: Really? That’s great! Can you tell us more about that?

B1: It is nothing short of magic when you meet people you have made music with online in real life. What always struck me at every encounter is that even though you may live literally in different worlds, work completely different jobs, dress different, have different color of skin, different religion and food preferences, it is still very very easy to communicate.

I have not had one meeting with a Kompozer where there was an awkward silence or where we ran out of topics to discuss. The most fantastic experience was - of course - the Stockholm Showdown where we not only met, but also jammed, drank, sightseeinged (new verb) and spent a very very magical weekend together.

I encourage all Kompozers to meet other Kompozers any chance they get.

sanger: What do your friends/bandmates/family have to say when you tell them about Kompoz?

B1: Many of them join :), my family thinks it is wonderful that I can still be very active in music without having to be away a lot from home. Musician friends mostly think it is absolutely incredible.

sanger: Other than your own tunes, do you have a favorite Kompoz Komposition?

B1: I have too many to mention, there is just too much good music :). One that is close to my heart is "Sick" by Elizabeth Gray (I am not sure I can take this one? I play on it:)), which not only is a fantastic song, it also developed from only a vocal line and there are some pretty mind-blowing musicians playing on it. However, there is just too much good music on Kompoz to try to single out anything.

sanger: What would you like to say about Kompoz that our members can benefit from?

B1: The exposure to the most talented bunch of musicians on Planet Earth, who are to 99% willing to help and coach you to do anything; better your playing, help finish your songs, explain odd time signatures or how to care for a violin bow. This is all priceless. Not to forget making friends in all corners of the world.

sanger: One final question Bjorn, name two artists you’d like to see for a Kollaboration Kontest?

B1: Now, that is a tall order. I would love to see a kontest based on a drummer (Bonham is out, but there is one or two more good, his son for example :)), perhaps making a song from a drum track. This would allow for a wider interpretation than guitar based kontests, I think.

I would also love to see a kontest based on a vocal track. As for artists, there are just too many to mention. If I can dream; David Bowie, Eddie Van Halen, Niels-Henning Orsted-Pedersen... :)

AND….. Bjorn is one of the founders of KTV!!!! Bjorn and Brannon create and produce this very cool show, featuring our gang of Kompozers! Those who make videos should really reach out to these guys – they are always on the lookout for new stuff!