Respected Danish hard rock singer/songwriter Ronnie Atkins has announced
the upcoming release of his new studio album, “Make It Count” on March 18,
2022. A new single and video, ‘Unsung Heroes’ is out today. Watch the video
HERE: <https://youtu.be/BQov1L-WOKg> https://youtu.be/BQov1L-WOKg
Pre-order/save “Make It Count” on CD/LP/Digital HERE:
<https://orcd.co/atkins> https://orcd.co/atkins
The electrifying melodic hard rock masterpiece “Make It Count” will be
released almost one year to the day after the release of Atkins’ last solo
album, the critically acclaimed “One Shot”.
Rather than hyperbole from the record label, we’ll let Ronnie tell the
story of “Make It Count” in his own words….
“Me and my great team of musicians followed exactly the same procedure as
we did with “One Shot,” since I still feel a bit like I am racing against
time because of my diagnosis. So, I basically sent my songs to Chris [Laney,
producer], who would then work on a demo. When we were satisfied with the
arrangements, I would then record the vocals and then the individual
musicians laid down their tracks. I already had quite a few ideas from when
“One Shot” was released back in March 2021 and continued writing on and off
through the spring and summer of 2021. The album was then recorded between
April and October 2021,” explains Atkins.
“Let me also state that I felt pretty good during the whole process, at
least physically. 🙂 And this time, I had the chance to actually meet with
some of the musicians in-person because the Covid-19 restrictions were not
as tough as they were back in 2020 when we recorded the last album,” adds
Atkins.
As for the music, Ronnie says, “Once again it was quite an easy going
process!! Some of the songs were written on piano and some of them on
guitar. I write the way I write, which means that the melodies and toplines
are the first priority. If I feel I got a good song with the right chord
structure and a strong melody that sticks in my head, then I know I’m on to
something good and from there it can only get better. :-). And that’s when I
send it on to Chris Laney, who then listens to it with a new set of ears and
comes back with his input about the arrangement and additional little bits
and pieces. As said, it is an easy going process since we’re on the same
page and that’s a great way of collaborating. Style wise, it’s basically
just melodic pop/rock songs, so to speak, that we turn into something
suitable for those who followed me all those years. To me, a good song is a
good song and then it’s a matter of how you wrap it up.”
He continues, “Finally, the great thing about doing this is that I don’t
have to argue with anyone whether it’s too pop or too lightweight, etc. I do
what I do, ’cause that’s what I like and I’m my own boss for these solo
albums and therefore, also the only one to take responsibility if it doesn’t
live up to people’s expectations. But, this is what I wanna do at this stage
of my life and I think I’m convinced that “Make It Count“ is a great melodic
rock album and I hope the fans won’t be disappointed.”
As to the lyrical themes on the album, Ronnie says, “The lyrics are always
the hardest part of an album from my perspective!! It’s way easier for me to
write a song than a lyric, to be honest. But of course it varies. Sometimes
you already have the title and the topic when you’re writing the song and at
other times you’re just out of ideas. This time, it was tough at times since
my health issues are somehow in my subconsciousness 24/7. No matter what I
do, I’m being confronted with it everyday one way or the other. So, some of
the songs are touching on this issue of course, can’t help it. That said,
I’m also trying to give it a positive twist, meaning that we just have to
get the best out of life and love the one we’re with while we’re here. It’s
just impossible to write about sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll or whatever
living with a life threatening disease and a dagger hangin’ above your
head!!! Or it is for me, at least! So, bottom line, I guess the lyrical
content on this album is partly about the aforementioned topics, the
climate, and in general, topics that make sense to everyone without being
political.”
Since the start of his rock ‘n roll journey with Pretty Maids, Ronnie
Atkins has consistently gifted fans with quality, melodic rock and “Make It
Count” delivers again in spades.
Lineup:
Ronnie Atkins: Lead and backing vocals
Chris Laney: Rhythm & Lead guitar, keyboards
Sørensen: Drums
Pontus Egberg: Bass
Morten Sandager: Keyboards
Linnéa Vikström Egg: Backing vocals
John Berg: Guitars
Oliver Hartmann: Guitars
Pontus Norgren: Guitars
Anders Ringman: Acoustic guitars
Tracklist:
1. I’ve Hurt Myself (By Hurting You)
2. Unsung Heroes
3. Rising Tide
4. Remain To Remind Me
5. The Tracks We Leave Behind
6. All I Ask Of You
7. Grace
8. Let Love Lead The Way
9. Blood Cries Out
10. Easier To Leave (Than Being Left Behind)
11. Fallen
12. Make It Count
