MLTR on what it means to stay relevant these days

SINGAPORE — Even after more than a quarter of a century in the music business, Michael Learns To Rock — or MLTR, as they are known as these days — is still making their presence felt in Asia.

The Danish trio, which last performed in Singapore about one-and-a-half years ago, will be serenading a sold-out audience of 5,000 at The Star Performing Arts Centre tomorrow (July 24), as part of their new concert tour which celebrates their 25th anniversary.

Speaking at a press conference at Grand Park Orchard Hotel, the band, which is made up of lead singer Jascha Richter, drummer Kare Wanscher and guitarist Mikkel Lentz, discussed what it means to stay relevant in the industry.

“The secret is all the work we did 20 years ago,” said Lentz. “I saw Paul McCartney two weeks ago - I went to hear his back catalogue. He has so many wonderful songs. And I think we have the same. We are very aware that people really come (to our concerts) to sing along to 25 Minutes, Paint My Love, The Actor and Sleeping Child, so we always include these songs. They are a very big part of us. I think that is 80 per cent of the relevance. But we still try to make new songs and try to develop as a band. It’s a combination of these two factors.”

But the real reason why MLTR is still selling out shows today, is simply because their fans can’t get enough of their good old classics. “My favourite song of ours is The Actor,” Richter confessed. “It’s a very special composition, and I am proud of this song. It was the first hit song we had as a band. The song meant a lot for us at home, opened a lot of doors.

“This song is probably the reason why we are sitting here today.”