How was the making of Atoms Aligned, Coming Undone?
– The composition process of the album was a difficult one to be honest. Due to a constant struggle with self-doubt and getting stuck in my demos in several ways, it took longer time than usual to make “Atoms Aligned, Coming Undone”. Even after weeding out 3-4 songs from album, I still wasn’t completely sure that it would work, that it would express the right emotions for me at the time. It took the whole recording process and the beginning of the mixing to convince myself that this was worth peoepl’s time, haha… The recording, mixing and mastering processes though, were all absolutely great. The guys I worked with, Benoît Roux at Drudenhaus Studio in the west of France and Jack Shirley at Atomic Sound, just really understood the album, the atmosphere I needed to create and the emotions to be conveyed, making it the perfect match. Even with all the hardships, I’m really proud of this record now and can even listen to it today and be happy! 

Was there an idea you had in mind going into making this record or was there a lot of improvising involved?
– Every album is born out of some inner turmoil that is pressing at the time, which usually dictates how the music will sound. I tend to use music to work thru and process things I otherwise find hard to put into words, meaning it often deals with somber subjects. How each song turns out in the end, is a result of something concrete to say, yet an improvisation-based approach to composition, trying to keep things rather spontaneous, but still working a lot to get the atmospheres right and the emotions across to the listener. On “Atoms Aligned, Coming Undone”, it became clear that this record would not only channel my struggle and severance due to the human form, but also the general struggle found in modern, human society. Art usually reflects very introvert subject for me, but with the state of the world today, it’s hard not to be inspired by it for music, for better and for worse.

When it comes to using your voice, do you need to hear music to sing over it, or do you have a vocal melody that music is written according to?
– There are no real rules for me when creating music. Each album seems to manifest in a different way, even if there obviously are a few habits that seem to reoccur thru the processes. In general, the starting point for me when composing, is the main guitar track. Just playing on my unplugged Fender Jaguar, jamming with myself to find the perfect emotion and structure to each song. As soon as I have a basis I like, I often move on to the voice. Sometimes I have a distinct melody in mind form the beginning, other times I have great fun just improvising over the guitar chords time after time. I really enjoy doing that actually.

When it comes to lyrics, do you sometimes have a subject matter in mind before the music, or do you need music to come up with lyrics as well? Can lyrical subject matter determine the outcome of the music itself?
– As both the music and lyrics are inspired by the same issues and attempt to express the same thing, it can be random what comes first. As I mentioned earlier, I often use music to work thru difficult or existential matters, which means I’m not necessarily a huge fan of talking about these things or putting them into words. Therefore, I suppose the music itself is the most pure form of expression for me, with the lyrics being the second step so to speak. I love writing lyrics though, as I’ve been scribbling down poetry and thoughts since I was a teenager. I often write lyrics while out traveling or at random moments thru my days, keeping a document in my phone, so I can capture those moments when lyrical inspiration transpires. The music is often made first, then the lyrics completed later.

Do you like to leave your lyrics open to interpretation, or are you trying to enlighten the listener on a certain subject matter or concept?
– As all my lyrics are extremely personal and a result of very specific issues from within, they do carry a distinct meaning. Everyone is different however, so I think every person can interpret as they find fitting. I always find it so interesting and humbling when people tell me what different songs meant to them. My main goal with music is to make people feel, be it happy, sad, melancholy, yearning, uplifted, relaxed or anything really.

You have collaborated with artists before. How different of a state of mind or songwriting process is it collaborating with different artist vs your own work?
– It’s always very interesting to decode different peoples work, mixing your own expression in, while still respecting the emotion and impression of the original piece. When you have several individuals with a different starting point and taste, it always makes for a different and sometimes unexpected mix. The most important thing for me, will always remain to do what serves the song I’m working on. I was never too much into leads/solos or stuff like that, but rather tend to focus on the global aspect and what is appropriate in accordance with all the other instruments. I really love to collaborate with others on their work and think it’s a really fun challenge. I always feel grateful when the chance arises to be a part of different projects, especially when they are unlike what I’m usually doing myself. I have a couple of those coming up later this year/next year, which I really can’t wait to share with everyone!

Has working with other artists allowed you to expand on your vocal style and/or allow you to incorporate new things in your own music?
– Absolutely! The best way to expand your horizons, is when you are pushed outside of your comfort zone or forced into other styles than what you practice yourself. I was forced to do that a lot while attending different music schools during my teenage years, letting me explore areas I’m quite sure I wouldn’t have got to on my own. Sometimes you’ll find it isn’t for you, but almost always, it will leave you with something useful for your own expression. Same thing with collaborations; I find it can often open new doors.

What does the future hold in terms of tours or new music?
– We are working on making several shows and tours happen form the end of 2019, into 2020. We’ll definitely be more on the road next year, and in the meantime, I’m working on new material and finishing up several other projects I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of lately. I have a feeling the 4^th album will take some time to realize, but I’m glad to say a few pieces are already made.

Exiting times in other words!

Atoms Aligned, Coming Undone came out in 2018 via Season of Mist!