I don’t know where you mind has gone (naughty naughty), but I’m totally serious! First things first though… See this picture of a cool guy lying on his side, wearing stylish clothes and looking effortlessly into the camera? Well, that’s Heidrik and I have a total man-crush on him! He comes from the Faroe Islands (I bet some of you don’t even know where it is! Well, neither did I until about 20min ago) and he makes absolutely amazing music! Oh, and did I say he also sings like an angel? Ok, I’ll stop now, but try to imagine something you’ve actually never heard before… Yeah, seems impossible since in the twenty first century everything’s been done, copied, recycled and spat back out, right? Wrong! Heidrik’s new single is in a genre of its own and I had the chance to have a quick e-doughnuts with him a short while ago… Whilst munching on my Krispy Kreme chocolate extravaganza, I also asked him a few questions (in between all the chewing of course… And people say men can’t multi-task!)… Below is the outcome of our e-chat.
Hey Heidrik, thanks for taking the time to talk to me. Let’s get right to it, shall we… When and how did you decide to become a musician?
I was about fifteen when I just wanted to make my own music. It was after all the puberty process when I got my voice back.
Wow lucky you! Some dudes (like myself) after they hit puberty, they sound like a tone-deaf version of Barry White… And for those who are not familiar with your sound, how would you describe it?
Gosh, that’s the question I never know how to answer. I would say it’s a bit pop but still alternative…Maybe also a bit melancholic… And cinematic?
Are you asking me? I’d say yes to all of the adjectives because I feel positive today! And what does your writing process look like?
My way of writing is always based on themes, like Maria’s Donkey. I was randomly thinking about all the religious animals, like doves, cows, lambs… And then I came to think about Maria’s donkey, and I was like “Hey- why didn’t anyone give it any credit? I mean it carried a big pregnant lady all through the desert and stuff” hehe. Still, the animal donkey is usually considered a joke and people laugh at it. So that’s how that idea came along. But yeah, I usually just hear a good line or something and I base the song on that. That’s an easy way for me to make a song.
Oh I wish I could say it was easy for me to write songs… I don’t even find it easy to clean up after myself, let alone do anything even semi-creative… Anyway, who (apart from me and my messy lifestyle) has influenced you musically the most so far and why?
When I was a teenager Björk was a tremendous influence on me. I guess it’s because she comes from Iceland and it’s so similar to the Faroe Islands that I could relate to her, and also she has this big mystery about her. Kate Bush also has inspired me a great deal. She has always written about subjects that were quite controversial at the time, and she is a pioneer in her own sense when it comes to pop music. However, I listen to a lot of other stuff and get inspired by so many that I can’t really pick one.
What does your daily routine look like?
I’m a person that gets bored really easily and I can’t really sit still. If I’m bored and have nothing to do I get depressed, so I try to keep myself busy all the time. I’m a social soul and I really need to have people around me, to share views and talk about stuff I think about. That’s often when my songs come alive. I talk to my friends about the subjects I think of writing about. Then I have a notepad where I write it all down. But yeah, I would say a normal day for me would not go without doing something creative.
Tell us one very unusual thing about yourself that not many people know.
Hmmm…..well I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to some stuff. I’m very much into history, and especially forbidden archeology. I watch a lot of documentaries and like to wonder about theories about time traveling, space, pyramids and so on. Totally nerdy hehe!
Forbidden archeology? That sounds mysterious and exciting indeed! Oh, speaking of exciting… What’s the most exciting moment in your music career so far and why?
I think it’s the opportunity to work with very talented people and songwriters. I love to write songs with other people. It’s a very personal thing to write songs and to do it with others (and often with people you’ve only just met) it’s such a great journey. You talk about personal things you wouldn’t even tell your closest friends. It’s really beautiful and special.
And let’s jump into the opposite side of the spectrum… What’s the most embarrassing moment in your music career so far then?
Waaay back when I just started to make music I had this concert in this small place in the Faroe Islands. When we started to play I had forgotten all the lyrics and I was just improvising. It was so embarrassing and people where like looking at me “wtf?” hehe I was a teenager and that did’t make it any better. Everything is SO embarrassing when you’re that young.
I’m far from a teenager and i have no shame left. That’s why I’m eating my doughnut and scratching my belly in front of you… And in your spare time when you don’t make music, you…
Make movies, paint, party, hang out.
Sounds very rock’n’roll and artistic!… Let’s talk about Maria’s Donkey which will be your official first single. Why did you choose that song as your debut?
I guess Maria’s Donkey is a good representation of me and my music. It’s cinematic, it’s quirky, it’s pop, it’s dark.
With this kind of style what kind of fan base are you aiming for and what kind of message would you want to send out to them?
Well, I don’t think so much about what sort of fans I want. I would just be grateful if there are people out there who are interested in my music and what I have got to say.
Well, you’ve got a fan in me and there’ll be plenty more out there to follow! So what’s next in store for you after Maria’s Donkey is released?
I’m going to Iceland to record some new songs which I’m really happy about. Can’t wait to get into the studio.
Thank you so much for your time Heidrik! And for those who haven’t heard the new single yet, please do it NOW because you will not regret it!
