PGH is all about helping artists highlight their most recent projects, so let us all know what your latest project is – and tell us about how it come into the world. What has the initial feedback on it been like?
Malene Markussen (MM): After my band ACELSIA decided to go their separate ways I decided I wanted to do something totally different. I continued down softer paths and into a more electronic style as a solo artist. After listening a lot to Norwegian music I gave this new style a new language. I started to singing in Norwegian. This seemed to be a success and I’m now working on my Norwegian album debut.
The Recording Process: There are so many interesting ways that music projects come into the world these days compared with what artists had to struggle through years ago. Take us on the creative arc of how this project came into being and any wisdom that you learned along the way. Also, what were some of the obstacles or struggles that you encountered when you were working on the project?
MM: After I became a solo artist, I’ve had to do things a bit differently. Instead of working with a band I’m now working more closely with the producer(s). What I’ve learn from that is how important it is choosing a producer who knows you and understands your create visions. Also never underestimate the importance of a good demo.
Are there any particular songs on this project that are special to you or communicate a message that you’d like to share here?
MM: My first Norwegian single “Alt Du Finner” which was released this September I have to say is very important to me. This was the first song I ever wrote in Norwegian and it’s about feeling betrayed, but at the same time be strong enough to move on.
As we all know, the music industry has been devastated for many reasons over the past 10 years, what are your thoughts on these changes and are you finding some of the changes helpful to you with getting more people to hear your music?
MM: I think the good thing is that now you don’t need a major label to make success in music. It’s easy to start your own label and release your own music. At the same time there is so much out there that it’s still hard to break through the “noise” on the internet and get YOUR music heard by a new audience. This makes a good marketing plan and a good knowledge of the industry so much more important for the musicians that wants to really make it.
Along the lines of this discussion, it would be really interesting to get your thoughts on what you think the future of ‘music enjoyment’ will look like in the coming years? How do you personally enjoy and ‘consume’ music? Any trends you’ve noticed with your own habits compared to, say, 10 years ago?
MM: At least in Norway,and I know in a lot of other countries, the CDs and the downloads are dying. Streaming is taking over. The new generation is listening to playlists and singles instead of whole albums. This makes it thus more important to have strong individual songs that hooks peoples interests at once. Because of the huge amount of music it’s easy to just skip through songs. At the same time we can see that for some genres the LP is coming back. So no right answers I think.
We would love to hear what your plans on with your next project – Are you going to a full CD, an EP or just release songs as you finish them? Release them digital only or combine physical with the digital or what?
MM: As I mentioned, I’m working on my debut album which is due to be released April 2016. I released the single “ Alt du finner” as a first album teaser and I’m releasing another single in January 2016 to try to make people interested in debut album. The album will primarily be released digitally, but I’ll have CDs as well to sell as merch.
What are you finding that is working well for your music right now that others may find interesting to hear about?
MM: For me it worked out well changing to Norwegian. It had given me so many more opportunities then I’ve ever gotten through 10 years singing in English. I think singing in your mother tongue makes it more personal and real. People listen more the lyrics. I’ve gotten so much more feedback on the songs it’s self and not just my singing, which is a good thing for me as a songwriter.
Is there a particular musician(s) you’d love to collaborate with – and why?
MM: I love the Norwegian electronic band Røyksopp. They use lots of guest artist on their songs and lately I’ve been dreaming on being asked to sing on one of their songs. That would have been an honor!
Advance apologies: the so-called ‘classic’ questions. What other artists and bands have influenced your music and any particular reason why? Also, push come to shove: “Your Top 5 Albums Of All Time”? (Pop Geeks really are interested in this, trust us!)
MM: What really got me into becoming a real music fan was Evanescence. I loved their genuine, emotional and honest music on the album Fallen. After Evanescence, I discovered Anathema and their album Judgement which really touched me. These were the first bands that inspired me to always be honest in my music and make music that could touch people.
Top 5 albums:
Bendik: No går det over
Anathema: Judgement
Alcest: Souvenirs d’un autre monde
Wye Oak: The knot
The Cranberries: No need to argue
We’re always trying to find new music discover here at PGH – what are some of your favorite music releases of the last few years?
MM: Lots of music from Norwegian Highasakite (lover where do you live, keep that letter safe, heavenly father) Kristian Kristensen: Lyset, Rea Morris with ” grow” and “skin” . The last years I’ve also discovered so much good electronic pop music that I can’t mentioned them all! But check out Røyksopp with “I had this thing” and CLMD with Stockholm Syndrome.
Yes, it would be great if most indie musicians could work on music full-time but the reality rarely the case for most of them. I am always asked by music fans, what are the careers or full-time jobs that the musicians of the music they are listening to do…so ‘what’s your main gig?!’
MM: Outside of music I work as a personal trainer and a group fitness instructor which is also quite fun!
Where can we hear more of your music and any other releases you have?
MM: You can find my latest music on spotify, wimp or wherever you find music. You can also purchase the music on https://malenemarkussen.bandcamp.com/
Or listen to more “unreleased music” on www.soundcloud.com/malenemarkussen
Other links:
