Interview : Gustaf Heden
If you read Gustaf’s bio on his Myspace page, you could believe the young Swede, now living in the U.S., had the most incredible and successful career in the past few years as a musician – whether within his old band or as a solo artist. Big ego trip ? Not quite. He did achieve quite a lot and is now on the next phase of his short but prolific career, after spending some time in the studio with producer Nik Leman.
The Little Stalkers : What was the collaboration with Nik Leman like ? Did he bring a new angle to your sound ? What was his approach towards recording ? How did you work together ?
Gustaf : I loved working with Nick, he shared my idea of going beyond the obvious and let me play around with whatever was in the studio. He understood that I want perfect songs but might not strive for perfect delivery, but he'd bring out the cane if I was just plain drunk.
TLS : Your Myspace page describes your music as "bluegrass /shoegaze", it’s a bit too reductive for me. Can you give us more details about your music ?
Gustaf : Pawnshops on Sunset blvd and mutated squirrels in East river park.
TLS : Where do you get your inspiration from ?
Gustaf : Moments of unexpected emotion. Like sitting on the street in the rain busking for a pack of ten Mayfairs and being struck with a sense of superiority, or breaking down by a coke vending machine because you’re out of change and you’ve just had enough, or being so in despair that the serotonine in your brain just finally go berserk and you feel ecstatic ...
TLS : After spending some time in London, why did you move to the States ? Do you think there are more opportunities there for a solo artist/in music in general ?
Gustaf : My decision wasn’t quite so career-oriented. I’d never been here and didn’t have a clue of how it works here. I was definitely inspired by the idea of the states, but in the end I think it was equally much to do with my genuine fatigue with the isolationism of London. It really only takes one step out of Whitechapel to realize a band like The Rakes isn’t quite dominating the world – no matter what the NME tells you.
TLS : What are your plans for the months to come ?
Gustaf : Starting a band in New York, and will spend the spring and summer there. If all goes after plan I’ll be in Edinburgh to record an album with my hero Russel Burn from the Fire Engines in April, and then I suppose keep building on this career thing. Motto for 2009 : try not to set fire to bridges as you tread them. Will book gigs wherever I am as well, the next few weeks will tell where that'll be. Keep an eye on my Myspace or even better my Facebook group, Gustaf Heden & Distracting Noises.
TLS : Who would you like to work with in the future (producers/collaboration with other artists/bands) ?
Gustaf : David Lynch. And Eek-a-mouse.
TLS : You used to be in a band before - why did you chose a solo career ? Is it a question of ego/creativity? Is there a chance to see you as a part of a band someday ?
Gustaf : Definitely ego, and definitely creativity - they're neighbors. At the time neither me or Tim knew how to write a Michelles song anymore, and not sure we even wanted to. In hindsight I think we both benefited from going in whichever directions we needed to. I'm starting a band now and it's gonna be something special, I can guarantee that.
TLS : What is (are) your favorite band(s) at the moment ? What’s the song you listen to the most on your iPod ?
Gustaf : I can't live without The Velvets and the only ones, love Martha Wainwright and Jenny Lewis as well. Although I have to say the heaviest rotation will always be Koka Kola Veins by The Tough Alliance. I once asked our record label to fire us so they could sign them. Again, I don't have much of a business mind.
... And that must be why most of you never heard his name. But we’ve got no doubt that we’ll hear about Gustaf and his Distracting Noises soon. And if it does not happen, he’ll come back with a new project. Big egos never fail.
www.myspace.com/gustafheden
CB.
