Interview with Blaudzun

Singer and Songwriter Blaudzun aka Johannes Sigmond was available for an interview with myFanbase. He told us about his way of making music, his style and what kind of music he likes.

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1. How would you describe your music in one sentence?

A soundtrack for a midnight journey.

2. Was there something like a light bulb moment when you were young, maybe a concert, a certain song or a record that made you dream about a career as a musician?

No not really. I grew up in a musical family. In our house there were lots of instruments. There was lots of singing and making music. As a child I was attracted to that. It felt like magic almost spiritual and it still does. It was a natural thing for me to go in that direction.

3. Are there any artists that might have influenced you some time?

Late works of Van Gogh, I have to watch his paintings at least twice a year. Lots of reading; Saramago, Psalms, Eggers. Musically: Dylan, Bowie, Radiohead and Johnny Cash.

4. How do you develop your songs? What part comes first, music or lyrics?

It depends on the mood or the place I’m in when writing. I always travel with a paper blank book. When words or rhymes come up I put them down right away. If I don’t, I feel like someone else will be able to pick it up from the sky or discover it and use it. It’s odd when you think of it, but I feel it just the same.

When I use a musical instrument often words and melodies come out at the same time. It shapes a song when you work on it in different cities and different atmospheres. I really like to do that. Working out melodies in Barcelona, put some rhyme to it in Bergamo and finish it in the Netherlands where I have my own little studio. Writing on the road is great way to put personality to your song. But it doesn’t mean a good tune can’t come to you while doing your dishes or having a piss.

5. What song is most important to you? Why and how did it develop?

If you mean a Blaudzun song, it’s hard to choose. Favourites are Good Boy and an unreleased one called Street Corner Shouter. I like the sober melody, the simple changing of chords and the disturbing story of it.

6. In what aspects did your music change compared to when you started to make music?

I played in different bands. I really was into making a lot of noise. Although melody was a strong force, the walls of sound became annoying. Big sounds are a danger to songs if you don’t handle them proper. Nowadays I try to stay true to the original idea of a song and the power of human voice. That means knowing when to stop adding. Less is more if you want set free the true character of melody.

7. What has been the best experience so far, as an artist?

It’s the little things. Someone writing a poem during your show and give it to you afterwards. A fan telling you what your music means to her in real life.

8. What can you tell us about your current projects?

Besides touring I’m working on my second full length now. Recording sessions are planned spring and summer 2009. I’m also writing a score for a film documentary about a historic cycling event.

9. And what are you aspiring to in the future, what do you want to achieve?

Really like to make an album that I still will enjoy listening to for the next 20 years. Like a classic one.

10. With whom would you like to go on tour?

Would love to do tour with Emmylou Harris or MGMT.

11. What record would we find in your CD-player right now?

I’m more of an iPod guy and really love to create playlists with oldies and new stuff. Right now Midnight Juggernauts, Soulwax Nite Versions, Ryan Adams, Bob Dylan and Joshua Tillman are on the list.

12. What do you think, as artists, about platforms like MySpace?

It’s a great way to get to know fellow musicians and new artists and to communicate with fans. Last year I was in search of a musician to back up during concerts. Within 2 days I was drinking a beer with a guy I contacted on MySpace. He already did a couple of shows with me.

13. myFanbase is a website that is devoted to American television shows. Do you have a favorite show?

I did enjoy "The Sopranos". "South Park", "The Simpsons" and 90s series "Northern Exposure" are my favorites.

Catherine Bühnsack - myFanbase