Interview: David Åhlen (Namur/Father of Levi)
Just last week Namur mainman David Åhlen announced that he was retiring the name and continuing on under the alias Father of Levi. But why start over after just releasing one of the year's best records. Inquiring minds want to know!
Why lay the name Namur to rest? What inspired the change and how will Father of Levi differ from what you've done before?
I've been doing Namur for nine years now, so I thought a new name would inspire me in my future creative process... I've started to record some new stuff in my studio and it's too early to tell the differences, but Father of Levi is probably more acoustic.
What does the name "Father of Levi" signify?
That's who I am now; father of two kids (one named Levi) and it's totally a new era. Life is tough, I live in a surburb, trying to find extra jobs to feed my family... Things have changed, so I guess that as well is a reason why I change my name.
So "Father of Levi" isn't any sort of biblical reference then? That was my first thought upon seeing it. Does it concern you that it may be interpreted as such?
Well, Levi is a biblical name. If someone interpretes it in that way it's ok for me.
How does your new label Thehourislate factor in with this? Did the act of releasing your own music help create the impetus for more change? What made you go DIY in the first place?
I believe the DIY way brings me more freedom and control... And yes, having my own label gives me new ideas and visions for future projects...
Religious and spiritual imagery seem to be prevalent themes in your music - would you consider yourself to be a Christian artist? How important is religion in your life and how important is it to your public identity?
I believe all music is spiritual and when I listen to Arvo Pärt, Woven Hand or Sigur Rós I can sence spirituality in a special way. As the son of a Baptist minister, I grew up with hymns and spiritual songs. I was tought to sing for a higher purpose. Several times as a kid I experienced a whole congregation singing in tongues (it may sound wierd) but it was really beautiful. Music is truly a transcendental language. With this background it's natural for me to create music and lyrics with inspiration from the Bible and the church-music tradition. I would say I'm a Christian and an artist but not a Christian artist.
Has the new role of label manager changed the way you look at/listen to music? What kind of artists are you looking to work with? What kind of expectations do you have for thehourislate?
I cannot really identify myself as a label manager or a&r... My way of listening to music hasn't changed since I started my label... My plan from the start was to release other artists as well, but if I go on with thehourislate in the future it'll be a label for my own projects only. The artists I "signed" to my label; Isaac since 1980
and Oplen will now be found on a new label called Depth and Construction that I started with my friend Isaac Nyberg. It's a netlabel for digital releases only and mostly compilations with electronica/progressive artists.
What's the plan for Father of Levi? When can we expect to hear something new?
I plan to release an EP or album during spring 2007... I hope to tour a lot in the future, it will be easier now when I'll perform without a band.