Interview: Bellman
Before Norwegian band Bellman released their first album, "Mainly mute" (C+C Records/Frode Records/Musikkoperatørene), in January, the songs they'd posted on MySpace had earned them considerable buzz. The record lives up to the hype. It is a lush, tender and ephemeral exploration of the tensions between living and dying, waking and sleeping, loving and being apart, all rendered in sweeping orchestral pop that manages to be over the top and very quiet at the same time.
Behind Bellman is Arne-Johan Rauan, who recently took the time to answer a few questions:
You're based in Larvik, which is pretty close to Oslo but looks like it's far enough away to be musically independent. What kind of music scene have you got there?
Larvik has a long musical history, spanning from Impressonist Arne Nordheim to the '80s popidols Drama and Creation and Briskeby in the '90s. Bands and artists in Larvik have always enjoyed good support from the municipality. We also have great rehearsal-facilities which bands can rent for a small fee.
How has the response been to "Mainly mute"?
It has been overwhelming! It seems like most people have understood the album and what I have been trying to create. It entered the Norwegian charts Number #6 the first week.
"Mainly mute" seems a lot like a Concept Album, almost in the full-blown 1970s sense (though not a double LP with a gatefold sleeve!). How would you characterize the themes on the album?
I explore the contrasts between the fragile, small and sore vs. the massive, big and pompous. This intersection is what triggers my curiosity in all parts of life. Combined with my natural melancholic mind, you get "Mainly mute".
Was it your intent to create a set of reflections on the same themes or did it just turn out that way? How did your songwriting process work?
Each song has a certain meaning to me, and on the album they tell a story from song 1 to 10. That's the art of making an album. You get an additional dimension to the songs when you listen to them from start to finish. It's all intentional.
How will you follow up on a record that's so coherent and makes such a consistent statement? What are your plans?
Time will tell, but I always aim to push forward in some way. Search, explore and discover. I will certainly try to take it to the next natural level.
Do you feel like your music is particularly Norwegian or Scandinavian? I'm thinking especially of the melancholy, at which Scandinavians seem to excel, but wonder how you see it?
I agree that there is a certain melancholy hovering over a lot of Scandinavian acts, but on the other hand, Norway is also big on exporting black metal, so you never know...
I thought it was interesting that you released both "Mainly mute" and an accompanying live album simultaneously. What was the thinking behind that move?
I wanted people to get an idea of what Bellman sounds like live. Give you a glimpse of what we really are: An outstanding live band!
You're using Twitter. Do you have any thoughts about the usefulness of sites like Twitter, Facebook, and others social media for musicians?
In these downloading days, its crucial. It's a way to promote your music and yourself as an artist. Branding. You just have to be where people are.
Have you got any recommendations of great Norwegian bands flying below the international radar that we ought to keep our eyes open for?
Check out these outstanding acts:
http://www.myspace.com/detarjagsomardoden
http://www.myspace.com/solvermeer
http://www.myspace.com/childrenandcorpse
Interview by Nancy Baym