Interview with Anders L. Rasmussen

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

My uncle’s cassettes of Kiss got me hooked on music in general. When I discovered AC/DC and Angus Young at the age of 11 I wished for a guitar. Luckily, it was ment to be and the coming years I locked myself in my bedroom practicing.

I’ve been a teacher for years. Now a work in the leadership of my school as an assistant principle. Believe it or not, but this is a very flexible job when it comes to juggling a music career on the side.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I like to read, watch TV-series and movies, and I need run three times a week! All of this combined get my creative juices going.

How long has your band been around?

This solo thing has just started. First gig was in November. Still early days.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I live in Tromsø, a city way up north in Norway. How much it influences my music, I’m not sure. Maybe there’s a unique thing being a musician coming from «the North Pole». Maybe there’s a special thing that transpire in the music we make. Who knows?

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I have mainly toured Norwegian cities and nooks and crannies over the years. You'll find both great places to play and some real dumps as well. I can't think of a specific place off the top of my head, but I would say that Tromsø has some wonderful venues to perform at.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

For the kind of music this solo project is about, maybe Jason Isbell's band, The 400 Unit, but of course with him on guitar and backing vocals as well.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Keep practicing! Be the best of what you do! Or at least be really good at it. Then you have a chance sticking out in this industry.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Practiced even more! Take more chances, don’t hold back.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

I would say the song ‘The Weight of Life’. The message is that life can be hard but try get the most out of it.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

It's hard to pinpoint exactly what inspires me, but I’d say I’m a “happy writer.” When life feels good, I get inspired and want to create music. I’m not the type to strum my guitar when things aren’t going so well. And I just love to be creative! I just need to be going, making new songs, trying out ideas, keep it flowing.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I like to express my feelings but still keep a certain distant. By that, I mean that the lyrics shouldn't be too specific but rather open to different interpretations, depending on who is listening. There should be a message of hope..

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I have already released one song, ‘The Weight of Life’ back in November. Four more songs will be released the coming months. The next one is a cover version of ‘Simple Man’ from the band, Lynyrd Skynyrd. I really hope all of you take a listen when it hits the streaming services January 17! I think it’s a cool and somewhat unique version of that song. Through the winter and into the spring there will be three more songs coming out. And then, hopefully, my debut album comes out this side of the summer!