Arne is the mind behind his solo project Arne Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends, recorded with the help of friends and musicians. Let's talk about his new single Firebird and music in general.
- Hi Arne and welcome to this interview. Tell us about your latest release Firebird.
This was originally the flipside of my single “Someone Told Me That You Were Dead”. When I wrote the song I was thinking of people who nobody needs anymore; used, exploited and thrown away like garbage in a world where winners take it all (to paraphrase the old Abba-song). I’m not always happy with my lyrics, but on this one I think I found the right balance between symbolism and story. My dear friend and wonderful singer Stefan Petersson (of Mother James) shares lead with me on this one.
- How would you describe your sound?
Usually my (or our) sound echoes the music of the late sixties and early seventies, a mix of folk and power pop. The texture of this song is somewhat different, rather an amalgam of alt-country and grunge, and instrumentation well fitted for the desperate lyrics.
- What do you write about?
I don’t have a special recipe here. Usually I start out with a line or a vague idea, which then unfolds in a story or poetic imagery by itself, organically. Some of the tunes on 17 BIRDS AT THE SUMMER’S GATE are pretty straightforward observations of everyday life, others more dreamlike/poetic (pretentious some would say). Firebird belongs to the second category.
- What do you listen to when you are home?
Right now I listen a lot to the early Pink Floyd albums. I think A Saucerful of Secrets and Atom Heart Mother are hidden masterpieces, or nearly. Another artist I come back to from time to time is Kate Bush. I have realized that 50 Words for Snow might be her best album!
- Your favourite live performance so far?
That’s a hard one! I saw a great performance with Dylan when he’d just released Time out of Mind. My excitement might have been a result, partly, with very low expectations. I’d expected the usual muttering and tired run-throws of old songs – but his singing was beautiful and rugged – he even said a few words between songs
- Your favourite albums?
Don’t get me started! But OK! This is what comes to mind right now: Rubber Soul and Revolver (the Beatles), Love and Theft (Dylan), Last Day of the Prosecution (Bill Fay), Something Else (Kinks), Color of Spring (Talk Talk), Our Mother The Mountain (Townes van Zandt) 50 Words For Snow (Kate Bush) Surrealistic Pillow (Jefferson Airplane)
- A musician you would like to meet for a beer?
I’d say Dylan, but I think meeting him in real life could be rather awkward.
- What would you ask for backstage, if you were the most important band on earth?
A quiet room with some comfortable chairs for some dear friends and myself, a bottle of red wine. Maybe some cheese and crackers.
- What are your plans for the near future?
I’m releasing a new single late in March or early in April. My co-producer David Myhr (of the Merrymakers) has contributed some wonderful backing vocals and keyboards. It’s a rather sad song – but right now I consider it one of my most honest (and in a way one the best).
https://www.instagram.com/andalienfriends/
This was originally the flipside of my single “Someone Told Me That You Were Dead”. When I wrote the song I was thinking of people who nobody needs anymore; used, exploited and thrown away like garbage in a world where winners take it all (to paraphrase the old Abba-song). I’m not always happy with my lyrics, but on this one I think I found the right balance between symbolism and story. My dear friend and wonderful singer Stefan Petersson (of Mother James) shares lead with me on this one.
- How would you describe your sound?
Usually my (or our) sound echoes the music of the late sixties and early seventies, a mix of folk and power pop. The texture of this song is somewhat different, rather an amalgam of alt-country and grunge, and instrumentation well fitted for the desperate lyrics.
- What do you write about?
I don’t have a special recipe here. Usually I start out with a line or a vague idea, which then unfolds in a story or poetic imagery by itself, organically. Some of the tunes on 17 BIRDS AT THE SUMMER’S GATE are pretty straightforward observations of everyday life, others more dreamlike/poetic (pretentious some would say). Firebird belongs to the second category.
- What do you listen to when you are home?
Right now I listen a lot to the early Pink Floyd albums. I think A Saucerful of Secrets and Atom Heart Mother are hidden masterpieces, or nearly. Another artist I come back to from time to time is Kate Bush. I have realized that 50 Words for Snow might be her best album!
- Your favourite live performance so far?
That’s a hard one! I saw a great performance with Dylan when he’d just released Time out of Mind. My excitement might have been a result, partly, with very low expectations. I’d expected the usual muttering and tired run-throws of old songs – but his singing was beautiful and rugged – he even said a few words between songs
- Your favourite albums?
Don’t get me started! But OK! This is what comes to mind right now: Rubber Soul and Revolver (the Beatles), Love and Theft (Dylan), Last Day of the Prosecution (Bill Fay), Something Else (Kinks), Color of Spring (Talk Talk), Our Mother The Mountain (Townes van Zandt) 50 Words For Snow (Kate Bush) Surrealistic Pillow (Jefferson Airplane)
- A musician you would like to meet for a beer?
I’d say Dylan, but I think meeting him in real life could be rather awkward.
- What would you ask for backstage, if you were the most important band on earth?
A quiet room with some comfortable chairs for some dear friends and myself, a bottle of red wine. Maybe some cheese and crackers.
- What are your plans for the near future?
I’m releasing a new single late in March or early in April. My co-producer David Myhr (of the Merrymakers) has contributed some wonderful backing vocals and keyboards. It’s a rather sad song – but right now I consider it one of my most honest (and in a way one the best).
https://www.instagram.com/andalienfriends/
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