Dear ATN readers
We are delighted to share our conversation with Mellemblond, one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Danish songwriting:
“Sikke en dag” is finally out. What does this song represent as the first preview of the new album — a summary of the past, a new beginning, or something else entirely? What themes or moods can fans expect from the full record? What might genuinely surprise them?
Past, present and future are all represented in that song. Past because it is a return to working with Silas, the former Mellemblond drummer and now also producer, but then again it is happening right now – so also present. Future because the song explores a different territory than normally for Mellemblond. Even though it sounds a lot like Mellemblond. Maybe it’s the perfect mix of past, present and future!
This is the first time in years that the original lineup has recorded together. What made this the right moment to reunite? Did the musical chemistry return immediately, or did you need time to rediscover the dynamic?
Mellemblond has existed in many incarnations over the years, but playing with these guys feels like home. Jens, Silas and I used to rehearse a lot in the early days, and in a way we can still rely on the efforts we made back then. The overall sound of us three playing together comes quite naturally. We have also been friends over the years, and that also helps in playing music. We did a funny gig back in may outside a bodega in Sydhaven, and the time just felt right for recording and playing together again.
You already have live dates in Copenhagen and Aarhus. How does it feel to bring new material to the stage again — and are there songs you’re especially excited (or nervous) to perform?
It feels good and it’s always exciting to try out new stuff in front of an audience. For the concerts in december we are just gonna do a few of the new ones and otherwise play a “best of” of the previous records. On Loppen we play with the trio but the concert in Aarhus is just me and the guitar. We hope to come back to Aarhus next year with the trio.
Your sound has been described — including on ATN — as “C.V. Jørgensen fronting The Beatles”: Danish poetic rock with deep melodic roots. Do you relate to this image?
Yes sure, that could be one description. Other ones could apply as well. In the end it depends on the listeners references and the way you listen. Some people focus on the lyrics others more on what’s going on with the music. In the end I guess you just have to pass on some kind of feeling or idea you had, when you wrote the song to begin with, and extend that with the music and arrangement.
You’ve worked with artists like Kira Skov and Trentemøller. How have these collaborations influenced your development as a musician?
Those two are giants in their respective fields so that was thrilling for me. Trentemøller did a remake of the song Nord some ten years ago now, and he completely transformed the song and enhanced certain atmospheres that were hidden in the original version. I was impressed with his vision and creativity. Kira is just a killer singer, songwriter and artist and hearing her express my lyrics on Vildrede was a joy. We got to perform the song many times, when I was supporting her DK-tour with a solo-set back in the corona days.
Danish-language rock can be a niche, yet you’ve carved out a distinctive space with a loyal fanbase. What keeps you committed to writing and performing in Danish?
English never worked for me as a writer, and when I first combined my desk-drawer poems with my musical ideas, it kind of clicked for me. I wasn’t a singer before also, but played guitar in bands with a feeling of ‘there must be something more to this’. And there was! If there is a loyal fanbase I’m just grateful and still surprised that it worked out some way. It’s the same feeling I had when I first heard a Mellemblond song on national radio back in 2009: Something worked out well, I’m sharing this with others. That’s a great feeling! In the process of writing and working with songs I don’t think about this though. You just try and try and hope you can still make something that is satisfying and interesting for yourself.
Kristoffer, becoming a father has surely changed your everyday life. Has it also changed your songwriting or how you relate to time and memory?
Time becomes a different thing for sure, like there is a before and after the arrival of a kid. Regarding the songwriting it’s hard to say, maybe you soften up a bit. Some of the songs on the new record where written before my daughter was born – we will seee what the future holds in that regard. Maybe a kids record?!
For new fans discovering Mellemblond, where should they start — and what can they expect from you going forward?
Just give it a listen and see if you like some of it. The older stuff has a bit more rough qualities and then it gets more refined over time. The ‘Elastisk’ EP from 2011 might get lost in the singles section of your whatever streaming service, but that is a nice one. The latest album ‘En jordisk chance’ is not bad either!
Looking ahead 5–10 years, how do you imagine the future of Mellemblond: new directions, collaborations, more albums, or a refinement of what you’ve built so far?
Now I’m just focused on the coming year and hope to make the best of it for Mellemblond. I don’t look that far ahead really. Maybe I should!
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