Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Martin Christiansen
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I have a vague recollection of my mom listening to upbeat 80’s pop when I was a child. I’don’t know if it’s a product of my generation or general influence but the genre and electronic vibe stuck with me.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
In my early teens. And my music teacher inspired me to not only find my own style but also to be creative and explore the medium.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I didn’t set out with something in mind, just some notes, some samples and a few beats. But I knew I wanted to create something different, something oldschool with a soul. And it needed to have a structure that was recognisable . Usually I have a very specific vision. But this one sort of evolved during the composition.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Retro vibes all the way. Regardless of the genre there will always be an underlining vibe of oldschool tunes. And an obsessive amount of synthesizer layers and effects.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music? I guess it’s patience. With age came a clear focus and willingness to put in the work. I
think I have come to appreciate the completed work almost as much as the creative process.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process? I have my trusted keyboard, I somewhat use FL, Dune and a lot of different music
assistance tools. Especially for synths. Not a fan of too much automation and modern volume spikes. And I’ll go out of my way to avoid having the same sample sounds and bass as everyone else.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Remi Wolf. I love the smooth melodies.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision? In latter years i’m more focused on telling an interesting story if anything. Often about the
duality of life sometimes presented by an unreliable narrator for the Verfremdungseffekt, but in a ironic self deprecating manner. Something that will make people go -Huh, that’s both interesting and confusing.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work? Anything between heaven and earth. I love it then people have different feelings and
interpretations. As long as they had an engaging experience I am content.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Keep doing what you like. Don’t let small setbacks get you down.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I have already performed in my younger days in front of thousands of people and that was enough for me. Becides I’m getting too old to be on the road. Maybe when I finish my album early next year I have a consistent backlog I can work with.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why? That would be an odd mix of Queen, Kim WIlde and Pet Shop Boys. They have been a
personal source of inspiration.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Jd7pxZGsdtkNzNvlpYqe9
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinchristiansenmusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572760528839
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I’m currently working an an album that’s straight up mainstream synthpop. No gimmicks. Just ear pleasing melodies.Hopefully I can finish it up somewhere early 2026. From there on I’ll probably drift around doing experimental stuff.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way? I’m full of ideas and I can be very diverse. I hope that resonates with a niche audience.
