Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Arild Haakon Iversen Music
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
It is probably music in our living room, on the radio, or the music cassettes. Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash and different country music.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
It became after i bought my first guitar at age 22 or so. Hard to learn to play the guitar. And sing. And i tried record something on a tape recorder. But, if felt almost impossible to make it any proper music. We are often, our own worst enemy, right? But it was kind of fun along the way. Even i felt the progress was very slow.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Arild Haakon Iversen Music is my new music project. I made a song idea just by thinking of some lyrics and the chords in my head, and i made it up along as i recorded it. Lost and found cafe. It was a poor sound quality, at my phone, 2014 i think it was. I got help with the guitar part, and i recorded Lost and found café this year. I try to learn basic stuff at Bandlab. I recorded the vocals at my phone/tablet.
Månen, a Norwegian song, i arranged at Bandlab, a different style. I tried to sing a bit different, keep it simple with lyrics to make a peaceful relaxing sound. Hopefully it sounds good enough. It is a learning process, and i aim to do a song with a greater message in it.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Acoustic guitar and sing the lyrics to capture moments, like sitting at a café, observe life passing by. And the song, Månen, is a Norwegian song about our Moon is always there, could tell us everything, if we were listening and present in the moment. Not acoustic. So it will probably be different genre and different style coming, if i manage. And it is great to connect with other artists around the world. To collab with music.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
It is probably the necessary of the sound quality in the recording. And it is great to work together with other artists and music producers.
And recently this year i dive into Bandlab to learn more about music technology and recording. A lot to learn. And there is a lot different approaches to music making.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Acoustic guitar and i write down lyrics and recording the ideas with my phone. I have used FL Studio mobile app for android phone and now more used Bandlab for music making and try different technologies for recording. I bought my first soundcard this year. Focusrite Scarlett Solo soundcard.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Hometown, collab with swedish artist, is one of my favorite song these days. I recommend to listen to it, if you like folk/singer and songwriter genre.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I think life itself, influence what we do. In my case, definitely. We all go through these ups and downs in life. To remind ourselves to be grateful, that is my choice and my aim. We have a big family, if they are doing fine, then i be fine too. Amen on that.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
In Lost and found cafe, the message is to find the light in you. While we sit and wonder about anything, we might go through hard times, and it can be hard to push through the storm. “Here’s to you, find the light in you” messages like that.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
To connect with people/artists/producers is a blessing, and good creative forces can work together. Then you suddenly can be making a big hit, together with other artists. You never know. And for me it is not that important.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Well i am not an performing artist. I know we should not use our health and conditions, like a excuse. But it has impact in my life. Maybe i can manage to try one day. Out of our comfort zone. It does not have to be that difficult. We are in general stuck in our patterns. And we must re think and re learn other approaches. Some people just do it. Others over think. Maybe the middle way, is the best choice.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I have been lucky to grew up with good great people, artists, that inspire, support and lead the way. And important that they stay humble and kind, and these things i value a lot. I grew up listen to The River, Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen. So yes i could easily say yes, if he called and asked if he could use our song, Hometown. Hehe.
But, i bet he would like Hometown.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? Arild Haakon Iversen Music you can find at Spotify and YouTube.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
To enjoy listen music, hopefully make music together with other artists. That feels great to me.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That the music can give some light on the darkness. And there is a blessing and a purpose if you choose to believe in God.
