In a logical and extremely predictable procession we follow up the first installments of our DNA section – Grimes, James Blake and Hot Chip – with local talent Pontus de Wolfe.
The serially hat-clad singer and songwriter with the distinctive voice has compiled a collection of songs and stories to brighten up the late summer for thoughtful souls with melodic nous. De Wolf’s self-titled debut album is released on August 22. We caught up with him to discuss his creative process.
The Studio
I try to spend as little time in the recording studio as possible. I love the recording process, but I think the studio should be used for only that. For demos and such like, I prefer to use my phone or a 4-channel portable tape recorder. My work place – where I write and compose – is more set up as a painter’s studio actually, with 30-40 canvases hanging on the walls and stacked against them. It’s great to be able to mix outputs and work in ways that are not wholly predictable, in order to keep the inspiration level up.
My Blüthner
My black 1920 Blüthner grand piano has been with me since childhood, and it’s blessed my music by making it sound better ever since. It’s one weird beast of an instrument, constructed with a hubris that made its tone sound like on no other piano. Of course, the fact that Paul McCartney used a Blüthner for the Let it Be sessions doesn’t hurt
Skeppsholmsbron
A few years ago, I worked at Stockholm’s Moderna Museet, which is located on the Skeppsholmen island. One of the highlights of working there was getting there, either by ferry or by foot. It was when I crossed the bridge for the first time while the sun set behind the castle across the bay, painting houses red, that I truly fell in love with the town. Now I’m proud to be one of its voices.
The Typewriter
My old typewriter hasn’t gotten much rest during the last ten years, as it is my primary tool for hammering down manuscripts and lyrics.
It helps to keep me focused, since there’s no notifications flashing or windows opening in front of the text. I’ve scanned a lot of typed stuff for web sites and artwork throughout the years – I just love the aesthetics and the physical feel it brings to things. As well as the “Click, Clack, Ding!”
