INTERVIEW:
Mr. Koifish
___________
EVERY interview provides me with a chance…
to investigate an artist more fully and in great depth. I have been chatting with Mr. Koifish about his new single, The End, and how he will follow it. The Danish artist tells me how he moved from the band Turboweekend to his solo work and which artists inspire him.
I ask what whether there are any gigs coming up and which albums are important to him; if he has any special memory from his career so far and whether Denmark is producing lots of great sounds right now.
__________
Hi, Mr. Koifish. How are you? How has your week been?
Hi there; I’m good. It’s been an interesting week so far. I just played my first show with Mr. Koifish, which was great…and now I’m preparing for my next single, Hang Our Coats; it’s out Oct 12th so all very exciting.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
My name is Morten Køie and I live in Copenhagen, Denmark. My new project, Mr. Koifish, is a place where I can fit all my big inspirations into one.
Can you reveal what your new single, The End, is about?
The End is about new beginnings but also about saying goodbye to what you thought was safe ground; about taking that leap you need to take to move forward and to believe and stay true to yourself while doing that.
You have come from the band Turboweekend to step out alone. What was the reason for that?
We tried writing our fifth album in Turboweekend for about two years but had too many differences as to how we could make that work. So, we decided to stop and go and do new music separately. I had been writing songs for Mr. Koifish for some time and had this feeling that now was the time to get it out there and see what could happen - and here I am doing an interview; so far, so good. Ha ha...
Is there going to be more material from Mr. Koifish in 2019 do you think?
Yes; I know there will be. I will have my second single come out the 12th October and a third one in January. And, if all goes according to the plan, I will release an album in March 2019. I have started my own label with two friends here in Copenhagen called Emailing While Intoxicated Records so we can basically do what we want which is a big difference compared to what I was used to when working with major labels.
As a Danish artist; do you think the country has a strong and interesting scene? What sort of sounds are popular right now?
Lots of stuff is happening here. Many different styles are emerging. Labels to take a look at could be Crunchy Frog, Posh Isolation; No3 - that’s already many hours of listening.
How did you start in music? Were you raised around a lot of music?
I started playing the violin when I was six and moved on to bass and guitar as a teenager. My mom played the piano and my granddad the violin so, yeah, there was music while growing up. But, my own true love for music started when I started composing with my friends at the age of around thirteen or fourteen-years-old in my teenage band. I haven’t really stopped writing and playing ever since and don’t think I ever will.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
I hope to have a good idea how my album is gonna sound. Fingers crossed.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
I remember getting the first rehearsal space as a teenager. My friend’s dad gave us half of his own studio and lent us gear for free so that we could practice and then it was just a matter of turning up and playing. Many great times were spent at that place. I’m still very grateful for that.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
This is always a difficult question. But, these three albums are albums are ones I have been listening to a lot throughout the years. They each have their own interesting sounds and have been a huge inspiration for me.
Beck - Mellow Gold
Because it’s just a great and honest album filled with great melodies and weird samples.
D’Angelo – Voodoo
Mind-blowing production and songwriting - and I love his voice.
David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
So many great songs and great musicians on this album.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
I would love to support The Voids. I’m a big fan. Never cared much about riders - as long as there is a good sound tech and a good crowd I would be happy.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Do as much as you can on your own to begin with. Get help from friends you know; have good taste to choose the right songs to show to people and practice as hard as possible so you know you will blow the crowd when you are on stage.
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
No. Not yet, but gigs will come at some point. Keep an eye on social media for announcements of tour dates.
IN THIS PHOTO: Liima
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
BLVK IRIS is a new, cool Danish producer I like. He’s put out two tracks. Liima’s new album, 1982, is also great and a great live band as well.
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Not much but I love what I’m doing so that’s okay. I like to relax making food and hanging with friends and my family.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Amen Dunes – Song to the Siren
___________
Follow Mr. Koifish
