Interview: Anders L. Rasmussen (Written)
Anders L. Rasmussen is a solo rock artist due to release his second single, ‘Simple Man’, an interpretation of the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic, on January 17th. The first single, ‘The Weight of Life’, is out now.
1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.
I have been involved in music and bands for many years. For a long time, establishing a solo project has been a dream of mine. Over the past couple of years, I have been writing and recording my songs for this project. Just before Christmas, I finished all the recordings and sent the songs off for mixing and mastering—marking the beginning of a new era.
In addition, I play guitar and sing in the band Ohmwork. We have been active since 2012.
2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
Difficult to answer, but let’s say rock and roll. A touch of Americana here and there. Singer-songwriter stuff tucked in also.
3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.
I happened to release a track in November; ‘The Weight of Life’. I played my first solo gig around the same time. 17th of January my second release is due. This will be a cool interpretation of the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic, ‘Simple Man’. Over the course of the winter and spring there will be a couple of more single releases before the album hit the stores before the summer, hopefully. We will see.
4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?
The most positive experience is to get feedback from people that have listened to your songs. To have an audience. As an artist, my aspirations are to create music that resonates deeply with people—songs that listeners can connect with on a personal level and interpret in their own way.
5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?
There are times when you play to empty rooms. There may be periods when people don’t show up to your gigs, and you start thinking about hanging up your boots. But luckily, we’ve managed to push through, and things seem to be turning around again.
6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?
I would say that I somehow like it. I have nothing against it. A reason to learn new tools, create cool things, to interact with the fans from your sofa, and to get instant feedback. Really just fun!
7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?
I really don’t care. The industry is what it is. Let’s just use our energy playing music. If you don’t like what ‘the industry’ propose, do it yourself.
8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?
Listen to my music. Tell me what you think. Be nice to each other!
9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?
Read a book. Listen to podcasts. Go out for a run and feel the magic thing called «runner’s high» that comes afterwards.
10. Where can people find you?
For the time being AndersLR at Bluesky. Other than that, you’ll find my music on your preferred streaming service. For now, Spotify is the most updated. Check it out. New track out 17th of January!
