Interview withNorthern Lite
‘Small Chamber Works’ is the title of the first NORTHERN LITE album, released in 2001. Meanwhile it has become sold-out and is an absolute rarity. Many fans still want this album, so the band will re-release the CD on 27th June. During the interview we go back to the early days and beginnings of that formation.
Northern Lite (NL): Well, to be honest we thought the album to be sold-out in three days and we would write music history ;-) (laughs). What I’m really happy about is that there’s a demand for 10 year old recordings of ours. This makes me really proud.
RoD: Maybe you’ve been asked that many times, but what is the meaning behind the title and in which relation does it have to the songs, included on the album?
NL: The name has a direct relation to our first studio room. Or more specific to the ½ room in my former 2 ½ room apartment in a new build block, say 1,5m x 4m. Furthermore, were drawing a line under a certain working period with the album, which took place there; finding of a sound, digesting first live experiences, shy contacts with others from the music business. I think the album has somehow strengthened us and revealed the strong will to carry on and to get better; we still have (and hopefully will have for a long time).
RoD: The album gets re-released in a digitally revised form. Did you change anything about the songs or was it just a sound update?
NL: No, it was just topically re-mastered. We didn’t want to mix or produce something new to retain the feeling of that time. If someone heard the album with some friends back then or had a copy himself, then he shall dive into these memories again, when listening to the re-mastered album. It’s like this with me, when I’m listening to it. Then I can sometimes see myself in one of the numerous illegal techno clubs back then, standing at the bar and barely hear the beat that was hip in the late 90s and reflected that time perfectly.
RoD: Was the artwork updated as well, because the visual element was and still is very important to you?
NL: We consider ‘Small Chamber Works’ as a proof of our band’s history and therefore we deliberately wanted it to be in its original way; no changes, just NORTHERN LITE like it was back then, just like that.
RoD: How did the idea to found an own label come about instead of signing a deal at another one and release the album there?
NL: Well, that’s a short story: We were offered no deals; all demos came back (unheard like I believe), so the foundation of 1st Decade Records was in a way pure self-defence.
RoD: On the album is also a very unconventional interpretation of DEPECHE MODE’s ‘In Your Room’. How the idea did come up to re-model that song completely?
NL: Initially that song was only planned as a live version; don’t know why we’ve recorded it anyway, whereas we actually don’t want to be compared to DEPECHE MODE, but now it’s on the album and we have to live with that. ;-) Seriously, you’re the first one who noticed that, because it’s deviating so much from the original.
RoD: The next song carries the title ‘Past & Present (Part One)’. What happened to Part 2 or isn’t there any Part 2?
NL: Yes, there is, but we decided to not put it on the album to save it for later; now we still haven’t done it, but one thing I can promise; there’ll be a next album. :-)
RoD: I noticed you to sparsely use lyrics on the album. Why is that?
NL: These are our roots; electronic club music. There it’s more about the beat, the feeling, the movie you pull into the people on the dance floors. You don’t need many words for that. Our way of dealing with lyrics like it’s today has developed over years. I took my time to bring my voice to its limits and to form it. It is still very exciting for me to sing in a way, I’ve never tried before.
RoD: Because your music is processing influences from many different genres, you’ve also played in front of various kinds of audiences, like in Gothic Clubs or at Techno events. How are the reactions of the various people on your music?
NL: They’re not as diverse as you might think. Basically, they all want to have fun and they’re expressing this through dancing and jumping or singing along, which is a big compliment for us. I believe that our music is experienced differently by everyone, which is depending on the taste, so an indie rock fan will have much more fun with the guitar riffs, while a techno club attendee will love the “cinematic” electronic sounds, smart breaks and danceable beats.
RoD: At the beginning of July, you’ll perform at the Blackfield Festival. Are you satisfied with your placement or would you rather like to play at a later time?
NL: Well, everyone wants to play on prime time. Our show presumably looks better in the dark, but that is an issue of the organizer.
RoD: That’s it. I thank you for the interview and the obligatory last words belong to you.
NL: Pay us a visit at a concert!
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