Interview: Loney, Dear

BeatCrave recently had the opportunity to talk with Emil Svanängen, the man behind Loney, Dear.  Originally from Sweden, Loney, Dear worked in his native country writing and creating music from home until he was picked up by Sib-Pop records and provided with a platform to reach a much broader audience.  With lyrics simple yet beautifully complex and a voice which matches such a paradox beautifully, Loney, Dear has been wowing listeners and critics alike.  We here at BeatCrave like him so much he was one of our BeatCrave Favs.

Now, take the time and get to know, Loney, Dear.

What is the story behind your pseudonym, Loney, Dear?

I felt like a lone music maker. The name implies that someone is noticing you. Right now it probably more a rest from something in the past, but has on the other side more moved into just being a name, and my own name. I’m pretty amazed by its strangeness every now and then. I wanted an odd name, just like I want the music to be.

There is, obviously, no formula for creativity but what is your creative process?

Yes there is. But it’s special for everyone. For me, being happy and know there is time.

I guess for me the formula might be taking it pretty serious and really trying to enjoy it at the same time. Finding a good input for new ideas is always needed. Rarely, it is music that inspires me.

Why did you decide to make your albums with English lyrics as opposed to Swedish?

Good question but do not really know the answer. I didn’t think the music would reach out further than to my friends bookshelves so it couldn’t have been that. In the beginning I was probably a bit worried that anyone would hear what I was singing about so I probably felt that singing in English would help. When I did my first show in the US I felt an amazing feeling, that I actually was singing something that really meant something, not just verbal landfill. It has become very dear to me after that the lyrics. I’m really inspired right now bout that.

What are the major difference between U.S. audiences and those in Sweden?

Oh… There are probably bigger differences in the states than between US / SWE. Isn’t there? People are pretty much the same everywhere, good, evil, listeners etc. It’s always great when people care about the music, and it always amazes me.

What contemporary musicians do you most admire?  Why?

I admire people walking their own path. That is what I am trying to do. It’s difficult; I want to write complex yet very understandable music. I guess I’m not quite there yet. There is some really great music from Brooklyn right now, and some really fine artists from Goteborg, Sweden. Mostly I am inspired more by thinking of fellow composers than actually listening to their music. Not that their music is not interesting, but it becomes more of a mystery that way, and it really triggers my own writing.

What is the inspiration behind the album “Dear John?”

Improving my song crafting: trying to deepen to colors, the lyrics and the minor modalities. Sometimes I think I didn’t make it all the way, other times, especially when I hear back from people listening to the new songs, I’m just so proud of it.

What are you currently working on?

New acoustic music. I’m very interested in seeing where it’s going. For the moment I’m trying to acquire different acoustic instruments from the western world. Looking for a double bass, some different Russian and American folk instruments. Plus I am constantly on look for a contrabass clarinet. I hope to finish a project with a symphony orchestra next year. 

What direction do you see your music going in the next few years?

Even more dense and condensed music. The new songs now, I realize, are so much easier for me to feel good about on stage. They are a bit darker, and that is easier for me to sing from stage. My super fave for the moment is the song Violent.

What was your experience like touring with Peter Bjorn & John?

Oh, that was in their early stardom. We played 200 maximum in the countryside. It was fun though. Our very first tour was in the fall, late 2006.

Slept on floors in very cold English buildings. Derby was the low peak.

What, in your opinion, has been the most defining moment of your career in music thus far?

The making of every album. Especially the three last ones. The next big, and most important is going to happen in February 2009. Don’t know what yet, but know when.

Thank you for your time Emi!