Hi! Can you share the creative process and inspiration behind your latest single “Pathfinder”? How does it reflect the unique characteristics of your electronic music style?
A:
The process of pathfinder was kind of a bumpy ride. We had many different versions of the song before we recorded the drums. But looking back to the beginning of playing the track live we always aimed for a faster song.
Your music is inspired by the dramatic nature of your vicinity. Could you elaborate on how the landscapes and atmosphere of this region influence your sound, particularly in “Pathfinder”?
A:
We actually live at a beautiful place here in the Swedish mountains. The village is called Åre and is one of Scandiaviens biggest wintersport and bike resorts. Well, we all love snowboarding and biking and pathfinder has the perfect energy to have in your earphones when taking a ride in deep powder or going downhill biking.
Our music is somehow inspired from the beautiful mountain surroundings here. The winters are long and daylight short. And so there is plenty of bad weather.
So getting together with friends and playing music is a pretty cozy thing to do.
How do the three of you, Björn, Viktor, and Patrick, collaborate in the songwriting and production process? What unique elements does each member bring to the creation of “Pathfinder”?
A:
Often we start with some samples, loops or a melody which we later add the drums to. We can end up playing the same melody for hours. But we like to keep things simple and straight.
How has Skuggsidan’s sound evolved from your first single “Skuggsidan” to “Pathfinder”? What new elements have you explored in this latest release?
A:
Pathfinder is much faster. Skuggsidan is more chill and slower.
Your music is known for its blend of analog drums, samples, and synth melodies. How do you decide on the mix of instruments and technology for each track, particularly for “Pathfinder”?
A:
Well pathfinder wrote itself throughout some rehearsal sessions, it has been rearranged and the rhodes hook was kind of a happy mistake. Björn came up with this break somewhere in the middle and also a more experimental intro to give it more dynamics.
What message or story are you aiming to convey through “Pathfinder”? How does this track fit into the broader narrative of your upcoming album?
A:
All songs of the album have a cinematic and soundtracky feel to them, including pathfinder that could tell a story of a journey, a running or riding fast pace travel to get through gnarly obstacles on its way.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in producing “Pathfinder”, and how did you overcome them? Are there any triumphs during this process that you’re particularly proud of?
A:
The hardest part was that we had many different arrangements, but when the hook and break fell into place it just felt right.
Since the release of “Pathfinder”, what has been the most memorable feedback you’ve received from your fans? How does audience reception shape your future projects?
A: Hmmm Skuggsidan is a band where we decide ourselves what we like and don´t like. Haha so far people like what we do and we hope of course that we can continue surprising our audience.
Can you give us a sneak peek into your upcoming projects? Are there any new directions or experiments we can expect from Skuggsidan in the near future?
A:
We will keep creativity and to get inspired by our surroundings as a startpoint. We have already been adding vocals to some parts and songs, and it feels like we will surprise with more of that in upcoming projects
Being based in Åre, Sweden, how does the local music scene and cultural environment influence your work? Do you feel that your location gives you a unique edge in the electronic music world?
A:
Not particular the electronic music world but we have a big scene for skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers and hikers and our music suits very well for storytelling and to enhance beautiful views, in the end our music is very much influenced by this location and the beautiful areas nearby