Im Interview: Rosenthal – „We have to accept that the modern world is confusing!“
Im Interview: Rosenthal – „We have to accept that the modern world is confusing!“
Rosenthal aus Kopenhagen; Credit: Alexander Flyvbjerg
Bereits vor ein paar Wochen haben wir euch das dänische Duo Rosenthal beim Soundkartell vorgestellt. Jetzt haben wir sie auch endlich in einem Interview zu ihrer Musik befragt. Sie äußern sich dazu zu deutschem Porzellan und wieso sie vielleicht Bestandteil eines Hypes um sie werden könnten.
Soundkartell: Rosenthal in Germany is a porcelain manufacturer. Porcelain is very fragile and valuable. How does your band name fit to these attributes?
Jeppe: „I think it fits quite well, as there is definitely a ‘fragile’ element in the songs, both musically and lyrically. However, I came up with the name after finding out that Rosenthal means ‘rose valley’ in German. I thought it matched the music quite well, being something beautiful and grandiose, I imagine.“
Soundkartell: Do you think you would get problems with the manufacturer, because they have the patent on the name “Rosenthal”?
Jeppe: „I hope not. As far as I know, Rosenthal is also a quite common surname in countries like Germany and USA, so a lot of people could probably be claiming the name rightfully. But I hope they are willing to share it with me.“
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Soundkartell: Your “foundation” as a band began not so long ago. What do you expect for the next few months? Do you think or hope that there will be a hype?
Jeppe: „I think hype is quite a strong word, but I really appreciate the positive attention the music has received recently. I have a publicist who helps with the promotional aspect and she has done a brilliant job. But besides this, I am also busy recording a handful of new songs, which I hope to finish soon, so the coming months will most likely be a good mix of promotion and recording.“
Rosenthal im Interview; Credit: Alexander Flyvbjerg
Soundkartell: Jeppe, you are also a music journalist. Which heading would you give to your own album or EP if you have to write a review about it?
Jeppe: „That is a good question! Maybe something like: ‘Compelling soundscapes from Copenhagen newcomer’. I think it is hard to look at your own music in an objective way, but I definitely strive to write tuneful songs and add an evocative feel to the music as well, so perhaps this would be a suitable heading.“
Soundkartell: Then you have the right connections to promote your records for you as band. Or is it not that useful?
Jeppe: „I do have a few friends who work within the music business in Denmark, but, honestly, I think it is much more challenging to try and make it on my own, so I hope it will not be necessary to ask my friends for help. In the end, I rely on the songs being strong enough to ‘speak for themselves’.“
Soundkartell: “Afraid of Stairs” there is an individual who is in conflict with our new tough world. What do you think is the greatest danger for the individual? And: How should this individual deal with it?
Jeppe: „That is a difficult question! It might get a little ‘fluffy’ here, but in many ways, I think we live in a confusing time with numerous choices to deal with on an emotional level – the largest of them being: what do you want to spend your life on? And who do you want to spend your life with? It is quite easy to feel lost, which I definitely felt when I was a little younger. But I think the best way to cope with this is to accept the fact that the modern world is confusing and to keep in mind that, eventually, you will find most likely your ‘safe haven’ in life.“
Soundkartell: Ole; you are the producer in the band. Are you the one who put on the last hand for your songs?
Jeppe: „My friend Ole is being much too modest here, but this is his answer: “I just try to bring Jeppe’s ideas to life the best way I can.” In fact, Ole has a highly developed sense of what serve the songs best, and is good at keeping things on track, which is why I enjoy working with him.“
[vimeo 76413924]Soundkartell: What do you think is a typical Scandinavian element in your music?
Jeppe: „I think the melancholic feel of the music is quite Scandinavian, but really, when I think of Scandinavian music, I think of good pop music as well. Obviously, the most successful band to ever come out of Scandinavia is probably ABBA, but to me, artists like Björk, Mew, or The Knife are all great pop acts with a unique way of making music, and, hopefully, I am capable of writing songs with a sprinkle of the same quality.“
Soundkartell: Is there one element to which your music could be reduced to?
Jeppe: „I do like a good melody and try to add that into each song, so if I were to reduce the music into one element, I would probably hang onto the melodies.“
