top of page
Foto do escritorPigeon

ARTIST INTERVIEW: THE AGENCY


The Agency - Harbour Song



(•)> Cru cru, what's your most controversial music opinion?


I’d say that some of the best songwriting isn’t found on the main stage but in tiny, intimate venues where artists are pouring out raw emotion or wit on a Saturday night. There’s a kind of magic in hearing artists that are still hungry, crafting something new or heart felt for a handful of ardent listeners. The hype machine often misses out on hidden gems while focusing on music that might be more polished, or have more fiancé behind it, but is less interesting.


The other one comes from our guitarist Martin (Thompson). It’s a simple one and the title of his second to last album as Meiosis Be Nice to Everyone. There can be a bit of pretension and self interest in the music scene but you’ve got to respect and appreciate everyone…especially soundmen, promoters, audiences and bar staff.


(•)> How is your perfect day?


A perfect day starts early with some exercise—maybe a run to clear my head and get the blood flowing. After that, it’s straight into making music, whether that’s writing, recording, or jamming. Ideally there’d be no admin to do, but their would be time to connect with friends and fellow musicians. Ending the day with a low-key gig or a night spent in the studio would be ideal. I like to feel productive and creatively fulfilled.


(•)> Who is your inspiration?


It’s a mix, really. Artists like Leonard Cohen and Mark Lanegan inspire with their storytelling, while bands like The National or The Twilight Sad create lush soundscapes that the vocals can float upon. Christian Kjellvander is a name that we often discuss as well—his work is underappreciated outside of Sweden and mainland Europe, but his songwriting and depth is just amazing. Outside of music writers like Cormac McCarthy and, maybe, Milan Kundera influence the storytelling – trying to find chinks of light in the darkness. But modern politics and social media can do that too.


(•)> What's the concept behind The Agency?


The Agency… is more of a collective than a traditonal ‘band’. We have a rotating lineup of talented musicians who each bring their unique influences to the table. We started out as a kind of singer-songwriter project that grew into something more layered, pulling in elements from kosmiche guitars to darker, cinematic textures. The idea is to explore that space where stories, atmosphere, and sound intersect, letting the music evolve naturally with whoever happens to be involved at the time. It works well because you can’t rely on bandmates to stay with you like romantic partners (if they do) and we always encourage each other to explores other avenues when the urge arises. Mostly people come back.


(•)> What would you do if you had a time machine?


I’m currently writing a PhD in History, so I could go back in time to visit the U.S. occupations of Haiti, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic – my subject area. For fun, I might put myself back in time to visit Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Review, or even The Last Waltz. But I’d avoid changing too much; time has a way of unfolding as it should.


(•)> What are your favorite records and which ones do you replay the most?


High Violet by The National is one of my all-time favourites, an album I can virtually just play on repeat. Mark Lanegan’s I’ll Take Care of You or Field Songs would be up there, but he produced so much brilliant material it changes all the time. Every year I like to pick out one album that I feel has real sonic coherence, examples would include Mastodon’s Emperor of Sand, Nashville Obsolete by Dave Rawlings Machine, Topaz by Israel Nash and Afghan Whigs’ How do you Burn? They’re really different albums, but each has real sense of continuity through the production and the songwriting. Christian Kjellvander just wows me all the time Wild Hxmans and About Love and Loving Again are just incredible works of art, let alone his collaborations with Tonbruket.


(•)> What film do you rewatch often and which film means the most to you?


No Country for Old Men is a film I return to a lot. It’s got this incredible balance of darkness and moments of strange beauty. That mix of moral ambiguity and stark realism resonates deeply, and it’s even inspired some of our music, like "The Assassin, The Bureaucrat or The Stranger." It’s a reminder that even in stories that seem bleak, there’s always some light to be found if you’re willing to look for it. Otherwise, anything directed by John Carpenter, probably for the same reasons, but also the soundtracks. The guy is a legend.


(•)> What artist is underrated? And overrated?


Underrated? Christian Kjellvander, without a doubt. He’s got an amazing way of crafting songs that are both intimate and expansive. His voice is amazing but I just love the way he uses his guitar, he’s not afraid to experiment in order to build atmosphere. The Samphires also deserve more attention Elise (Shields) and Rosa (Thomas) have the most amazing voices and create incredible harmonies. I hope their appearance on our upcoming single, Harbour Song, will help show case them. Their EP Ephemera is a must-listen. I listen to some of their songs and think ‘man, how do they get darker than I do?’. As for overrated, there’s a lot of artists riding nostalgia waves without really pushing boundaries—I’ll leave it at that. But, honestly, I’d encourage anyone to make music and enjoy it.


(•)> What should the Pigeon listen to tomorrow?


If the Pigeon hasn’t heard our last album, In the Haunted Woods, you should start there. Then of course Ephemera by The Samphires. Any of the music I’ve already discussed is worth your time, if you haven’t already come across it. Don’t forget to keep an ear out for Harbour Song when it drops; it’s a gothic waltz, with that haunting call and response between me and The Samphires.


(•)> Do you agree with the Pigeon?


Pigeon, it’s been a pleasure. You’ve got a good sense of the music that’s worth exploring. It’s always refreshing to find a perspective that flies in the face of convention.





Discovered via http://musosoup.com

This coverage was created via Musosoup






















































Commentaires


bottom of page