KARI RUESLÅTTEN

How different is your new album, "Pilot" to "Mesmerized" or "Spindelsinn"?

It is important for me not to try to make the same album twice. I am in a continuos change, and that will reflect itself in my music. All my albums were created at different levels in my life, so they all tell different
stories. Pilot has it's own story to tell. Musically I'd say Pilot is a lot more minimalistic arrangement-wise that the others. On this album I have arranged and produced all the songs myself. I spend 3 years in London to
perfection myself in the art of music-programming and studio-engeneering. On the other records I worked with other producers and programmers. I had an
distinct idea on how I wanted this record to sound like, and I needed the skills required to make it happen. In a way pilot is a dogma-record. I made strict rules for myself during the making of the arrangements. All the
sounds that you hear are there for a reason. I did not use any ready-made-beats or loops and the melody is always the most important thing in the arrangements.

How is the process of composing your musical pieces? Has this method changed over the years?

The lyrics come first. Then I sit down at the piano. I listen to the words, what melody they require. I put the song into the computer. Then I play around with sounds and create an atmosphere wich is unique to the song.
What is different now is that I have my own studio. I can work all night if I want to! I can work with other musicians or I just do it all myself. That is freedom!!!

What are the lyrics in "Pilot" about? How do you transmit your feelings
with them?

The lyrics on Pilot are yearnful, melancholic and also a bit dark. They tell a story, or just fragments of one. Lyrics are important to me. The words are my thoughts and my friends. During my years in England, my English
grew better and better and I found it easier to fully put across the meaning that I sought.

Are you planning some tour or concerts to support "Pilot"?

I will do concerts in Oslo and Trondheim before the summer, then I am
planning a tour this autumn. I have put together a band, and I am really
excited about performing live again!!


You have one of the most beautiful voices on Earth....how is your vocal training? Did you practice every day in order to keep your voice in "shape"?

Thank you so much! I do sing everyday, and a lot while I am recording or
rehearsing with the band. I don't really practice as such, I just sing when
I feel like it.

"Spindelsinn" had a lot of norwegian folk influences and there were some typical instruments played in there...is the new album going to have similar elements?

Pilot has a style on it's own. I find inspiration in Norwegian Nature and
that will reflect also on this album, but not in the same way as on
Spindelsinn.


Why did you choose to rerelease your Demo Recordings in 1997?

The demo recordings-album was meant to be a limited release only. It sold
out quickly and I received so many nice letters from people wanting to buy
it, I decided to release it again.


Are you satisfied with the deal with GMR Music?

I really like working with GMR. It is a dynamic company who always puts
their interest in music first.


How was your participation in the church play «Sangen etter Maria»
that was performed at The Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim last year?

That was so much fun!!! I was working as an actress! I thought it was
going to be just singing, but it was acting as well. It was an honour to be
offered the part as Mary Magdalena, as she was the leading role in the play.
I was a bit worried about the religious side to it, as I do not see myself
in a church at all! But I told myself, it is just acting, it is not you.


Which are your absolute favourite vocalists?

My absolute favourite vocalist will have to be Diamanda Galas. She has
the most fantastice voice and her charisma I'd say is lethal! I went to see
a concert with her in London and she was amazing.

Is there something more that you would like to say?

Thank you so much for the interview!

GMR MUSIC HOMEPAGE: www.gmrmusic.se

 

Interview by Federico Marongiu

 

KARI RUESLÅTTEN - SOLO DISCOGRAPHY

Demo Recordings - CD (1995)

Spindelsinn - CD (1997)

Demo Recordings Rerelease - CD (1997)

Mesmerized - CD (1999)

Pilot - CD (2002)