Words By Joey Rochert.
Hello, Vinyl Floor, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Funhouse Mirror’, what is the meaning?
Thomas Charlie Pedersen: The lyric has different layers for sure. On the surface it´s about a circus coming to town, trying to push peoples´ limits and slowly changing their behavior and way of thinking. They do so by means of provocative songs and rude poetry. Before the town wakes up and realizes it, it has been taken over by the squad. This is something that came to me in a dream and the three verses were quickly written down in the morning. It´s also the title of our new record and it just seemed to kind of encapsulate what the album is about.
Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?
Probably not very modern choices but Neil Young comes to mind. He´s always followed his own path and couldn´t care less if people like it or not. Also, he´s not afraid of failure. We are inspired by his approach to music and the business. Musically, Wilco also comes to mind. What a great band. Knights of the great songwriting preservation society. Not many left!
What is the best thing about being a musician in 2022?
The only good thing about the world going crazy is that there’s plenty of stuff to write about. Running our own label also allows us the freedom we need to write what we want. Also, communication is easier than it used to be. You got all these social platforms and ways of conveying your message. It also frightens me, though.
Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?
It depends. I almost always prefer to write at home at the piano or with a guitar in hand. All my melodies and chord progressions tend to appear this way when I´m just noodling about. I also carry a lyric book at all times because lyrical ideas seem to come anytime and at random places. But no matter where I do the writing, one thing is certain. I need to be alone. I´m not great to collaborate with because I prefer to at least start out working on basic ideas on my own. I don´t know. It´s kind of a safe haven for me, I guess. And I get to shut out the outside world and allow myself to enter a different state of mind where anything is possible.
What is your first memory of music?
That´s a Bob Dylan record. ‘Infidels’. I was 3 years old when it came out in 1983. My dad bought it and I thought the singer had a funny voice. Also I liked to dance to the great beat from the song ‘Jokerman’. I really dug the chorus so that one song was probably my first love regarding catchy choruses.
Photo Credit: Vinyl Floor.