Q+A: 5 minutes with Sindresu
Sindresu is a Norwegian artist who is well-versed in the craft of music. Having learned violin, guitar, and piano in his earlier years, he has grown to pursue a career as a producer, dabbling in aspects of Tropical House and Pop. Having previously signed music with the Stockholm and LA-based record label LoudKult, he has created a feel-good record that we can liken to the emotive style of industry legend Kygo.
‘Daydream’ offers insight into Sindresu’s artistic outlet. The producer tells us that he wrote the record in his head while he was in a state of declining health. “Daydream is about escaping reality during dark times and is inspired by a difficult period in my life,” he says. Finding solace in art, he has shared the fruits of his struggle with listeners. Let’s explore his world a little further:
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
Nothing compares to the moment when you get a good idea and hear it come to life.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
I’m still discovering new ways to start my projects, so it varies all the time. It can start with a melody that’s stuck in my head, chords from jamming on the piano, or a simple line of lyrics even. Most often it starts with an idea.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
I actually have one release out with my talented producer friend Axel Wikner. We wrote an Avicii tribute together named ‘Listen Now’, which we released in August, and we might have some more projects coming also! We have a brand new shared artist account named Scandinavia, so I guess that is a small side project.
What’s on your current playlist?
A lot of chill R&B and soul-pop with summer vibes. Really into the sounds of Labrinth and Daniel Caesar, for example.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
When I was five years old and played the violin in front of my whole town as well as when I was ten playing guitar solos, the chemistry was intense. Although I haven’t been on a stage since and never touched a DJ set. Maybe in the future, I’ll get to relive my childhood rockstar days!
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
A technique I use a lot is layering lots of different sounds together to create a unique combination. I also love to experiment with chords to create original characteristic chord progressions. I like to think that the chords are the soul of the track and that they shape the melodies. So a cool catchy melody is reliant on a great chord progression.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
Nowadays I have so many ideas and ongoing projects, so I work mostly with finishing tracks and getting the perfect arrangement and sound design. My recording studio consists of a desk beside my bed and my days are highly unscheduled.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
When Covid hit in 2020, I was ready to start my master’s degree in Engineering in Melbourne, but since the travelling restrictions kept us from leaving Norway, I suddenly had a lot of time to spend on making music. And it made me realize that it was what I wanted to do.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
I haven’t really had time to discover new music lately, unfortunately.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
No idea. I haven’t figured that out yet actually. Both difficult times and happy times can inspire great lyrics and melodies in my experience. An approaching deadline also helps though!
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
I have a cheap Acer from 2014 that probably should have been upgraded three malfunctions ago. Additionally, I have a basic midi keyboard and headphones. Regarding software, I use FL studio and for synths, I use solely digital plug-ins like Massive, Nexus, Serum, Omnisphere and Kontakt.
Any side projects you’re working on?
No, I have more than enough work to do with my main projects.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
In the beginning, I tried to copy the sounds of Kygo and Avicii, but after a while, I started getting a lot more various influences and my sound developed accordingly.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
In 2023, I have tons of tracks coming, which I’m really looking forward to. I also have hopes of releasing an album. I’ve got tons of lyrics and melodies that are waiting to be finished and released.
Famous last words?
“Keep procrastinating; you can always start tomorrow.”
Follow Sindresu:
Facebook – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify – TikTok
Image credit: Sofia Falck
