5 Q&A With Stian Borgen
What was the creative process like for this particular "The Painter?"
I started out with this downwards bassline on the guitar, and started humming the hook-line. After a few rounds with this, I started singing some “gibberish-English”. I often do this when I write songs. In the beginning, I think I was more concerned with the sound of the words than the lyrics itself. And once I found a few hooks and phrases that sounded good, the lyrics and the meaning of it became clear to me.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for "The Painter?"
I found it difficult to get to know the painter. He is this seemingly self-righteous guy who is obviously trying to keep up a facade, but at the same time I could sense some genuine love that he proclaims for this Cassandra. He has some issues that I think many of us can relate to, and It gives him this childish appearance. When I finally could connect the dots – the childish façade, the honest love, and the cheerful themes in the music; that´s when the song became whole to me.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for "The Painter?"
I’ve had this song in the drawer for many years, and it was liberating to finally produce this with my friends in our studio. I´m so thankful for having the opportunity to work with these great musicians. The whole process had a good flow, but I think, when we recorded Øystein´s (the drummer) percussion and André´s Hammond organ, it really got that momentum and drive that it needed.
Who are your musical influences, and how have they impacted your songwriting style?
Songwriters like Paul Simon, Nick Drake, Paul McCartney, and Bob Dylan have had an important influence on this upcoming album.
And for this particular song, it´s no secret that Ryan Adams (the fantastic “Gold” album) has meant a great deal. I also think I can hear some Joni Mitchell on the acoustic guitar which was the foundation of the song.
How do you balance crafting relatable stories with maintaining your unique voice as a songwriter?
I think I always write with my voice, my sound, and my expression. In most cases it gets weird and at best I can gain some enjoyment myself. But sometimes I´m lucky enough to write something that others can feel something around, think something about or can relate to. Both cases are valuable to me.
