MORPHEUS MUSIC INTERVIEW - TOR LUNDVALL

25.10.06
     

Q: Which came first ­ your music or your art?  

My artwork matured first and came into its own in the early 90s. At that time, I was still torn between writing pop songs and recording my more ambient material. It wasn't until about 1995 that my music finally took on a unique character of its own.

  Q :  How would you say these two different aspects of your creativity have influenced one another?

 

They are constantly influencing each other, even more so in recent years. Some paintings and recordings even share the same titles, although the themes may sometimes differ.

     
             
Q : Tell us a bit about the recent album ­ Empty City ­ what was the goal with that album?   I didn't really have a specific goal in mind other than to attempt to create a musical setting for some of these images and memories I had. As the album developed, I found I was capturing the different personalities of a secret urban environment, and uncovering the events that go largely unnoticed when humans are present.   Q : What is the greatest satisfaction you get from working in this genre musically?   The creative process itself is always the greatest satisfaction. Knowing that I am doing exactly what I want, and that I am successfully creating something from nothing.
             
Q : How do you go about creating a track ­ what approach do you take?   I usually start by sampling random sounds around the house. When a sound or series of sounds interests me, I slowly build upon it until a piece of music begins to take shape. It's a similar process to painting, where elements are constantly being added and removed until there is eventually a sense of completion.   Q : Can you tell us a bit about your paintings ­ what inspires you and what media do you prefer?   I am inspired by everything from childhood memories and dreams to the landscape in all of its unique forms. I paint exclusively in oils. I love the feel of it and the smell of it. Acrylic paints are easier to handle and have a faster drying speed, but ultimately I feel that they have no life on the canvas.
             
 
      
Q :  What lead you to work in this particular style?  

My painting style simply developed, and is still developing, naturally over the years. I'm sure there is some Scandinavian genetic influence involved as well, but other than that my style is my own.

  Q : Who do you currently admire most in the worlds of music and art?  

I am more fond of musicians than most contemporary artists, however I greatly admire both the music and paintings of Robin Storey of Rapoon. Mark Nelson of Pan American and William Basinski are two of my other favorite music makers. Basinski's album "Melancholia" is perhaps the most beautifully effective ambient work I've heard to date.

             
Q :  What part does performance and exhibition play in your life ­ are these major driving forces?  

They play little part in my life now and are my least favorite aspects of the creative experience. Exhibitions can be useful in documenting a body of work created over a period of time, however I've discovered through a lot of experience that most galleries are only looking out for their own greedy interests, and care little about the art or the artist. Performing my music live also serves little purpose for me. Playing live would be the same as someone standing over my shoulder while I'm painting. It's annoying, nerve wracking and ultimately distracting.

   Q :  What can your fans look forward to in the near future?  

 

Certainly more music and more paintings. My next release will be a CDEP called "Yule" which will be available through Strange Fortune in late November.

 

           
         

The images here are small sections of two of Tor's paintings - the full images can be seen at The Electronic Music Mall HERE where we have a brief feature on Tor and his art.

Thanks to Tor Lundvall for kindly allowing us that interview.