Inspired #197 - Maja Lena
Formerly of alt-folk band Low Chimes - Maja Lena has announced her debut album ‘The Keeper’, which will be released the 23rd July via Chiverin Records. Providing us with the first taster of that album with new single ‘Birch’, she took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind the track and her music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations?
Leonard Cohen: His use of language and his poetry, and his dedication to his work and writing - he put such an incredible amount of time, craft, care and investigation into his songs and writing. He’d go to such lengths for them.
The sea of depths to his voice - I can become totally lost in it as if I’m being carried out alone in a small boat into a vast sunset - the feeling gives me peace, comfort, consolation and grounding.
His attitude, wisdom, insights, wit and self deprecating humour. His modesty and his gentle grace.
His acceptance of life, death and defeat - he was fascinated like a painter with light, shade and shadow. Nothing was black and white, nothing perfect. He possessed a depth of scrutiny like a scientist too, and took nothing at face value or for granted.
How he was a highly spiritual seeker with no religion, an artist and poet in every fibre of his being, and possessed a deep sense of the irony and duality of life.
Patti Smith: Her writing and poetry, and the magnetic way in which she speaks, moves and performs.
Her energy, spontaneity, dedication, passion, fearlessness and boundless creativity.
Her gift for improvisation, and her nonconformism.
The photographs of her taken by Robert Mapplethorpe, and the incredible creativity that was between them in their relationship - I love what they created together as a result.
How true she is to herself and always has been.
Trent Reznor: His approach to sound and his creative use of pro tools/use of software as an instrument - he was an originator of using software to create ambience and atmosphere. A trailblazer for how the recording process can be approached, and one of the first to see the real potential of the digital age. The intense mood he can create is extremely evocative to me, and really stirs something within me. It can make me feel both restless and grounded at the same time.
How his music can be very minimalistic, yet so dynamic at once.
I love the combination of sounds he uses in his production. I find them addictive to listen to. The more I listen, the more his music affects me and speaks to me.
He also has an amazing ability to adapt creatively and sonically, and articulates himself very graciously.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
As with your first question, there are so many it’s hard to choose! But one that prominently comes to mind is ‘Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring’ by Kim Ki-duk, which my Sister Emily introduced me to:
The important life lessons in the film and reflection within these - the boy in the film is taught these lessons through learning to be a monk, but they could be applied to anyone as they are of universal themes - jealousy, detachment, love, faith, dedication, anger, cruelty, compassion, curiosity, personal growth, redemption, change..
I love the use of strong symbolism and metaphor in the surrounding nature. Of the one-room house/hermitage floating on a small raft on the lake, the two painted wooden doors that open to each new season in the film, framing the house and the beautiful boat they use to row to and from the house, and how the film centres around this.
The lack of dialogue - their actions do most of the talking, and for me this only strengthens the messages of the film.
The incredible scenery and imagery, and the framing of it. How the seasons beautifully and sometimes harrowingly mirror the events and segments of the film and circularity of life, and strongly tie in with them.
It is like an ever-changing artwork to me as well as a film, and the score by Park Ji-woong (JI Bark) is really magnificent and works in perfect harmony with the film.
What city do you find the most inspiring?
I lived in Brighton for a short stint when I was younger, and I met some wonderful and very creative people there that definitely inspired me. All I wanted to do was write, write, write, make things, play music, listen to music, talk about music, dance and create.. I also felt like I could dress however I wanted to and not be judged. I saw people wearing some incredible outfits there! I also saw a lot of great gigs and exhibitions there. I loved being so close to the sea and living in a small yet vibrant city surrounded by beautiful countryside, especially the rolling Sussex Downs.
I haven’t been there or to a city for a while now though! Ultimately nature is always my biggest inspiration, so usually the more out in the sticks I am, the more inspired I feel.
I’ve always been drawn to going to Tokyo also as well as Kathmandu - hopefully I can experience the reality of them one day! There’re many cities I’d love to go to, the list is endless!
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
Leonard Cohen for my reasons stated above.
Also my Mum & Dad -
The passion and time they put into their work and craft, and their talents
Their patience and encouragement
Their strength and energy
Their creativity and love of the arts
Their open-mindedness
The travels and adventures they’ve been on - they’ve done some amazing things, and lived in some incredible places!
My Dad also taught me to play guitar and is a brilliant player and singer, so that’s been very inspiring to me, as well as a lot of the music he and my Mum have introduced me to.
What were your inspirations when writing your new single?
The nature around me. I was projecting what I was feeling at the time onto it, and then saw that reflected back at me. In my mind I personified birch trees, a lake, the forest, the landscape. To me they looked how I felt at the time, and were moving in the way I was feeling.
How would you like to inspire people?
I wouldn’t like to presume that I would be inspiring people, but if I could, to work hard at what you love doing, even when it feels difficult. Try and be patient and give it time, and also try not to expect too much. More often than not, our lives do not work out as we hope or expect them to, but sometimes that can turn out to be a good thing.
Also to try and spread love and not hate, and to be respectful and kind to nature and to animals, as well as ourselves and each other.