Introducing #140 - Slopes
Let us introduce you to dynamic new artist Slopes - who has just shared his breath-taking music video for latest single ‘Prove Them Wrong’. He took a moment to talk to us about his music.
Hey SLOPES, how are you? So, your debut track is out now, how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
It feels incredible to finally have the song out! I’ve known about this release for more than a year and now it’s happening!
It is called ‘Prove Them Wrong’ - can you tell us what it is about?
It’s about intense, young and naïve love that didn’t stand the test of time. A young couple were certain that they would prove everybody wrong – that they would stick together - but well, they didn’t. In a sense the song is really, really sad, but the chords and the tone language have sort of an uplifting vibe that makes you go: “Okay, it wasn’t us, and that’s okay”.
Where are you from? What are your favourite things to do there?
I’m from a suburb just outside Oslo, Norway. It’s an ordinary place with loads of ordinary people. When I go back home, I like to imagine what my life would’ve been like if I had chosen a different route and didn’t pursue music. I’ve never had a “real” job and haven’t worked a day in my life doing anything other than music. Going back reminds me of that fact, I guess. Other than that I just like to hang out with my dad and my sisters – maybe go for a hike up in the hills looking down at the suburbs.
What are your earliest music memories?
Probably listening to my dad play the guitar and improvising some weirdly sounding vocal gibberish on top. My dad isn’t a skilled singer or guitarist, and he prefers to play without anyone listening. But he likes to sit and improvise, and there’s something really captivating about the way he plays. When I was little, I thought it sounded truly magical, and although I now can tell it’s not very good, at least in a technical sense, I still think there’s something unique and enchanting about it.
What or who are your key musical influences?
I’m drawn towards music that is dark and melancholic, yet somehow uplifting at the same time. Jeff Buckley is probably my biggest idol in that respect. A lot of people know his cover version of “Hallelujah” (originally by Leonard Cohen), but the rest of his catalogue is in my opinion massively underrated. Whenever I listen to “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” – arguably his best song – I don’t know if should feel sad or bitter or nostalgic or whatever, but in the end, all of that melancholia just leaves me feeling elevated somehow.
How would you describe your music to someone who has never listened to you before?
Raw, naked, honest, melancholic and uplifting.
Now your debut track is out there, what next for you?
Firstly, I’m looking forward to releasing the music video, which will be out soon. Spoiler: I’m falling down through a hole in the ice into a freezing lake. I actually had to do that for real – several times - and it was insanely cold. Secondly, I have loads of songs ready that I’m looking forward to show everyone, and finally, once the world opens up, I can’t wait to finally go out there and play the songs live. I’ve put a band together with some incredibly talented musicians, and it’ll be a blast.