Acclaimed Danish composer Frans Bak returns with his latest collection of transcendent vignettes. His compelling new album Piano is out on 29th May 2020 via Dharma Records.
The album is inspired by the love and saviour of the same piano he played on as a child. When his own kids grew up he didn’t have room for it, so he sold it. He later saw an advert in the paper selling that exact piano, so he bought it back. Playing on this piano again, Frans has revisited his childhood years and his love of creating simple and beautiful piano melodies whilst incorporating his extraordinary musical journey to date. Taken from the album is Frans’ new single Parting; a beautifully bittersweet slice of ambience that is filled with harmonically gorgeous interplays between the piano and stunning string quartet throughout. Talking about the single, Frans elaborates, “Parting is about saying goodbye to your loved ones. It was written as a song for a play for The Royal Danish Theatre – being sung at a funeral. The cellist Live Johannson and I have enjoyed playing together a couple of times – so I decided to make a special arrangement for this album.” Throughout the album Frans takes the listener on an undeniably immersive listening experience, constantly pushing boundaries and creating unique soundscapes in order to completely mesmerise with the help of his intricate storytelling charm.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Frans about the new single, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I always loved the melody and being a ”servant of the music” – in a way weird since I played in fusion and jazz bands with long fast solos when I started in the music business – but I have always been attracted to people who let the music speak instead of your own ego. In a way the style wasn’t that important for me – more that you could feel something important was at stake in the music. At the moment I’m very attracted to the piano music and am working on ideas for the next album already:)
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
I always played the piano – and when I lost my mother at the age of 18 I kind of escaped into the music – that was my safe place. Sharing my music with the audience gives me great joy.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
When I escaped into music at the age of 18 – I hated all kind of pop music my friends liked – Stevie Wonder, Beatles, Earth Wind and Fire etc – it was BeBop and then hardcore fusionjazz ha ha – so crazyJ – I was one of the piano players on the first Danish version of the show “The Lyrics Board”, and every time a disco tune came up, I had to fake my way through – since that was from the time where I only heard Charlie ParkerJ – Now melody is the king – and singing with people and feeling togetherness.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I wanted to take the next step in my “Sound of North” path – and focus on the piano this time.
What was the last song you listened to?
I just checked out Michal Price album Diary – great project:)
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I would love to lie – but honestly, I am so much interested in the content of the music and as long as I can be touched by mp3 files – it is fine with me – but please don’t tell anyone:)
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I use Spotify to find music – and for the last couple of months I have together with the label tried to update my streaming game – primarily on Spotify – don’t know why – it just seems like the standard?
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
There is so much great music out there – and to persuade people to listen to mine instead of the others doesn’t come easy to me:)
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
Thanks a lot for taking an interest in my music!!!
