Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: Im from a tiny place called Ørsta, Just about in the middle and on the West side of Norway. Big steep Mountains, and big fjords. Where country music dominates, and old cars with tinted Windows drive around in the streets with massive car stereo playing everything from Martin Garrix to Dolly Parton. Cozy place with hell of alot of drama. And if there are not any drama, we got everyone that loves to make it. Thats why all the country bands always have Great storys to write about. I started out producing music when i discovered avicii on future house magazine on YouTube. I downloaded my first daw, and then it all started.
Q: Did you have any formal training, or are you self-taught?
A: Pretty much self taught.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name ‘Volléstad’?
A: i would say Avicii, and Calvin Harris. Volléstad is my last name, and since all the helmets and facemasks are Taken, i figured i could always Just be myself. That also works in the modern world i guess.
Q: Your new single, ‘Never Meant To’ is out now and we think it’s amazing. What was the songwriting process for the track?
A: Hey guys! first of all, Thanks for the approval and that you guys want to write about my music. i’ll try my best to answear. Almost all of my song writing “sessions” start the same. Some sort og rutine and dedication have been a key for me the last 2 years. Every Morning when i Wake up, i get out of bed. I walk down to the kitchen and i make a fresh can of coffe. Im also a proud dad to a 7 year old boy, so when he is with me i might do the drop off to school Before i get started. When i get home i slowly walk back up into my livingroom upstairs, that i have turned into my personal space, “My get away” corner in the house. “Never Meant To” was actually written in a very short period of time, and when i had the instrumental where i wanted it, i decided to send it over to one of my my go to vocalist and friends over in Canada, Bobby John. Talented as always, he quickly laid down some incredible lines, after me telling him about the consept. After i got the vocals i contacted Henning Svoren at Ocean Sound Recordings in Ålesund Norway. Ocean sound is a well known Music Studio that have worked with Kygo, A-ha, Astrid S, Swedish House Mafia and alot of big producers and artists. Since i still feel my mixing is still on the amateur stadium, i always use the guys that have the passion for this, to make it sound the best. No point in making a Great song with a good story if it sounds like you are inside a bucket listening to it. Figure of speech. I Have found my passion in writing the songs, i need to finish my instrumentals fast when i get the idea in my head. And move on to the next one when im on my creative rollercoaster. After spending 12 hours at Ocean Sound Recordings working with the studio “Never Meant to” was done. The week after i made “Leave Me Alone” with Tyler Sjöstrom as “Okafuwa” Also one incredible artist i have worked with and still work with on New projects.
Q: What is the message of your music?
A: I write about my personal feelings and my life. But i really think alot of People can relate to the music and lyrics. Atleast i really hope they are. If i can impact someone with my music that’s Just amazing.
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: Im working on 1 album that Will lean towards pop, chill and some Deep house. And also i have alot of funky pop tracks. So i might Just end up releasing 2 albums.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: Honest, and i always think alot about the story behind every track.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: As an independent artist you get exited Just by one New follower, and seeing a playlist by a fan where it’s on repeat. Like deadmau5 Said in Masterclass: If you can impact Just one person with your music, it’s pretty much Worth it. My goal is offcourse maybe one day be able to work with Music full time. But until then i’ll Just write music and share when i feel like it.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: i start with the piano roll.. Sometimes the bass line.. Or some vocals i find on YouTube in a key i like, and i write a New instrumental and remove the vocals and find another singer. Works for me.
Q: If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
A: I honestly feel More unknown artist should be able to shine in the spotlight, remove the “hidden” power from the big labels beeing in charge of whats on the radio, what gets in the newspaper and get paid more fair by all the major streaming platforms. They say in the 50′ 60’s until the 80’s you could pay to get on the air. I honestly think it’s still like that. It’s Just more hidden. And tabu talking about it.
Q: You hail from Norway. What is the music and live scene like there?
A: Norway is a incredible place to make music. We have so many talented artists here, and Great studios. Consider we are a tiny country.. We actually have alot of names on the big Main stages. Dance Music, Country music, folk music. Alot of big and small festivals all year round and it Just keeps getting better i feel.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: Beeing independent, getting on the radio in Norway with my pop track “Distracted” Was a proud moment. And beeing able to mix and master my latest single at Ocean Sound Recordings was a dream Come true.