Interview: Christian Hjelm (Figurines)
It's always exciting to see an unproven band play their first show on US soil and Denmark's Figurines were no exception. Despite numerous delays and distractions from well-wishers, I was able to finally pin frontman Christian Hjelm down for a short interview following their debutante performance at Seattle's Crocodile Club. I know it's not much, but at least it's something.
- Avi Roig
AR: Good show! So, how do feel it went?
CH: I feel pretty good, I think it was fun.
AR: Tour's going okay? Have you been reading any of the press you've gotten?
CH: Yeah, I feel good 'cuz the stuff I've been reading has been pretty good.
AR: Do think they're getting it?
CH: Yeah, I think... I don't know. I mean, it's our first time here. The first time we have an album out here. So far the press I've reading, the reviews have been very positive. I think that's cool - it's a good start for a band like us that's not from around here. I think reviews and good press and stuff like that, I think it's important for a band like to even be noticed. If they get it or not, I don't know. I'm not sure.
AR: I see a lot of reviews comparing you to Modest Mouse, The Shins. Do you think that is true, that it's valid?
CH: I've heard so many bands in the reviews compared to us. I've heard Modest Mouse, Velvet Undergound, Shins, Pixes, Sebadoh... just like tons of bands. I've heard Neil Young, The Strokes...
AR: All over the map!
CH: It's funny. I just thought it was funny. I guess we have a bit of everything in a way and just create our own thing. I think that's how it is for all bands, all the music you listen you to your life. Just trying to give something back, you know?
AR: What are your main influences?
CH: Main influence? I dunno. My record player has been broken for over half a year now. I've been listening to a lot of Beach Boys actually.
AR: So what first inspired you to pick up the guitar and start playing?
CH: It was Creedence Clearwater Revival. That was when I was like 12 years-old. That was why I started playing guitar.
AR: So how has the response been so far? Is it different from when you were starting out back home in Denmark?
CH: I don't want to compare because in Europe we're at a completely different level. We're starting from the bottom and we've tried that before. It's hard work. We know that, we're not naive. It's touring, positive reviews, airplay... you know? A lot of factors that need to add up.
AR: What do think that you do that makes you different and helps you get ahead?
CH: I'm not sure, it always hard to tell with your own music.
AR: So then, what do you think you have to offer to the world?
CH: A tight-played band with some good melodies and a good vibe. We're doing what we think is right and we hope that people like it. That's cool. If they don't, it's a shame. They are missing out.
AR: What's next for you then?
CH: Well, we have this tour here. Then we are going to play some gigs back home. And then we're gonna do some demos for the next album and then we're gonna come back to the US for three weeks during the summer. I think we're probably going to start recording like probably late fall and probably release spring 2007.
AR: Do you already have songs put together?
CH: Yeah, I have a lot of ideas. I've been working on songs since we were done recording "Skeleton". I'm excited about it.