Interview by Kris Griffiths
PHASE9 chats to Even Johansen aka Magnet in ‘talkative mood’ before his supporting gig at the Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
Where are you from originally?
Tromso, North Norway.
Whereabouts have you lived in the UK?
I lived in Newcastle then moved to Edinburgh and now London.
You’ve been playing nearly every night for the last month. Has the tour been going well?
Yeah, I’ve had lots of fun.
Have there been any stand-out gigs?
No, they all blend in to each other. Last night was good though.
The sound remains quite constant on your debut album, ON YOUR SIDE. Do you use any particular song-writing technique?
No, I think it’s better not to have one process otherwise things become stale.
The single THE DAY WE LEFT TOWN is probably my favourite track on the album, alongside the Bob Dylan cover, LAY LADY LAY…
Yeah, that’s going to be the next single.
Do you have any particular favourites off the album?
Favourites change all the time. For me they’re all equally important.
What kind of stuff did you listen to when you were growing up?
The stuff you listen to when you’re young has the biggest influence on you. I listened to a lot of Disney music.
Anything interesting behind your name?
No, it’s just a boring old story. It was just going to be my own name.
How is your current status in Norway compared to that in the UK?
The record is out in Norway and is doing very well.
Are there any Norwegian acts we should be keeping an eye out for?
Yeah, Ralph Myers and a garage band called Captain Caliber. They’re doing really well back home.
Are there any other bands you’ve been listing to recently?
Er, I’ve actually been listening to The Cardigans a lot.
Do you have any pre-gig routines?
Yeah, just lots of warming-up exercises for my voice.
What are you up to for the rest of the year?
A summer holiday back home. Then probably some more touring.
Thank you for talking to PHASE9.
