Q&A: Mei River
☆ By Martina Taylor ☆
INTRODUCING MEI RIVER IS BEST DONE IN HIS OWN WORDS —or in this case, the one emoji that makes up his Spotify bio. It’s the hang loose/shaka gesture, and although simple it really does speak volumes. Making music under Mei River, Fredrik Eriksson’s brand of self-described emotional indie-pop is clean and cool, and much like the surfers would say, a vibe. With the release of his first EP Trees That Never Fall, the Sweden-based musician has proven himself to be a quiet powerhouse, wielding the forces of musical and visual minimalism. We checked in with the singer/songwriter to chat about visuals, inspirations and everything in between.
LUNA: First things first, how are ya? From what I understand Sweden’s COVID-19 experience has been pretty different than the rest of the world.
ERIKSSON: I’m good! I’m out in Stockholm’s archipelago right now, trying to work but the sun is killing me.
Yeah it’s pretty different, but it’s also difficult to compare to other places since I’m stuck in my studio in Stockholm. You see things on the news and read about what’s going on in the world, but its difficult to understand on a personal level you know? This year has just been too crazy.
LUNA: For those unfamiliar with your music, what are some of the key sonic elements shaping your sound?
ERIKSSON: Emotional indie-pop. Haha I dunno, its always difficult to try to explain or analyze your own music. Its just a mix of everything I like.
LUNA: Though simple, the video for “A Story About Getting Lost” is really well made and I’m sure was not so simple to make! Can you share a bit about the creative process for this video?
ERIKSSON: The most difficult part of that video was to not tip over the boat. Rule number one is to not stand up in a rowing boat haha
Honestly, we kinda free based it. We knew the location and the setting, everything else we kinda just went with. Keeping the balance and singing at the same time was pretty difficult. It was only me and Daniel (Daniel has made all the ERIKSSON music videos and art direction) who shot it - simple set up sometimes works the best.
LUNA: Why is it important for you to tap into the visual side of your music?
ERIKSSON: It’s fun! I love working on the visual identity, and I also think it’s important with how people perceive you on the first glance. People subconsciously decide if they like the music or not, even though they haven’t even pressed play.
LUNA: Your new EP Tall Trees That Never Fell explores a lot of topics surrounding adulthood and taps into an honest side of your music. What inspired you to writing about these topics?
ERIKSSON: I felt I needed to. If I'm going to go all the way with this project, I need to get out of my comfort zone with it. If I'm going to sing on the songs, I feel it needs to be 100% me. I don’t even think I’ve perfected it yet.
LUNA: Which track from the EP means the most to you and why?
ERIKSSON: I look at the EP as whole, all songs work together. I don't really have a song that I like more or is more important to me. But I would say that I saved ”A story about getting lost” as the last single to release because I felt that was the strongest one and the final nail in the coffin haha.
LUNA: Outside of musical influences, what were some key influences for this project?
ERIKSSON: Haruki Murakami. In the process of the EP I think I read 5 of his books. It was a great inspiration. I love the way he writes and how he flows within his stories.
LUNA: What’s been inspiring you lately?
ERIKSSON: I’m late. But I finished watching "The Last Dance” yesterday, that inspired me like crazy. What it really takes to be nr.1.
LUNA: You’ve co-directed some of your visuals, so moving forward are there any creative pursuits you’d like to explore more?
ERIKSSON: Yeah I would for sure love to do more visual stuff. I’ve done some screenwriting and would love to do something more serious in that realm. Video game development and writing a book is something I'm looking into...
LUNA: I know a lot is up in the air, but do you have any upcoming goals or plans you’d like to share?
ERIKSSON: Next project is already in the works, I want to keep it consistent. And I would of course want to get on the road and play some shows, travel the world and meet people!
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slowthai by Rosie Matheson 🤩 https://t.co/z7SDfFQ5iF
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RT @i_D: Ian Kenneth Bird photographs young punks on Polaroid: https://t.co/MKT0tMUqO9 https://t.co/a0tTl12ML5
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RT @AnOtherMagazine: #DreamHome – this isolated idyll in the mountains of Lanzarote 🌵 📸 via Nowness, photography by Clemence Blr 🔁 https://t.co/GUusdxD0cg
