Q&A: TELOS VISION Illuminates 'Traces Of Light' and the Swedish Music Landscape
IN THE RHYTHMIC HEARTBEAT OF SWEDEN’S MUSIC SCENE - TELOS VISION emerges as a distinct luminary, weaving his sonic tapestry with influences ranging from George Harrison to the contemporary brilliance of Big Thief to create his latest album, Traces of Light.
As a multi-instrumentalist, TELOS VISION wore many hats in the creation of Traces Of Light. From writing and recording to mixing, he unveils the peaks and valleys of his creative process. The album, born amidst the quietude of the pandemic, explores a broader sonic palette, amplified by newfound time and the addition of two synthesizers to his repertoire.
Dive into the unique sonic universe of TELOS VISION as he candidly shares the challenges, inspirations, and creative choices that culminate in Traces Of Light.
LUNA: How has your experience collaborating with prominent artists in Sweden influenced your approach to creating your solo album, Traces Of Light?
TELOS VISION: I started when I was about 18 to reach out to artists that I had listened to growing up asking if they would play with my band, and noticed that they, just like me, just wanted to be involved in fun projects and make music with people. So that has sort of stuck with me since then and I’ve grown to be a part of a cool network of musicians in Gothenburg. I learn so much working with other people, things that I can take into my own creative process. Sometimes it’s really specific production or songwriting things, but a lot of the time it’s just good to talk to other music creators and in that way get a better mindset and be prepared for making my way forward in the music landscape.
LUNA: Being a multi-instrumentalist, you've played a significant role in writing, recording, and mixing your upcoming album. Can you share some insights into your creative process and how it has evolved over the years?
TELOS VISION: It really has a lot of ups and downs being by myself. Some days nothing works out and I hate everything I do, but some days I do things that I feel are great. A few years ago when I was making music I didn’t have a lot of patience. When I had written a song and recorded it I wanted to rush to the next step and release it. Now I don’t care if a song takes a month or more to get right, I can really be at ease with that. I think that has improved everything I do. I can zoom in and zoom out on my work and notice new things that I want to try, just by letting it take time.
LUNA: The new album seems to explore a broader sonic palette with more space and synths. What inspired this evolution in sound, and how do you think it enhances the overall listening experience?
TELOS VISION: This album was made during the covid pandemic. What inspired it the most I think is that I had so much time on my hands. And I had bought two new synths. Lots of time with cool instruments can really change things! I think it improves the listening experience. I wanted it to sound like a record that had a big budget, even though I made it in a basement. Someone said it sounds “expensive”, and that was a goal sonically.
LUNA: As a solo artist, what challenges did you face during the creation of Traces Of Light, especially considering the shift from collaborative work to a more independent musical journey?
TELOS VISION: The hardest thing when I’m on my own is to decide when something is done. By the end of recording and mixing I needed to send some songs that I wasn’t sure about to people I trust and ask them if they thought it was missing anything. I was going insane over some small details so I started letting people in a bit.
LUNA: "Wake Up" is the lead single from your album, and the music video is sick. Can you delve into the creative concept behind the music video?
TELOS VISION: It all happened really fast. I have some nice instruments and audio equipment, and the people I share studio with also have nice stuff that I borrowed from. I wanted the video to reflect the recording process, and have me play all the different instruments. It also shows how everything around me disappears when I’m working in the studio. I have no idea how to make a video look good, but I just explained my idea to Ib who made the video and he turned it into reality. Really happy with the result!
LUNA: Your music often draws inspiration from artists like George Harrison, Jonathan Wilson, and The War On Drugs. How do these influences manifest in Traces Of Light, and are there any new influences that shaped this particular album?
TELOS VISION: I’m really inspired by the process of recording a whole album yourself. There are a few collaborations on this record but 90% is me. So I like to look at other people who do it the same way. It’s just such a special way of working, really slow and really developing. Paul McCartney did it during the lockdown, that really inspired me to keep on going! Since a few years back I almost exclusively listen to new music, and there is so much great stuff being released these days. I always find new music and add to my inspirational playlists. Maybe the best band out there right now in my opinion is Big Thief, who seem to be getting everything right on their releases…
LUNA: Traces Of Light is a culmination of a year's work. What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take away from this album?
TELOS VISION: I really don’t think about that when I create. I like to make songs that feel right to me and see music production more and more as a craft, which I’m sure sounds boring! When I write a song it all happens in the moment and I try to capture what I feel within the lyrics, but then there are like another 50 hours of work to finish the song, so it’s hard for me to rely on emotions when recording. But the record is about feeling alone and waiting for better times. So maybe each song could be a snapshot of what life was like a couple of years ago.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for the rest of the year
TELOS VISION: We are touring with Graveyard all over Sweden now, which I’m really psyched about! Each show is really fun and a great opportunity to play to new people. I’m also recording new music and working with other people in my studio. Just trying to focus on music in different ways as much as possible.
