Heave Media

Loney Dear Loves It All

Heave sits down with the singer-songwriter on the eve of his U.S. tour

Emil Svanängen (a.k.a. Loney Dear) walks across Ludlow Street in the rain with a backpack on and a black denim jacket that is somehow not rebellious looking at all.  He’s followed closely by a man of about sixty years who has a smile on his face and seems confused when I introduce myself.  Emil takes this opportunity to speak up for the first time (I’d had to lean in close when we shook hands).

“You’ll have to excuse my Dad.  He doesn’t speak much English.”  With this, he turns to his father, buys him a coffee and smiles as the elder waves and walks back into the streets seemingly with a purpose.  Emil continues, “My dad, he likes to come out and travel with me sometimes.  He’s going to see some sites while I do interviews for a bit.”

This is the first in a series of the most endearing things to come out of Emil’s mouth.  The man is exactly what you’d expect from the voice behind five albums (his latest, Dear John): soft, well-spoken, considerate, and downright interesting.

Coffees bought and settled down in a tiny café, Emil begins talking about his morning.  This is not a man who slacks when on tour far away from home.  By eight in the morning, apparently he and his father had already gained entry to the normally-guarded portions of the United Nations building.  Now in press mode, he quickly launches into stories of his first tour, alongside Kevin Barnes of Polyvinyl mates Of Montreal, an experience that not only introduced him to the United States, but to rock n roll and the indulgence of Mr. Barnes drunk on a beach.

He strays away from the debauchery of tour life, though.  His experience learning about American culture by watching seasons of The Simpsons on the tour bus takes a back seat in the mind of the introverted Swede.  When I ask about his writing process, he’s quick to admit that he doesn’t like to go out much, and that writing is good for that.  Only visiting a few different traditional jazz clubs while at home, he still records the majority of his music at home, confined and alone, pleasantly playing and experimenting until things are perfect.  He admits that he’s a perfectionist and that it is, at times, to a fault – only stopping to go out for the occasional meal or to prepare more tea.

Beginning a tour with Andrew Bird this spring, Loney returns to the states under the triumphant final installment of the John series.  We talked a bit about the recording of this album, decidedly more electronic than any previous effort.  He explained, “That’s just what felt right.  I tried to make everything sound right.  Like everything belonged.  If people think it’s accurate, that’s more important than what instruments I use.  I don’t know why they are so concerned with that.”  His touring band, with all of their combined talent, are given full reign over what they do with the new material, as he emphasized repeatedly that he doesn’t even want to attempt to recreate the album. 

With a full album of despair and redemption, Loney Dear seems more than excited about hitting the road again.  He admits that he likes home, but (and this was the best part), “I just like knowing I can go anywhere and meet all these wonderful people.  All over.  Just people that want to be nice.” 

Right on, Loney.  Way to bring the Swede mindset into the states.

Posted by Mark Steffen on Jan 27, 2009 @ 9:00 am