Today, it’s time to explore the universe of Swedish pianist and composer Carl Liungman and his amazing debut solo piano album, “Born.”
This great album was recorded in the legendary studio of ABBA’s Benny Andersson in Stockholm, and, my God, it’s terrific. Liungman’s music is a mixture of neoromantic, neoclassical and minimalist styles which culminates in his ornate melodies and harmonies that just get to your heart strings.
From the peaceful calmness of ‘Walking the Shores” to the exciting energy of “Son”, every track on “Born” is taking you through an emotional trip. It feels as if Liungman is offering some of his soul when he gives each note he plays.
Now, you must be curious about who is the mastermind sitting behind the keys. Carl Liungman comes from a family that appreciates literary arts, but he discovered his true passion for music, listening to Keith Jarrett, Glenn Gould and Hans Zimmer who are all musical maestros. The creative process for Liungman is all about exploring, discovering, and keeping to himself at all times.
Here we are, then, about to make a plunge into the head of a genius. Here, we’ll find out the truths behind his artistic development, his dreams and even his ambitions. Carl Liungman is a maestro, storyteller, and he’s an obvious source of inspiration for all of us. Show him some hospitality!
Listen to Born below
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What is your stage name
Carl Liungman
Is there a story behind your stage name?
No, just being myself with my real name as a pianist and artist.
Where do you find inspiration?
Hard to say. Just by expressing my inner self freely by the piano.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
I started in my childhood to listen to The Beatles and Mozart. Later on I have got a lot of influences from Swedish Jazz pianists Jan Johansson and Esbjörn Svensson that blended folklore melodies and Jazz a lot.
I was also very amazed by the American Jazz pianist Keith Jarrett and his improvised Köln Piano Concert in a Neoclassical style, and of course I have been inspired by piano legends as Bill Evans. You see, all of those that inspired me in my early years was Jazz pianists. I have also been very much inspired by Glenn Gould’s Bach piano playing and more complex Classical piano sonatas for example by the Russian composer Scriabin.
Lately I have started to listen more and more to Neoclassical pianists as Riopy and Nils Frahm, and also have been very influenced by Hans Zimmer’s soundtracks. Must mention Coldplay – a great way of song writing and wonderful sound inspiring for me as a pianist.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
Not very much music, but a family of literature and writing and book publishing. My father is an author and translator.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
Am I a part of the music industry? Didn’t know that. I play the piano and let people hear it. The music industry of today is something else.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
I started playing the piano at home as a kid. I took both Classical and Jazz piano lessons. Later on I studied music history at the university and courses in classical composition as well as music production. I started working as a bar pianist. This job gave me both improvisational and formal note training and experience I now value very much.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
I don’t remember. Have not been much into concerts at all.
How could you describe your music?
Cinematic, neoclassical, impressionistic, expressionistic and minimalistic.
Describe your creative process.
Examining the piano keyboard and new combinations of chords and harmonic patterns and rhythms. I can find a melody and start working around it with minimalistic patterns and flow.
What is your main inspiration?
Don’t have a main inspiration. Just listen inwards.
What musician do you admire most and why?
Impossible to mention only one.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Of course it did. Hard to point out in what way.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
Nobody.
What are your interests outside of music?
Film history, architechture, design, media
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
Journalist
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
How the music industry is ruled by the major companies and that the concept of art is of no interest in the business.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
Making the industry democratic and equal and focused on creativity and art more than on solely on the money.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
”Born” was my debut album. It felt like a birth to me. And the album is about a person’s life from the birth to the end.
What are your plans for the coming months?
Starting to wrap up my fourth piano album ”Change”, after ”Born”, ”Shine” and ”Affection & Absence”. Change is in the air. We all feel it. Big change as well as change in our close relations and inside ourself.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans
No. But hit me. Anyone. 🙂
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Observe. And think for yourself.
