INTERVIEW BY : ÇAĞIN TÜRKER
Karl-Jonas Winqvist aka Blood Music lives and works in Stockholm Sweden. He started out as a songwriter, keyboardist and singer together with Jenny Wilson in the Swedish critically acclaimed and sometimes controversial pop and rock group First Floor Power. Not only was First Floor Power ranked as one of Sweden’s more innovative groups, but Winqvist has also got to be known as one of Sweden’s most personal and ingenious voices. The solo project Blood Music had started in 2001 and the much longed for album Sing a song fighter was first released in Sweden in September 2005 receiving a great number of positive reviews and was nominated for the best pop-rock album of the year at the Swedish Manifest Awards in Stockholm. The equally critically acclaimed second album Don Quite which contains 11 new written tracks by Karl-Jonas Winqvist was recorded in an analogue studio in Stockholm during a couple of weeks in 2007 with guest appearances including Simone Rubi from the Rubies and James Huggins from Of Montreal.
Blood Music was in Istanbul in May to play at Arka Oda. After a trip which seems to have been a great success, we catch up with Karl-Jonas himself to reflect on his life today and his short stay in the city.
How is it going in there?
In here (a small room that is hotter than hell) it’s fine. I have a nice glass of wine in my hand and a new born baby is sleeping next to me. From the stereo I can hear the music of Moondog. So, how can I complain?
What do you think about Turkey’s art scene?
I didn’t know much about it before I visited Istanbul..and now when I am back in Stockholm…I still don’t know much…Because it is quite a big country and to just stay in Istanbul for three days is not enough…I wanted to stay three weeks! But I could tell that Istanbul has a lot of activities and cultural happenings in different corners and I must say that the city is one of the most exciting ones I have ever been to.
Did you have any idea about us before Bant magazine? If you had what were you thinking about us? And after you came back there, any differences?
All I can say is: I wanna go back. Now, please. I went to a record store late in the evening somewhere in Beyoglu and found amazing Lps…that’s one little thing I didn’t expect to find. And all the friendly people guiding us here and there…
What do you think about Istanbul’s night life? Did u enjoy it?
Again, yes!! Kim Ki O. I missed the opportunity to see them play, but next time!! And there is so much good food in Istanbul. And the place Arkaoda!!
Describe your Istanbul concert with 3 colors.
The beginning of the concert was BLACK. Since my omnichord instrument blew up and died. Then it was RED since I had the pleasure of having two great turkish musicians helping me out on stage (bass+drums) and the ending of the concert was ALL COLORS TOGETHER since I was happy and did not want the night to end…
Tell me about your new projects.
There is a new Blood Music album being made at this moment. It will be finished this summer. It is the third album and it will be the best one I have ever been part of. Also I will play some shows with my older band first floor power..and then I have started a new instrumental orchestra called The Second Hand Orchestra that is based on my love for unique, weird and strange instruments. I wanted to buy a turkish instruments, but didn’t had the time to find one…next time, perhaps..
When will you guys come back?
No Idea. Hopefully soon.
Describe yourself with 3 fruits.
Three fruits? Oh…lime, pineapple and plum. That is me exactly.
When you are angry?
Early in the morning without any sleep… When things ain’t fair.
Sad?
When things ain’t fair. When people lack compassion or hope.
Happy?
When people have compassion and hope. Swimming. Making music. My son Julian makes me happy all the time.
Peace and love from Istanbul.
Peace and love back from Stockholm.
www.myspace.com/singasongfighter
www.myspace.com/firstfloorpower
