A Q&A with Comprehending

Solo math rock, from Sweden…

What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
My latest single is called ‘Try’. The name “Try” has kind of a double meaning. It signifies my attempt in making the song how I wanted it to end up, but the word “Try” is also the Swedish name of the plant that’s on the cover art.”

What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
When I wrote this song, I set a challenge for myself. I wanted to create a kind of catchy riff and then try to push it as far as I could without ruining its integrity. I’m a big fan of odd time signatures and music that makes you have a second listen because something caught you off guard. That’s what I set out to do for this song and it was also the hardest part to accomplish. What I ended up doing was starting off the song in this chill 4/4 synth beat and then as soon as all the other instruments comes in the song changes time signature to 11/8.

Who produced the release – what did they bring to it? If you produced it yourselves what do enjoy most about producing your own material?
I record all my song in my home studio, but for this song I got help with recording the drums from James Clark of the Australian band Florid and Sorry, he did a really great job so have an extra listen to the drums in this one! All my songs have been mixed by a friend of mine called Richard Stöök. He is also the one who convinced me to make Comprehending a real project and to release my music after I had recorded ‘Spring’. I’m really grateful he did! The mastering is done by another friend of mine called Leif Ekbergh. Without these people the song would have sounded really dull because I’m very bad at producing.

What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
I would like them to feel like they can relax and just let all the worries of everyday life disappear for a moment. I know a lot of people really need a sanctuary like that and if someone felt like that while listening to my music I would feel like I had really succeeded. Instrumental music is great in that way. The songs can mean whatever you want them to. I often set out to incorporate a base vibe to a song I write, like if I want it to sound happy or sad, but I let the listener decide the rest.

How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
Well, like I mentioned earlier I often come up with a challenge or a specific vibe or technique I’d like to use and then I try to follow that. But I’m also kind of bound to my own creativity. Some periods I don’t have any inspiration and at those times I hardly write anything. Then one day everything just drops and I can’t seem to stop writing new stuff.

What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
I would say TTNG, Delta Sleep and Enter Shikari. Enter Shikari is my all time favourite band and they are the ones who really inspired me to start using synths in my music. The other two bands are really great technical bands with really intricate guitar parts that has made me a better guitarist. They have also taught me a lot about how to write songs when it comes to song structure.

What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
I’m really excited to tour Sweden to be honest. Right now it feels like a not to far away goal and I’m working towards that. But after that it would be cool to go out in the world. I don’t have a certain country I would like to tour more than another, I just think it would be so cool to travel to other countries and meet people who know my music. The first time that happens will be such a huge deal to me!

If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
Even if I’m in the middle of promoting my new song “Try” I’d have to say that my song “Seasons” is a great entry song. It has a bit of everything. Nice guitar parts, sick drums and some of the best synth parts I’ve written. I think most people could find something to appreciate in that one. I also have a music video for that song which I directed.

What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
I would really like to be able to have this project pay for itself. You know sell my music and merch so I can use that money to pay for production. Aside from that I just want to have fun doing it, if enough people find my music good enough and wants me to come to different parts of the world to play for them then that would be a huge bonus, but I’ve always had the main focus of doing this because I think it’s fun!

Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Thanks for having me, it’s been a pleasure talking to you and the readers! I hope everyone will enjoy my music and feel free to stop by any of my social media, you are more than welcome. I also have merch over at my Bandcamp if any of you would like to support me further. Much love!

For more info visit: comprehending.bandcamp.com