Introducing Interview: Asbjørn

Hailing from Denmark, Asbjørn is now based in Berlin, busy creating unique and beguiling pop songs. Inspired by strong female role models such as Madonna and Beyonce, he feels the need to break away from gender norms and create an identity on his own terms.

With a new album out now, we caught up with Asbjørn to find out more about his inspirations and aims…

Hi Asbjørn! Please introduce yourself and tell us where you’re from?
Hey yo! Asbjørn. 23. From Aarhus, Denmark. Living in Berlin. Trying to make brave pop music.

What does the phrase ‘pop music’ mean to you today?
To me, pop music is defined by the ambition to unite people. What’s great about pop today is that it’s not something the major labels can create as concepts because fewer and fewer people are attracted to perfection. And that has triggered this new generation of pop that unites people on its own terms, not the mainstreams.

‘Pop’ used to be a dirty word but there are so many credible pop artists making a name for themselves these days – who have your influences been and who are they today?
It has never been a dirty word to me – I don’t believe in guilty pleasure, just pleasure. The mainstream has been a part of my musical upbringing, as well as African polyrhythms and folk music. Everything from Destiny’s Child to Angelique Kidjo and Ane Brun. Right now I am listening to Kindness, Blood Orange and Justin Bieber.

You’ve talked in the past about changing the way we think about the masculine ideal – can you explain a little more about this and if this messages reflected in your music?
Ever since I wrote my essay last year about this, it has been the something people have been interested in. It is not just past, it is present and very much future. How do we as men redefine our own ideal, you know? Growing up as a boy now and 30 years ago is not all that different, we still have a narrow stereotype to reflect, and I wanna contribute to a more open and diverse male ideal. I mirrored myself in women instead because I couldnt relate to the men in pop culture. Strong women have taught me to be a brave man.

Do you think it’s the same for women, i.e. what do you think of the ‘feminine ideal’ these days?
No, women run the world. They have created their own freedom and that’s what we as men need to do too.

Your latest video for ‘Scandinavian Love’ is brilliant – your idea to become a better lover via going through your past lovers. Was this your own decision – tell us a little more about the idea behind the video.
Thanks! It was very much a collaboration with Sylvie Weber who directed the video. The game show idea was just the perfect frame for telling the story, which in this particular song, isn’t very self-flattering. Wrapping it into this ironic, over-the-top and completely bonkers ’70s vibe, allowed me to take myself less seriously and just have fun.

Tell us about your album Pseudo Visions.
It is a fucked up pop album. I wanted to make something that embraced digital technology and analogue warmth. To tell about youth and sexuality in a personally self-exposing way. And I wanted to make it in a constant interaction with my audience, which is why I released it video by video and toured at the same time; looking at bodies and how they move to the music, people’s eyes and the vibe in the room has changed my approach to production.

What are your plans going forward?
Tour the world and never stop dancing.

Huge thanks to Asbjørn for answering our questions.

Pseudo Visions is out now via Sinnbus.