Interview – I’M KINGFISHER (THOMAS DENVER JONSSON)

LIVE: Could you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into music?

You know, I’m just a musician trying to pull some words and melodies together as good as possible. I’m from Sweden. I like animals and Father Ted a lot. I’m 32. I started playing music at 20 and I’ve currently made over 400 shows in 20 countries. So, I started with music a dozen years ago after being a passionate music lover for years. I guess one of the reasons to start doing music was the dream of someday doing a really great album that could stand the test of time. I once imagined playing also could be a good way to meet and impress girls but I’m back at the artistic intention again. Seriously Darren, I have to be realistic.

LIVE:Why do you go by the name “I’m Kingfisher” when performing?

Except for the Kingfisher being an extra super cool bird, I really like having sort of a band name now, even though I’m a solo act. My three first albums went under the name Thomas Denver Jonsson and I changed to I’m Kingfisher about a year ago and that was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Though I’m still very proud about those first few records, they kind of feel like sketches to me now. Like if it wasn’t until the work of my newest album ‘Arctic’ that my musical identity really fell into shape. So, the timing was right to do the name change then, in order to so to speak ‘do everything right from the start this time’.

LIVE: How would you describe your music to those who are not familiar with it?

It’s kind of a clash between indiepop and folk. It’s only me on stage (but I will compensate that by playing the guitar very hard). I’d like to place myself in the contemporary music scene but I can’t deny traces of classic songsmiths like Dylan and Springsteen as well.

LIVE: Who would you describe as your musical influences?

My absolute favorite artist of all times is M Ward. Having said that, I definitely aim nowadays to get as much inspiration as possible from music outside the singer/songwriter genre. First because I think it’s really beneficial for the music itself in order to try to find new angles and also because my own musical taste spans wide. At home, I mostly listen to droney instrumental stuff such as Mogwai, Earth and Helios along with pop acts such as Loney Dear, Sleigh Bells, Beach House and The National.

LIVE: You head to the UK soon, you must be looking forward to coming over here to play?

I very much do, sir. It’s always such a treat to come over to the UK, this’ll be my 6th tour in your country. I’m very excited.

You know, shows are always different no matter where they are and there are good and bad shows in Sweden as well as good and bad shows in UK. Still, to be able to go abroad for touring is one of the best things about writing and performing. I don’t take that for granted. Plus, UK has so many advantages compared to a lot of other places; the thrill of performing to an audience with English as native language, the music tradition, the friendly people, the humor and so on. One significant difference in Sweden and UK is also that in Sweden I often have so much trouble convincing the sound person to have my guitar up on a reasonable sound volume while in UK, people tend to know the importance of the instrument.

LIVE: You are playing Nottingham on May 27, what can people expect from your show?

I’m going to play songs from my latest album ‘Arctic’ and a bunch of songs from my forthcoming fifth album which I’m working on right now. One of the news papers here in Sweden reviewed one of my recent solo shows as “John Fahey meets Sonic Youth” and that describes my intentions pretty well.

LIVE: Will this be your first time performing in Nottingham or do you have any past experiences playing the city?

This’ll be my 4th show in Nottingham. Actually, when I did my Nottingham debut in 2007, I left the stage around halfway through the set cause I was annoyed about the audience talking. Funny, when thinking about it, that was a habit I had quite frequently that particular year only. It probably says a whole lot more about me than the audiences. I dont’t really defend that kind of behaviour but I can’t deny it was very beneficial for my confidence back then. I’m a much more accepting guy now though, can’t tell if that’s because me being more gentler, more harmonic or perhaps just more ear-damaged.

LIVE: Do you hope to have chance to explore the city while you are here?

I’d love to someday have a few extra days in Nottingham ’cause I really love the city but while touring you’re always short of time. I will arrive some hours before the soundcheck so I’ll see what I have time to do. Any suggestions?

LIVE: You are performing with Rob Maddison from local band Spaceships Are Cool, who you are good friends with, how did that come about?

It started with me and my girlfriend becoming huge fans of the Spaceships after hearing stuff on their myspacepage around 2006, I contacted Rob and that eventually ended up with him arranging a show with us together at the Maltcross. And yes, it was THAT particular show I mentioned earlier when I left the stage prematurely. Luckily it didn’t end with that, this’ll be our 5th show together, I had him coming over to play to Sweden last year and I also played at his wedding a few years ago. He’s a great friend and musician, I’m still a huge fan.

LIVE: Other than the tour what else are you up to at the moment?

After the UK tour, I’m flying directly to a week’s touring in Austria and Croatia. When I return home I will continue working with my upcoming album which I hope to have finished the recordings for towards autumn. I’m also looking forward spending as much time as possible off-tour in the Swedish woods this summer.

LIVE: Finally anything you would like to say to the Nottingham LIVE readers?

I would love to see people attend the show. It would mean a lot, It’s free entry and I’m all happy to share a drink afterwards and discuss music and get updated about how the Panthers have been developing lately.