Image credit: Marie Wahlström

Thoughtful Indie Folk musician Land Of Trees released a new single ‘See The Fire Dancing’, under Land Of Trees Music. The Swedish musician’s love of nature was first captured in his poetry, afterwards, this love was immersed in his music. The new single is a beautiful rendition of the immersion like an ode to life through its incredibly motivating lyrics and soothing vocals, together with the piercing notes of the banjo. 

Stream / Download: Land Of Trees – ‘See The Fire Dancing’

Marcus Friman’s (aka) Land Of Trees’ vocals in the track echo like a wise prophet’s outcry in a desolate land, and the result is that the listener is left wanting more from Marcus than just the single. The listener of the new single intent is to embark on a pilgrimage with the creator of ‘See The Fire Dancing’. Continue reading below for the full interview with Land Of Trees. 

The title of the single elicits joviality that can change a bad day into a good day. How did ‘See The Fire Dancing’ change your life?

Like most of my songs, ‘See The Fire Dancing’ is a reflection of my life and how I need to keep the words in that song close as a reminder that we create our own destiny. To lose hope and the thought that we can design our own happiness is a dangerous path to go down. It’s a reminder to not lose what is dear to us in terms of love, compassion and integrity. 

What message does the single aim to share?

I think that should be a question for everyone who feels touched by the song. I write songs for others to reflect over and resonate with. 

I wrote the song when I found some perspective after a period of self-doubt and despair, so I guess I was trying to tell everyone as well as myself that there’s always a fire burning. It’s up to me, you and everyone else to embrace that burning fire because no one benefits from neglecting that source of power to change the world for the better. One act, one word at a time.   

Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?

I would say music was just everywhere, from me being jealous of my sisters’ new cool Sony Walkman and bulky headphones to sitting in front of the Cassette/CD/Vinyl/Radio rack trying to burn whatever fancied us on the radio (which meant no intros to any of the songs). I would get really hung up on music in movies and video games too, Music was like the soul of the earth to me, and I guess I still see it that way. 

I never really thought of recording music and certainly not playing live when I was younger, but when I realized the importance music and writing songs and poems had to my well-being and life it just came naturally. I knew the importance it had and without a doubt, I began pursuing it.

Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?

Writing is my way of processing emotions, thoughts and events. As I expect all songwriters do.

I don’t really sit down to write a song but rather spontaneously write when a melody or beat, some words or an idea comes to me. 

If a text starts running through my mind, I want to try and write it down instantly and if everything’s working I get into a flow and finish the lyrics (except for slight alterations) in 5-10 minutes tops. 

It’s like quietly freestyling without an audience. 

Then I want to put those words to use so I grab an instrument, most likely an acoustic guitar or my banjo and most of the time I can find a sound/mood that fits the lyrics well. Other times it’s the other way around and I find something I like whilst improvising on an instrument and the lyrics come knocking. That’s how I write music. 

After that my talented friend and fellow Land of Trees instrumentalists Christoffer, Maria and Johan add their magic which is the craziest thing ever to me. They understand what I’m trying to say and then they add to that feeling. It’s really one of the most rewarding feelings I’ve ever felt!

What gets your creative juices flowing?

I like to find perspective and rattle the mind a little bit. Travelling and hiking often give a great perspective but so does finding inspiration in someone else’s art. I can find so much hope and inspiration in someone who expresses their story/emotions/thoughts through dance, painting, speaking, singing, acting, photography, filming etc.

As a musician, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

I wish more people would lean on their love for something rather than the checks. I get that you have to pay rent and all that but whatever happened to build something you love in order to eventually make a profit because it’s so darn loved and (hence) good that other people wouldn’t hesitate to support it? 

I guess times always change and most payments take to the clouds nowadays but if I could make a wish I’d ask for more people to invest their money in what they genuinely love and have some integrity instead of just going with the flow. Find what you love and cherish it! If you have that integrity and know what you love already, thank you for stepping up

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?

Performing for sure! 

I love recording with my best friends, but if I had to choose I would rather bring my squad around the world and include an audience of passionate souls than sit in the studio sending songs out. We record music so people can listen to it when we’re not in town, but that’s just a substitute for the real thing. Nothing beats live music.

What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?

Tough question!

I have shared some pretty intimate moments where someone or even a few people in the audience have teared up as we lock eyes and to me that means I’ve touched them deeply. They tend to stick around after the gig and talk too, which is wonderful. 

Karla Harris writes for When The Horn Blows, and her thoughts on my music have gotten to me every time. It’s inspiring really.

What’s on your current playlist?

I like listening to albums so here are a few:

1. Pink Moon – Nick Drake

2. Collections From The Whiteout – Ben Howard

3. Little Disappearance – Sam Lynch

4. There’s No Leaving Now – Tallest Man On Earth

5. KIWANUKA – Micheal Kiwanuka 

6. Planet Waves – Bob Dylan

7. Blood on the Tracks – Bob Dylan

Then there are times when I listen to Stormzy, Sia, 2pac, Bad Religion, Jack Johnson, Cinematic Music, Skate Punk and Surf Rock as well, so don’t think you have me pinned down just yet!

Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you in the near future?

Well, now the cat is out of the bag…the first single “See The Fire Dancing” is here!

We have another single and a full album coming in the near future and this time around I’m focusing more on videos as well, so we’ll see what that means. Of course, we want to play as many live shows as we possibly can and perform our new songs too.

Famous last words?

Love or lose.

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