Forever Still from Copenhagen, Denmark, is a good example of how a good European rock band cannot and should not stay local. The female-fronted band has recently released their first full length album titled Tied Down, and they are ready to unleash the rock “beast” of the north. Although, summer is coming… Maja Shining and her very talented musicians are bringing a raw and emotional in-your-face sound from freezing Scandinavia.
Maja’s powerful vocals, combined with atmospheric electronic beats by Mikkel Haastrup and Dennis Post, make Tied Down an album not to be missed. We spoke with the incredible Maja, who tells us everything we want to know about their new album and their upcoming tour.
It’s been almost two years since the last time we talked. What has changed all this time?
We’ve been to several new European countries in that time – UK, Italy, and later this year we’ll be going to Germany, as well, among others. We’ve released both the Scars and Save Me EP, and the new album, along with several new music videos. We’ve been growing our fan base significantly and also gotten some brand new musicians with us live, whom we can’t wait to get back on the road with!
As you said, you’ve just released your first full-length album with the title Tied Down. What kind of songs does it include?
Tied Down is a concept album that consists of 3 EP’s each with their own individual theme. Part I is the dark and dreary beginning, while Part II is an emotional roller coaster of ups and downs, and Part III is about letting go and setting yourself free.
Where did you find the inspiration for this album?
From within. All the music we write is inspired by personal emotion and experience and, subconsciously, a lot of different music both inside and outside of our own genre.
Why did you choose to name it Tied Down?
The overarching theme of the album is about being tied down by others as well as your own inhibitions, and it reflects on how to break free from whatever is keeping you down as well.
Which is your favorite track from the album and why?
It changes a lot – they’re all so different! “Scars” in a really great live track. I’m really emotional about songs like “Save Me” and “Tied Down” as well.
How was the experience recording it on studio?
That was great! We make our own recordings, so it’s really great to be able to manage your own time and decide whether you’re satisfied or if you want to come back and do something again.
Do you feel more confident as your fan base grows more and more every day?
Not confident, but I’m happy to see the music reach new people every day. That’s what we want to do – have the music reach a lot of people who’d love it or even need it and travel the world to meet them.
Who would be a dream collaboration for you?
We were asked to support Nothing More when they were in Denmark, but unfortunately we were playing another gig that night. I’ve thought of how we could make up for it, and a collaboration just might be the thing!
If there was one famous song you could “steal”, which would it be and why?
Right in this moment I’d pick “If You Go Away” (originally “Ne Me Quitte Pas”) by Jacques Brel.
Wow! Never saw it coming. I mean it’s an amazing song (both in English and French), but it seems so opposite from the songs you mainly sing.
I was inspired by this dark and dreary version from one of my favorite vocalists, Julie Christmas. And I think it’s amazing in so many ways. The lyrics, the desperation, and the mood and emotion of this particular version hits home for me.
Are you working on any new songs you can share a few details with us?
We’re always working on new songs! We’re already playing some of them live, so people who see us in concert will be some of the first to get a taste of what we’re up to. In my own words, I feel like we’ll be more dynamic and giving a bit more edge as well as aggressiveness.
What are your future plans? A tour to promote the new album maybe…
Yes, we just got back from the first part of the album tour called “Untied Tour” which started out in the UK and will continue in Denmark this month, followed by more dates around Europe.
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