Interview with Philip Ekström of the Mary Onettes

[photo by Gunnar Björling courtesy of Labrador Records]

The year 2008 is one singer/songwriter Philip Ekström of the Mary Onettes won’t soon forget. The deaths of friends and close relatives led Ekström to focus on the lyrical content that would appear on the band’s sophomore album, Islands. Two of the songs were written in his girlfriend’s mother’s Stockholm estate shortly after her death. If that wasn’t enough misfortune to deal with, the computer which contained five or six completed songs for the album was later stolen. Would you believe me if I told you that the band’s back-up drive failed after that? I’m not sure about you, but this might have been enough for most to consider a different path to travel. Ekström recently took some time to answer a few questions about the new album, how the title was chosen, and the inspiration it took to continue its creation despite the continual setbacks.

Kip Gasparick: What should our readers know about your new album Islands?

Philip Ekström: I like to think of it as an extension of the debut, but with small changes. A bit more glimmering and more organic in some ways. We have done a few changes in the instrumentation as well. And it’s more personal and different when it comes to the lyrics for me. Once again I produced it with help from my brother (Henrik). We recorded it in our little studio in Gothenburg called House Arrest. This time we got some help from a string quartet. They basically did all the strings for the record, and me and my brother arranged it. It was a thrill to do it that way. We work mostly with synthesizers so it was nice with variety. And we also used a child choir for the Disappearance Of My Youth, that was magic for me to see those kids sing those words!

KG: Why did you decide to call the album Islands? What was Johan Angergard’s (Labrador Records founder) reasoning for suggesting the same title?

PE: I’ve had that title in mind since a year back. And suddenly Johan suggested it, and I was really surprised by that. So we decided we had to choose that name, like it was meant to be. I really think it sums up the atmosphere of the songs. Every song is like a little island, of great importance.

KG: While I don’t let them control my life, I pay close attention to signs… it was bad enough your computer was stolen, did you ever think of throwing in the towel after your back-up drive failed?

PE: No that was never an option. I’m really dedicated to what I do so I just did all over again. It took some time and energy but I’m glad I did it.

KG: How long did it actually take before you felt inspired enough to start the process over?

PE: A few months after the incident I realized it was time to begin the process again. We did a few really great live shows that also made me realize that I wanted to record the new songs again. It was a trigger.

KG: Speaking of inspiration…most people usually move away from their hometowns to find it, I recently read you actually return to yours (Jönköping)? Is it mostly the familiarity with your surroundings and comfort of family?

PE: There’s so many places and memories from my hometown that I recall when I write my music. This is a process for me. I need this in order to find energy and material for my songs. Sometimes I just take my car and drive around my hometown for a while before I go into the studio, makes me feel good.

KG: How many of the songs on Islands are re-recordings of what was lost? How did the re-recordings change the songs?

PE: Five new songs and five re-recordings. Felt like a good formula!

KG: Did the songwriting process for the album change with your brother Henrik’s increased involvement in the studio this time around?

PE: The songwriting didn’t change much, but It was very good to have someone who could tell me when to stop and when to feel satisfied with what I do. I have a bad habit sitting too long with the songs. He’s a really good complement to my manic studio syndrome!

KG: Was there ever a point that you considered cutting “Cry For Love” and “Disappearance Of My Youth” from the track listing because the songs were too personal?

PE: In some point I felt that the whole album was too personal! I took me some time to realize that this was actually going to be a record. I didn’t want it to be analyzed and reviewed because people would never understand you know. But now I feel different, I don’t care too much about what people say about the lyrics or the album. The album was my way to recreation!

KG: What’s the most important life lesson learned Islands delivers to its listener?

PE: You should back-up your hard drives just like you should back-up your soul!

KG: I noticed the band are currently only scheduled to play four US dates… do you plan to return and do a full tour at some point?

PE: Yes I think we will do a longer tour later. Don’t know exactly when but it will very likely happen within a year.

[Interview by guest contributor Kip Gasparick.]