Photography // CLMD by Ida Fiskaa
Peachy Magazine talked with the Norwegian producer and DJ CLMD ahead of the release of his new single “Be Happy” – the ultimate break up story – to catch up on how the track came about and how he navigates the challenging times the world faces at the moment.
What was the process like of making your new single “Be Happy”? What’s the story behind the track?
My background is from club music. So since I have created a lot of pop-infused singles lately, I wanted to make something that leaned more towards my roots and the clubby vibe I grew up with. I wanted to create a track that you could get lost in on the dance floor but still vibe to in your car on your way home from work.
The story of “Be Happy” is really the ultimate break up story. It’s about ending something that isn’t good for you, even if it’s really painful to do. Because deep down, you know it’s what you have to do to Be Happy. I think the theme resonates in the track as its melancholic yet uplifting.
Listen to ‘Be Happy’ while reading the interview:
How do you think that the Norwegian music scene has influenced you in terms of shaping your producing style?
We are lucky in Norway to have such a well established and diverse musical landscape. I think that’s why Norwegian musicians are thriving at the moment. Everyone is free to do their thing and follow their own path.
If you had to highlight a collaboration with a specific artist, who would it be and why?
That has to be the dynamic duo Skinny Days. These guys are pure geniuses, as artists, songwriters, and producers. Every time I work with them, I feel I learn something new. We have such a great atmosphere in the studio together, which makes all of us push our boundaries of what we thought was possible to create.
Photography // CLMD by Ida Fiskaa
I guess the feeling of learning something new every time I make music is what drives me. I’ve made my living as a DJ and producer for 10 years now, but I still feel like I’m in the early beginnings of my career.”
Photography // CLMD by Ida Fiskaa
In growing as a producer, what do you think the key factor that keeps you inspired is?
To be honest, I’ve never felt like I’ve mastered the craft of producing. In many ways I still feel like a kid in my bedroom, trying to figure out how to make a track. I guess the feeling of learning something new every time I make music is what drives me. I’ve made my living as a DJ and producer for 10 years now, but I still feel like I’m in the early beginnings of my career.
Can you recall a gig, that at this point in your career, stands out to you as something special?
All the way back in 2012, I was asked to join Swedish House Mafioso, Steve Angello as a support act on his SIZE Matters tour in the US. I played before him in NYC and Miami, and it was just incredible! This was the first time I realized that this could actually become my career. Therefore, these are extra cherished memories for me.
With the current situation in the world, how do you nurture your creativity?
It’s pretty crazy right now… I’ve turned my kitchen to a studio and my living room to a club, so I’m just trying to play around with music as much as possible. And I’ve started live-streaming DJ sets from my living room! Gonna try to do one every weekend, so that people get some kind of weekend vibe 😀 You’re more than welcome to tune in, via my fb page CLMDmusic.
