The Culture In Memoriam is back from its sleep, or where ever they have been, with a new and impressing single called ”Sisters”, later followed by a new album. Therefore I caught up with their alias and chef in command Victor Håkansson for a few questions.
First of all, what´s the story behind The Culture In Memoriam and what have you been up to these last four years since ”Abolish history, this is our story”?
TCIM is a collective of musicians, led by me, who gathers together in the studio and as live performers.After a personal psychological melt-down and a rather physical beating I crashed but rose to the occasion and turned a downward spiral upward and used it as a creative spur writing new material. I got a scholarship for making a new album and went to Bangladesh for inspiration. I got caught in the middle of a military coup and martial law. Mugged by the military I returned three weeks later to Sweden. I spent some time touring with Swedish pop phenomenon The Animal Five. Inspiration caught up with me again seeing as the revolutionary year of 2011 needed a proper soundtrack.
Regarding the new and forthcoming seven track album ”Rest In Pieces” (with a release in mid November), what´s the biggest different between it and the previously one?
The main difference is three severe beatings and a substantial amount of alcohol. Bigger choirs, heavier toms and a bit more socialism to boot. And thanks for calling it an album, because so do we. There are no fillers this time. It’s a short, effective and accessible format both regarding its price and when it comes to the music. Another difference is the fact that it’s a less selfish, less self centered record. This time it’s about bigger social questions, sung by a small voice.
Okay, I do understand, without any doubts, that you´re a quite radical person, hands on your heart, do you really think music can change peoples thoughts and opinions?
Our thoughts and views hardly change through consuming yet another product, especially a loathsome piece of pop culture. TCIM believes in direct action and organizing as means of change. Taking a stand is probably rooted in conscience. For us, as well as our audience, singing about subjects with no inherent meaning is totally uninteresting. We leave that to the mainstream pop industry. Our listeners must be able to relate to the lyrics, or else TCIM is not the choice for them.
I see I see. Regarding your new and truly beautiful single ”Sisters”, what can you tell us about it?
During the current Arabic revolution I realized the important role that Arabic women played in the development in the liberation of these countries. At the same time at home we have thousands young Swedish girls, facing self-starvation and self-mutilation because some patriarchal bourgeois pigs sees it as their given birth right to capitalize on their insecurity. The song is a link between these women fighting the same fight, and our hope is that it can be used as a means to a common goal.
And if I say ”Sisters” could have been a track on any of The Bear Quartet´s album ”Personality Crisis”, ”Gay Icon” or ”My War” what do you say about that?
I tried to sell the song to them for one billion. They turned it down and TCIM got to release it. Thanks of the compliment. Bear Quartet stands as one of the greatest bands in Sweden and TCIM will always try to ride in their shadow.
About other acts, what is, if you have any, your absolute most favorite act?
Lately I’ve been listen a lot to an act called Tinariwen from Mali. I also have to say that Golden Kanine from our town of Malmö is really great. I just finished some weeks touring with them in Germany, and they are a great live band.
Last question, what is T.C.I.M nearest plans?
First of all the single will be out, then a music video, then the whole album. We’re planning to go on the road early next year, but we’re ready to play anytime. Just say where and when.
Okay, thanks a lot Victor, and good luck with everything.
