Vinyl Floor are ..?
Thomas Charlie Pedersen: Two brothers. Myself and my younger brother Daniel Pedersen. We´re the core of the band and we´re helped by different additional musicians when we record and play live. We both write songs and we arrange them together. It´s a constant process. ‘Funhouse Mirror’ is our fifth album.
How did you get into music, what were your first steps?
Being the older brother, I started out playing drums from the age of 5. I eventually progressed to guitar since I wanted to learn how to write songs. I started playing guitar at the age of 14 and piano in high school.
I never really had the patience to get to master an instrument since I was more into exploring chord progressions and melody but I do play a variety of instruments today. Daniel also started out on drums which is probably still his main instrument of choice.
I played in different bands back then but when Daniel was 15 years old he became quite prominent on the drum kit and I figured we were destined to make music together onwards. And 20 plus years later we´re still doing it.
What can we expect from your new album "Funhouse Mirror"?
Our best album, really. I’ve probably said that before but I think everything just came together this time. The album was made during lockdown and it seems to have added more focus to the process. We' ve always written songs which could go in many directions and there´s an abundance of inspirational sources and areas we want to explore. Speaking of musical style, I think we managed to make an album which feels cohesive even though it features songs with different moods and expressions.
I think we´re now able to somehow live up the, sometimes, demanding arrangements. I think we´re getting better and better at arranging and just knowing exactly what a certain track needs in order to present itself the best way possible.
What was the most difficult track to record and why?
Probably the 3 tracks featuring the former Bob Dylan bass player Rob Stoner since he lives in New York City. When he agreed to provide bass guitar for those tracks, we had to send the sound files across the pond. New York was pretty much closed down at that point but luckily Mr. Stoner managed to book a studio nearby.
It wasn´t difficult getting the tracks laid down since he was and is such a pro, but it was a bit nerve wracking until it was done because there was a lot of uncertainty in the world. We also had to cancel studio time in Sweden twice due to Covid.
Your favorite songs on the LP are ...?
I´m very proud of the title track ‘Funhouse Mirror’. I love the way the chords and melody came together on this one. I´m also very fond of Daniel’s ‘Death of a Poet’. I love how it consists of three different parts and the song just really moves me. I like the entire record but those two were kind of special to bring to life during the recording process.
And then there´s ‘Clock with No Hands’. I don’t write a lot of happy songs. It´s difficult to write a happy song the right way. But I´m satisfied with that one. And then there´s ‘Stare, Scare’ which is a testament to Daniel´s need to experiment. I was a little taken a back when he presented a complete demo of it and I was probably like ‘wait, you think we can do this’? One of our heaviest songs for sure.
If you take a look back to your first recordings what would you say is the big difference to now?
I think our dynamics are better. We´re better songwriters now. We´ve become better at arranging. I even think we´ve become better singers, perhaps.
Neither of us have great vocal range but I think we now have a better understanding of our limitations and then work inside that frame. I think the vocal harmonies are better.
Is there a chance to see you somewhere live on stage?
Probably. Once the record is out we will throw a release party in Copenhagen and will take an acoustic approach for that show. Maybe we will do more shows like that. We´ll see.
What's next for you?
After the release show we might spend time working on new material. We don´t have a lot yet but there are new songs for sure. It feels like we´re slowly starting to get creative again.
