Wonderland speaks to Scandanavian singer Alice Boman on Skisser and her venture into the UK this October.
The melancholic, fragile tones of Alice Boman’s premier EP ‘Skisser’ are truly a window into the soul. Originally only intended as a private outlet for her feelings, Skisses was released unedited and is a raw, powerful testimony to the special relationship held between music and emotion, and the beauty of musical simplicity.
Ahead of Alice’s first visit to the UK in October, Wonderland spoke to the Scandinavian singer about the path to Skisser, the unpredictable nature of her creative inspiration and how she’s already working on her next EP.
Is becoming a musician something you’ve always wanted to do? What lead you into it?
Growing up in a home with a lot of music, early on it became an important and natural part of everything. There was a lot of singing and playing and dreaming, but for a long time I never thought something like this could ever happen. I didn’t have the courage, but then a couple of years ago something changed and I found a new desire to write my own songs. And then after a while, as everything in life is moving, came a wish to share them with others – to stand on a stage.
The song ‘Waiting’ is very harrowing and reflective, almost haunting. What was the inspiration for it?
I don’t remember what the exact trigger was for that one. I guess writing is often just attempts to capture a certain feeling or express something going on; to clear your head or to ease your mind. Often when watching a good movie or hearing a great song I get a sudden urge to write and sing.
The title of your EP translates in English as ‘sketches’. What’s the meaning behind the title?
Sketches is just what these songs are, recordings done to catch a certain vibe or to remember a song, something to return to and maybe work more on. It’s like doing things like that – without any specific thought or plan – just for the fun of recording.
Your record label decided to release the raw production of Skisser. Was this intended?
I never had the intention to release these songs like this, but Adrian Recordings heard them and wanted to and I couldn’t turn down the opportunity. At first, releasing something that was unfinished felt a bit intimidating, but now it feels good to let people in on the process and to be able to let go.
Where do you draw your creative influences from?
I listen to a lot of older music because I think there’s often a deeper sound, but I also listen to a lot of new music too. I think that everything that you like somehow influences you and I don’t think you’re always aware of what it is that triggers your inspiration – it can be anything. But I know that I have a weakness for things that feels simple and direct; things that don’t feel forced. Like “Baby” with Danny & Joe Emerson.
What does the future hold after the release of Skisser?
I am working on another EP right now. This time in a proper studio and with a producer and other musicians; something I have wanted to do for a long time. Then I have some shows coming up that I’m looking forward to. Some of them are as a support act for Matthew E White on his Scandinavian tour in September. I love his music and this still feels a bit unreal to me.
Check out “Skisser” and more on Alice Boman here
Words: Wil Oxford