rising star
words by Petra Sjouwerman
“Less jazz, more soul” is how the young Danish singer-songwriter Thomas Buttenschøn, 22, describes his new album Billeder af min baggård (Images of My Backyard), released in March. His debut CD in 2006, Fantastiske Mandag (Fabulous Monday), earned him a gold disc in Denmark and his funky, bluesy songs – with Buttenschøn on guitar and vocals, and the rest of the band on keyboard, drums, bass and guitar – got excellent reviews.
With his gigantic afro, spectacular soul voice alternated with high falsetto, and humorous lyrics, the musician appeals to a wide audience. “People of all ages attend my concerts – the young, couples with children and elderly people. Last time a woman of about 70 came up afterwards. She said: [Buttenschøn switches to an affected Copenhagen accent] ‘You make excellent music.’ No one has ever addressed me using De before, the Danish polite form of address,” he chuckles.
Buttenschøn, who has a Zambian mother and a Danish father, grew up in a small town near Denmark’s second largest city, Århus. He began writing songs when he was 14. “I played in a rock band and we wanted to become world famous – of course. Back then, I wrote all my songs in English, but I soon realised my Danish lyrics were much better. Something that sounds funny in your own language isn’t necessarily funny in English.”
So he sticks to Danish nowadays. His lyrics are unpretentious and deal with everyday life. On November in Copenhagen from his debut recording, he sings: “Have taken it easy in my boxer shorts and slippers to Kind of Blue and got a reminder for something I obviously hadn’t paid…”
Buttenschøn’s big break came in 2005 when he won Den Danske Bank Talent Award. With the award came the chance to make his first album, and he has worked as a full-time musician ever since. “I feel very privileged that I can make a living with my music,” says the soft-spoken singer. “The lyrics on my new CD are more mature. My first CD was more ‘here I come and I don’t care’. But my lyrics still deal with daily life. I sing about my girlfriend. She’s beautiful, but sometimes a bit hysterical just as women can be,” he laughs.
Inspiration often comes from walking around Nørrebro, the lively Copenhagen neighbourhood where Buttenschøn lives. “Sometimes I start with the text, sometimes with the melody, and sometimes I just feel… oooh… and it all comes together at the same time. I just play with it until I get it right.”
Last year Buttenschøn gave 107 concerts, mostly in small clubs. “It’s easier to create an intimate atmosphere in small places. It’s cosy and people really listen.” He was also the opening act during Danish pop star Thomas Helmig’s tour last year. “I have to admit that the big concert halls are also awesome. You can scream and go totally crazy.”
Thomas Buttenschøn and band tour Denmark in April and May. For dates and more information visit www.myspace.com/buttenschon
Bookmark This Post
