Swedish singer songwriter Fred Lee releases a new video for his single “You Were Anyone, But Not Anywhere…” a folk infused song that brings everything back to the basics: a guitar, a small (almost non existent), stage and a small crowd. There’s no need to pretend you are a rock star when your music is sincere and is not afraid to show your true self and reach to other people’s heart. That’s what music is supposed to do. So Fred Lee and the Restless decided to capture this feeling in a very simple yet effective video to deliver this song’s message.
Please take a moment and give us some background info about becoming an artist?
Well I started in 6th grade, playing with my friends in my room. We rehearsed Guns ‘n Roses songs and other covers. Did my first gig in the school lunch cafeteria, where I had taken dad’s 7” collection, had a lottery in the middle of our set.
My dad tells me this every time my music career comes up.:)
Then when I was 14 years old and was going in the 8th grade I discovered punk and all I wanted was to play gigs. I’m not a musical genius but when I really want something it’s gonna happen.
Sweden has always been a special place for good music of all genres to grow, from Abba to Refused. What makes Sweden such a good environment for musicians to develop their own sound and style so that it can become popular also outside of the Country?
They says it’s something in the water! Hehe, well I think it is that, in the past, Sverige has been a good country to be able to access culture and be able to develop in music, among other things. Access to rehearsal rooms has been good, and with the help of the study organizations (where you can get government money to play in bands), it has not been particularly expensive either.
You have a hardcore punk background but your new project “Fred Lee and The Restless” sounds like something different. Have you ever feared that it could be hard for you to reach to a new fan base?
I have not really thought about that. I make music that I like. I do not want to be defined by the genre that I have succeeded best with, but I would like to see my new music absorbed. If you like it, I will be super happy, if you do not like it, I do not care so much about it. I like to think that I am the worst when I create something new but have an immense drive to play. Then I come from the punk movement where the important thing is to have something important to say, not how to do it.
Have you ever wondered if you could come through as “too punk for the indie people and too indie for the punks”?
Yeah the thought has crossed my mind, well in a couple of months I’ll see if that is the case. But it’s a good catchphrase! Can i use it?
Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.
The best thing is that I can express my feelings and political views through music. Those who have listened to my projects know roughly what to expect. The worst thing is that I am the father of three children and almost never get time to sit undisturbed and work on the music. The last time was maybe ten years ago.
Though this seems a little harsh, but i think It’s nice to be able to include the children in the songs, no one hears it, but a couple of lyrics on Sleepwalking in Daylight are about my children.
You’ve been releasing some singles in anticipation of your upcoming album. Are these songs a good representation of what we are to expect? Can you tell us something you’ve never told anyone about your new album?
Yeah I think so, I’ve chosen these three singles to represent my album. I like to throw in a little folk music feeling, a little broad-legged rock like Gaslight Anthem, Springsteen and also do a little calmer songs.
Something that no one knows? Well i recorded the song i moldy basement myself with the band, and one night, when I was there myself, a mouse ran thru the room. It ran straight in the bas cabin, so it took me half an hour to chase it away. This cellar is also our rehearsal room.
What is the biggest struggle for you as a musician at the moment?
In this days it’s covid! But otherwise it is difficult to get through the noise. There is an incredible amount of music released, which is also good, so reaching listeners sometimes feels completely impossible.
Then I usually think that the important thing is to do what you like and not get hooked on reaching as many people as possible.
What are the most important elements to keep in mind to be acknowledged as genuine and honest artist? What makes people fall in love with musicians?
That you dare to stand for your music and not fall into what is currently popular.
I like when you hear that the person means what they are singing about, that there is a story that is genuine.
How hard is it to write lyrics for a singer-songwriter solo (yet with a backing band) album?
For me, text writing is not difficult. I find it annoying to come up with good melodies, both vocally and with instruments. That considering that I come from punk and hardcore music where the important thing is that it should go fast and shout out the lyrics. It’s the freedom to do solo projects that I do not have to change lyrics. It’s like just me.
Have you ever felt any pressure to reveal yourself or feared that you were revealing things that were too personal?
Nope, this record is very personal. It’s about many things going on in my life.
When you kick back who are some of the artists you listen to?
I really like Colter Wall, his music is so nice and laid back. Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, Tyler Childers (especially the Purgatory album), Margo Price…well you can see I’m in the country genre.
What are three places you’d like to tour once it’s possible again? Why these places?
I like Germany, I´d like to tour over there because i think they still love rock music. The USA because I haven’t been there and Norway because it’s such amazing country and they always treated me well.
