With his infectious and addictive melodies coming over to both America and the UK, Midnight Boy is a Swedish pop act who's looking to bring the 80's back into the industry. Embracing the idea of living out his brand, Midnight Boy has to-date seen some great success, even recently taking on a mini-tour in the US.
With current single 'Don't Say No' making waves out of Swedish waters, there's a huge hope of him breaking into markets across the world with a song that is "the perfect example of exactly who and what Midnight Boy portrays."
Female First got the chance to put some questions to Midnight Boy, finding out just what it is that makes him tick in the world of music, who he'd choose to collaborate with if he could pick anybody and much more. Find out what he had to say below.
For those who may not yet have heard your music, how best would you describe yourself as an artist?
I think most people would say I've got a pretty distinct 80's vibe. It's a very natural thing for me though and I've always felt a strong connection to that era. I'd say it's the groove and the melodies that's got me turned on. I want to communicate that same feeling to other people though my music and visuals.
At what point in your life did you realise that music was a huge passion and something you wanted to follow career-wise?
I knew early that I wanted to become an artist. I remember I got the Dangerous album by Michael Jackson on my fourth birthday and was very affected by those songs. When I got a little older music became important to me in the search for an identity and I really felt I wanted to be a part of it. I got more into singing and started to learn several instruments. Once I discovered the power in creating and performing I got seriously addicted.
How difficult would you say your journey in the business has been so far?
It's usually tough for young musicians who are struggling to make a living out of their music. I've met a lot of people who wanted me to compromise with my music and vision and I still do. It was hard in the beginning but I'm more used to it now and I know how to deal with it. I actually got the name Midnight Boy from a song I wrote a couple of years ago. The song was about a boy who felt he had to sell his soul and become a prostitute, to make it in the music industry.
You're clearly inspired by the 80's, what is it about that era that you love so much?
It's basically an attitude to life. I'm just very inspired by that craziness and lack of boundaries. I rather be experimental instead of judgmental in life and I think it's important to have an open mind for people's different ways of expressions.
You toured the West Coast in America and performed to a sell-out crowd in Los Angeles, how was that whole experience?
I had some of my best shows ever, it was just a very big moment for me. LA is obviously such an inspiring environment for an artist and you really get the feeling that everything is possible.
Tell us a little about your current single 'Don't Say No' and why you chose to release this track.
I had this idea of a song what would make you feel almost like you were hit by a train. Very intense and straight forward, and therefore like something you wouldn't be able to say no to. I think it has a cool vibe and I'm really proud of it.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
My premier goal is just to keep on having fun with music but of course I'm aiming for a successful career. I try not to think too much though and I don't write down specific goals on a paper or anything like that. It's so easy to get lost in your analysis and I rather just do things.
Who or where do you draw inspiration and influence from?
I'm very influenced by early 80's synth and bands like Depeche Mode, Erasure and Human League. I'm also a huge fan of The Doors, Prince and Madonna. They're all artists with a strong visual expression which is also important to me.
If you could work with anybody going forward on new material, who would you choose and why?
I would love to work with Vince Clark. I think he stands out as one of the greatest throughout the history of synthpop and I love his songwriting. Then maybe we'd get Alison Moyet and her killer voice to join in on a duet. That would be real interesting.
Finally, what's next for Midnight Boy?
I'm releasing my music videos for "Don't Say No" and "When You're Strange" in a short. Then I'm hopefully gonna do some touring in both Europe and America. I also got a couple of newly written songs that I want to put out there and they're actually up for production in this very moment. We've kind of just sorted out the release and it's gonna be something special.