FORMOE
Q: What inspired you to write “Always”? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked the idea for the song?
The first draft of the song was written in connection with heartbreak, and creating the song was important therapy for moving on.
Q: The lyrics in “Always” are filled with themes of longing and the enduring presence of a loved one. How did you approach writing these emotions into the song?
Here, the melody and theme were written first, which set the mood for the song. The lyrics were written by my father, Terje, who is an established artist and lyricist in Norway. He wrote the lyrics based on how I described my feelings and experience of a breakup. He, like other adults, also has experience with heartbreak and longing, which allowed him to use those experiences in the lyrics.
Q: In the lyrics, there’s a strong sense of resignation when you mention “fooling myself” and “living a lie.” How did you decide to explore these feelings of self-awareness and emotional struggle?
We are trying to depict the moment when one tries to forget a person because they actually want to move on. One might try to suppress their feelings to escape from them. However, I believe that, in the end, people often can’t resist their feelings and return to the one they love.
Q: The lyrics suggest a journey, both physical and emotional. How do you feel travel or movement plays a role in the story you’re telling in “Always”?
The song is about a breakup and the inability to forget the one you love. If you watch the music video, you’ll see that the story has an unexpected twist for some. However, the content of the lyrics is open to interpretation by the listeners.
Q: Is there a particular lyric in “Always” that resonates with you the most? Why does it stand out to you?
I particularly like the line: “God knows I’ve tried time and again, looking for love without you. Fooling myself, living a lie, you’ve been on my mind since I left you.” I like how this depiction captures the struggle of not being able to forget someone you love. Love can be difficult to handle.
Q: How do you hope listeners will connect with the lyrics of “Always”? What do you want them to take away from the song?
Music resonates with different people in different ways. I don’t want to give any instructions on how people should interpret my songs, but I hope it resonates with listeners through the lyrics and soundscape.
Q: The line “Going back home to you” suggests a sense of belonging. How do you define “home” in the context of this song?
In this song, “home” represents returning to the safe and good relationship that has been broken in this context.
Q: The theme of enduring love is central to the song. What does love mean to you, and how do you express that through your music?
Love is important to me. It comes in many forms, whether it’s friends, a partner, or family. Especially in these times, where we see conflicts in various parts of the world, I think our society needs more warmth and understanding for each other. I hope love for fellow human beings will triumph over the conflicts we see in the world today. My songs deal with different phases of life, and love is a natural element that appears in my music.
Q: How did the process of writing “Always” differ from your previous work? Were there any new challenges or discoveries?
I am an artist who works in the genres of new-age, film music, and pop. This song leans heavily towards the pop genre and is probably catchier than some of my other songs.
Q: When you’re writing lyrics, do you start with a specific theme or emotion in mind, or do you let the words guide you as you go?
I rarely write lyrics myself, but I have two regular collaborators. The great thing about these collaborations is that through dialogue, I can provide guidelines and wishes for the lyrics. This way, I can express the events and moods that have been the basis for the musical themes I’ve composed.
Q: How does “Always” reflect your growth as a songwriter and artist?
I hope that together with my other songs, this one can show that I am an artist and composer with range, expressing myself through many different genres and styles. At the same time, I hope my music has a distinct character that eventually becomes recognizable to my listeners. For example, I’ve always had a fascination with powerful soundscapes, and I also love the 80s sound.
Q: What other artists or songs have influenced your lyrical style? Are there any particular influences that shaped “Always”?
I don’t write many lyrics myself but collaborate closely with my partners. Personally, I admire several artists. I’m a big fan of the music and lyrics of Martin L. Gore in Depeche Mode.
Q: Is “Always” more personal or more of a fictional narrative?
It’s both. The first draft of the song came about in connection with heartbreak. The lyrics are fictional, and when we made the animated music video, it was natural to have a woman in the lead role because the vocals in the song are sung by a woman. Heartbreak is something that affects almost everyone and can come in various forms.
Q: Outside of “Always,” do you have a favorite lyric or line from your work that you’re particularly proud of?
On August 12, 2024, I was in the studio with a new song called “New Leaves Turning,” where the talented Mike McGurk contributed lyrics. I’m particularly fond of the line: “In the game that we are playing, we’re too busy day-by-daying to check how love is going and to set it free.” I’m looking forward to releasing it and all the other songs I’m currently working on.
Q: How do you stay inspired to write new music? Are there any particular rituals or habits you rely on?
For me, music is about mood and a reflection of the state you’re in. I mostly find inspiration in sad times. In that way, music is therapy for moving on. Music is something that has always been with me, and even though there are times when I have less time for it, it’s something I always return to.
Q: What role does collaboration play in your songwriting? Did anyone else contribute to the writing of “Always”?
My artist project is primarily my solo project, but I have several important collaborators in my various projects. In the song “Always,” there are several talented friends and colleagues who are important to highlight. I composed the melody myself. My father, Terje Formoe, who is an artist and lyricist, wrote the lyrics. June Baltzsersen provided beautiful vocals and harmonies. In the production, I have two key collaborators: Alf Emil Eik, who has worked with international artists such as A-ha and Secret Garden, and the talented Roar Farstad, who is my most important partner on my upcoming full-length album.
Q: What are you most excited about in your future projects? Is there a new direction you’re eager to explore?
Right now, I’m working on my first full-length album, which will include genres like New-age, pop, and film music. Some tracks are instrumental, and some have vocals. I really enjoy exploring music and telling stories with or without vocals. Additionally, I use animated music videos, and I’ve already released three. I see incredible possibilities in this moving forward. I hope that my music can also be used in video games and films.
