TIDAL WATER

Q: Where did the lyrics of “The Void” come from? Was there any experience or observation that inspired the idea for the song?

The lyrics of “The Void” emerged from my reflections on societal indifference and marginalization. The song was inspired by my observation of how many individuals are alienated—unseen and unheard—in our society. It’s a plea to recognize those on the fringes, people we pass by every day, often without a second thought. Through raw emotion and personal vulnerability, the song conveys what it feels like to live in that space of neglect, and in many ways, it stems from my own feelings of isolation​

Q: The song speaks of invisibility and isolation of oneself. Why was it important for you to write about these issues through lyrics?

Writing “The Void” was crucial to me because it addresses real issues affecting so many of us. In “The Void”, I wanted to give a voice to those who are often voiceless. Music has a unique ability to express what words alone sometimes can’t, and I felt it necessary to highlight the emotional and psychological toll of being overlooked by society. It’s also about addressing the broader impact this disconnection has on all of us. What happens when we become so detached from each other? I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I use my music to reflect publicly on the poison running through the veins of our society.

Q: In the whispers of the night, there’s a calling for the light” is such an optimistic line among the depressing ideas contained in the song. How did you manage to immerse the audience into the slough of despond while keeping up the spirit of optimism through the lyrics? 

The balance between despair and optimism in “The Void” was intentional. Much of the song delves into isolation and societal neglect, but the line “In the whispers of the night, there’s a calling for the light” introduces hope. This wasn’t just thrown in—it’s there to remind listeners that even in the darkest times, there’s a chance for redemption and change. The contrast between despair and hope creates a layered emotional experience, asking listeners to face harsh realities but also believe in their own power to make things better.

Every one of us has the power to impact the world, and we shouldn’t let anyone convince us otherwise. Our actions matter. I encourage people to reflect, to strive to be their best selves, and let their conscience—not broken societal norms—guide them. Loneliness is the real pandemic, and it’s devastating. It crushes our spirit. But in unity, there’s friendship, love, and trust. I know this firsthand—growing up, I was bullied and felt like a social outcast for much of my childhood and teenage years. I understand that loneliness all too well. Now that I have a public platform, I want to shout from the rooftops: this system isn’t working for many of us. But there’s hope. I’m no longer lonely, and I believe things can change.

Q: In your lyrics there is also quite an obvious focus on the theme of societal indifference. What do you think the impact of music on such social problems may be? 

I believe music can play a powerful role in raising awareness about social issues. Through “The Void”, I wanted to spark conversations about societal indifference and how we often overlook the marginalized. Music can touch people emotionally in a way that often compels them to reflect on their own behaviors and the world around them. If this song can lead people to reconsider how they view and treat others, then it’s already making an impact​.

Q: Does art, and music in particular, give hope to people in such life situations? 

Absolutely. Music has helped me through some of life’s biggest traumas, and it’s where I’ve found a sense of spirituality and connection. It connects me not just with other musicians, but with people from all walks of life, even those who are tone-deaf—it doesn’t matter. It’s about enjoying life together, feeling it, and expressing it as a shared experience. Music is one of the oldest forms of communication. You don’t need to speak the same language to understand it; it’s all right there in the sound, in the emotion of a voice, or the screams of a guitar. Music is a force to be reckoned with.

With “The Void”, I wanted to tap into that power, offering a glimmer of hope amidst darker themes. The song deals with pain and alienation, but I also wanted it to remind people that change is possible. Art and music can inspire perseverance, even when faced with the hardest situations. They connect us to our shared humanity and remind us we’re not alone.

Q: You state that “the maze” is a fitting image for those who are looked down upon as it depicts their intricacies. How do you identify with this imagery? 

The “maze” in “The Void” is not just a metaphor; it represents the complexity and confusion that many marginalized people face. Society often places hurdles in their way, barely tolerating those who live on the fringes, if at all. People are quick to point fingers and cast blame, but the truth is, many marginalized individuals are products of the social systems we’ve built. Not everyone has had the same opportunities or the safety nets needed to adapt to society’s expectations.

Society itself is a root cause of issues like poverty, especially when we focus on metrics like GDP instead of something like Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH). We might mock Bhutan for measuring happiness, but the joke’s on us. If we cared more about each other and less about the next distraction to suppress our boredom, we wouldn’t fix everything, but we’d certainly be happier and less lonely. Honestly, GNH sounds like a theme for a lyric in itself! And I suspect you’ll find a song by that name on our next album, or in collab with PAPA J. 

I connect with the maze imagery because it reflects how difficult life can be when you’re excluded or overlooked. It feels like an endless, winding path where you’re constantly searching for a way out or for some recognition. This metaphor resonates with me personally, as it mirrors the struggles of navigating a world that often fails to see individuals.

Q: What wisdom does a society learn from the story of the oppressed, downtrodden, and marginalized?

There’s a lot of wisdom in the stories of the marginalized, and “The Void” touches on that with the line, “In their silence, wisdom lies.” These individuals often possess insights that mainstream society ignores, and by listening to them, we can learn about resilience, strength, and the consequences of indifference. It’s important to pay attention to these stories if we are to grow not just on a personal level but as a society.

Q: How does your personal experience of understanding diversity help you in your songwriting?  

My understanding of diversity plays a significant role in my songwriting. Recognizing and celebrating diversity is essential to creating a more inclusive and tolerant society, and this theme runs through “The Void” and is central to the upcoming album Polarity. I expect it will continue to influence my work in the future. My personal experiences have shown me the beauty of different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, which I aim to reflect in my lyrics. I want my music to promote empathy and understanding, especially in a world where fear and division seem to be growing.

I see how a lack of understanding and the alienation of people from different backgrounds are tearing us apart, fueling confusion and even war. I can’t stay quiet about it. We still live in paradise, but as I say in a upcoming single, “it’s drowned in the gun”. These are real issues that I need to address through my art.

Q: Would you consider this song a manifesto? What do you expect people will do?

While “The Void” isn’t a manifesto in the traditional sense, it definitely serves as a call to action. I want the song to encourage people to reflect on how they interact with others, especially those who are marginalized. It’s about fostering more compassion and open-mindedness. I hope listeners are inspired to take action, whether that’s something small or something larger, to help create a more inclusive society.

A good start could simply be to stop and listen. I might disagree with your opinions, even be outraged by them, but they’re yours. When did it become my job to change your mind? Some might call this hypocritical, but it’s not about agreeing with everyone—it’s about understanding. I don’t agree with some of the political parties in Norway, but I love that we have so many, because they represent different voices. Who am I to bully someone into submission just because they align with a different political ideology?

It’s not easy, and I often fail at this myself, but I believe that embracing and understanding diversity is key to building a modern, inclusive society.

Q: What would be the one key idea in “The Void” that you would want your listeners to take away from it?

The key message I want listeners to take away from “The Void” is the importance of empathy. I hope people recognize the humanity in those who are often overlooked and realize that everyone has a role in making society more inclusive. It’s about bridging the divide and creating a world where no one feels invisible. I also want to empower people with the understanding that their actions matter—you matter, just as much as those you may overlook. In essence, when we marginalize others, we marginalize ourselves. Let’s trade apathy for empathy!