Emerging from the depths of Sweden's indie scene, Varas returns with a haunting piano ballad that cuts straight to the bone.
'My Lighter Weight', the latest glimpse into his forthcoming EP 'Eaten By Worms', strips away his signature layered soundscapes to reveal something more intimate and raw. Taking cues from Radiohead's In Rainbows while working with acclaimed producer Bård Ericson (Boko Yout), Varas crafts a vulnerable exploration of being truly seen – for better or worse – by those closest to us.
We sat down with the rising artist to uncover the story behind his bold new direction.
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The electric guitar was and is something special. Just the amount sounds you can get out of it was exciting. Even before I started playing an instrument I fell in love with the sound of a voice using auto tune though. Specifically the sound on Heartless by Kanye and the usage by T-Pain.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I started playing the guitar I naturally gravitated towards guitar based music. Led Zeppelin, Rolling stones, Beatles, the classics.
What was the first album you remember owning?
It must've been "Absolute Hits 2003" which was full of all the pop classics from that time.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
It's hard to only choose one. But lately I've been listening to "Casual" by Chapell Roan a lot. I like lyrics who are a little smug and reveal hints of self consciousness.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Regarding production I'm constantly listening to other people's work. I like to pretend I'm producing for a specific artist and have that as some sort of sound-picking guidance, in the initial parts of the process at least. My own taste and style of producing often gets implemented automatically when I, based on the specific artist, choose something that I don't like. It can be a guitar effect, snare sound or tempo they would choose. If my gut feeling says it's wrong for this song, I change it out and let my taste lead the way. That way I don't totally leave the idea but the overall sound gets altered.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
The Kinks, Show Me the Body (the album Body War), bob hund, Chapell Roan, King Krule and Mitski have been on rotation lately.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Chapell Roan, she's so hot right now (said in Mugatu's voice from the movie Zoolander..)!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I'm convinced it's easier to not get stuck in a state of mind if you let it out through a creative output. You leave your state there and move on.
And what is the most frustrating part?
It never sounds as you hear it in your head! No matter how many years you try. Although I'd probably stop making music if it actually ended up sounding as I wanted it to.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Probably to produce/write as much of the song as possible while the clear vision of the song is still fresh. The idea you hear in your head is not permanent, utilize it while you can and let the details take their time. With that said, if the vision changes it doesn't mean the new idea is worse.