Poetic pop

Eivind Kirkeby (22) from Lommedalen isn’t like other poets. In 2002 he got in touch with his favorite vocalist and suggested a collaboration. He has now released an album alongside his idol.

In the boy’s room in an old farm in Lommedalen, Eivind Kirkeby has been writing poetry since he was 14 years old.
It all started as an attempt to work out chaotic thoughts and feelings. Over his desk hangs a poster of his favorite band Hefner, which has been big source of inspiration. Five years ago the young poet mustered his courage and made contact with Hefner-vocalist Antony Harding to discuss a hypothetical collaboration. Harding was intrigued, and the result is the recently-released album “Lonely boy and other tragedies”.
“I’m very lucky to have gotten this chance. At first it seemed completely unreal to hear my words set to music and interpreted by him. It was a state of constant amazement, but now I’ve had time to let it sink in.”
The album was finished years ago, but for lack of a record company the release was delayed. Now the British company Filthy Little Angels has finally released the album in Great Britain, and Norwegians can download the music from their website.
“It’s a relief. The final stages were hectic, but it’s great to think that now complete strangers can hear my texts.”

Kirkeby describes the album as alternative pop, with a less polished sound than the regular pop we hear everyday.
“I hope the listeners get a stronger connection with the lyrics and tunes,” he says.
“Lonely boy and other tragedies” is about loneliness and isolation, but Kirkeby thinks the naívete of the lyrics makes up for the melancholy.
“Besides, the sad things are often very beautiful,” he adds.
Kirkeby has never met Harding in person, and all their communication has been through e-mail and letters.
“Maybe just as well. I think the fan in me would just ruin it,” he says happily.
Kirkeby is very pleased with the album and thinks it’s been exciting to work with poetry and pop as a literary experiment. He has never worked with music previously, but he would gladly do more.
“I absolutely want to continue the collaboration if the album is well received and Harding is still interested.”