Marie Fredriksson for Aftonbladet: I would love to do something with my art abroad

In the series of interviews, Swedish stars talk about what turns their creativity. Who are their idols? Which albums, books, movies or events are the most important in their lives? What song has made them cry? Few days after the Tel-Aviv concert, one of the leading Swedish daily papers Aftonbladet‘s journalist Jens Peterson interviewed one and only Roxette’s singer – Marie Fredriksson. It’s a very rare occasion in the last years to see any interview with Marie – so we strongly recommend you to read it through.

How do you relax?

Sleeping. Sleep is absolutely essential. It is also important to do nothing. Take it easy. Eat well. Spend time with the closest ones. I’m so happy when Micke visits me during the tour. Not to mention when my children are with me. It means a lot. Now and then they travel along and then everything becomes more fun. This gives me strength.

Do you listen to music?

Now and then, but mostly I like when it’s quiet. Once you go on stage, it is such damn loud. It is such intense that when I leave the stage – I just want all to be quiet. For a long time. The whole next day. This is how I relax.

Your paintings – do you still have time to paint anything?

Unfortunately, I had to leave this as I’m on this tour. But I miss it enormously. I have my dreams, what I should do with my next art project.

Is it difficult to both paint and perform on stage?

You have to find time. I have to spend my time on something – either music or art. It is hard to do both simultaneously. I will be traveling much of next year [2012] as well. Then I’ll try to make some contacts and talk to people involved in art. I want to move on. I’ve done three exhibitions in Sweden and would love to do something with my art abroad. We shall see.

What are you inspired by?

The most important thing that affected me recently was a visit to Jerusalem. It was fantastic. I could sit and paint and draw there. Just to be there. It was a wonderful experience. I would love to go there again and not get involved with music but just art. It would be cool.

Have you had more of such experiences on this tour?

Most of times everything happens so fast. You don’t have time to almost anything. It’s about doing concerts and then I just want to rest when the day is over. Sometimes I get an idea of something I want to do and then I should have a pen and paper with me. But very often I just can’t make it. This is so fast speed.

What was the first album you bought?

The Monkees’ ”I’m a believer” (1966)

Which artists have meant the most to you?

Jimi Hendrix and Joni Mitchell.

Which song you with you would’ve written?

“Tin Soldier” by Stevie Marriott of Small Faces.

What song did you last cry to?

I’ve been crying to so many songs, I don’t remember the last one.

Is it still invigorating to sing in front audience?

Absolutely invigorating. It’s amazing. Very special. The longer we are on the tour, the better. I feel I get stronger the more we play.

Which artists have inspired you?

Helene Schjerfbeck and Sigrid Hjertén.

Have you rediscovered some old favorites lately?

Billie Holiday always surprises me.

What movies has meant a lot to you?

“Scent of a Woman” with Al Pacino. “Den bästa sommaren” [English translation: A summer tale] with Kjell Bergqvist.

What are your four favorite destinations?

Spain, Miami, Italy and Los Angeles.

What are you most proud of?

My family and my strength.

How does a perfect day look like for you?

Good breakfast and then work!

“Sparvöga” and “Tro” were written to TV-series/film. Did it give you a different kind of inspiration?

“Sparvöga” was a commissioned work for television. I think myself that it is the best song I’ve written. It was my first self-written single and has meant a lot to me. The entire album “I en tid som vår” began with an inquiry by Colin Nutley for a song for his movie “Sånt är livet”. And “Tro” came out of it. Both songs were work-on-request thing and they did give me a different kind of inspiration.

Marie about…

…fans

My and our fans are fantastic. Especially during the time I was sick. It was then I received a great support.

…Evert Taube

I recorded “Så skimrande var aldrig havet” [So shimmering was never the sea]. One of the most beautiful lyrics ever written.

…food that makes her happy

Everything what my husband Micke prepares. He is a master chef! I wish he would write a cookbook.

…touring around the world till autumn 2012

Exciting, cool, fantastic. We will able to come back to Australia for the thrid time!

Thanks to Evgeny Perekopskiy for sending this interview.