Interviews

MAde - real name Arvid Lønne – is a Norwegian producer who returns to Ben Davis’s Paper Recordings with a sensational four tracker out at the end of this week. The label has a strong connection with Norway that dates back to the award-winning documentary ‘Northern Disco Lights’. MAde’s new EP ‘Et Helvetes Rabalder’ is a sound that is reminiscent of that classic Paper sound with help from some of his Scandinavian friends. We get the chance to have a chimney side chart with MAde.

Where are you today and how will you be spending it once you've written this interview?

Just came down from the mountain skiing at home in Høyanger, Norway. Once I wrap this up, I'll likely head into my home studio to tweak a few synth patches and then maybe have a run by the fjord with my husky; the scenery here always helps clear my head.

Where are you from originally? What was it like growing up where you were?

I was born and raised in Høyanger, a small industrial town deep in the fjords on the west coast of Norway. Growing up here has shaped me as a person and an artist. It´s like a big city in a very small format. It's an industrial place with people from all over - a so-called melting pot. Høyanger is surrounded by dramatic mountains and fjords, that fosters a close-knit community feeling. We had and have nature as our playground, climbing, skiing and playing in rock bands.

What are your musical memories from being a kid?

My earliest memories are linked to the older generation of musicians that I felt a connected with—lots of 70s rock and synthpop, Uk based new wave stuff and German early electronic stuff. 90s and 2000 were covered by the house music scene all over. Then a period of free jazz doing gigs on drums with jazz freaks. Latest 15 years back to the house culture.

Where are you based these days? What do you love the most about where you live?

I'm still based in Høyanger. What I love most is the extreme nature. I love changes in weather, extreme conditions, which might sound challenging. The air is clean, the mountains are close, and it offers a headspace that is impossible to find in a bustling city.

What are some of the challenges where you live, as a music producer?

The main challenge is the isolation from the industry's epicenter. Networking and impromptu studio sessions aren't as easy as they would be in London or Berlin, or Oslo for that matter. You have to be proactive about digital communication and travel logistics for gigs. The physical distance from record stores and club culture requires a conscious effort to stay connected to the pulse. But at the same time, I get the inspiration by being stationed in Høyanger. I consider this more important.

What would you say are the benefits of making music out of Norway? What is unique about its musical environment?

The benefit is a lack of external pressure to conform to immediate trends. The Norwegian scene has a strong, unique identity—think the "Norwegian space disco" sound. There's a certain introspective, melodic, and often slightly melancholic quality to a lot of our electronic music that I think stems from the landscape and long winters. It encourages a deeper, more personal creative process. The House scene in Norway is considered a bit exotic abroad, at least in the part of the culture that I care about.

Are the icons of Norwegian music the same in your country as they are internationally?

To some extent, yes. Artists like Todd Terje and Lindstrøm are both big here and globally. They defined modern Norwegian electronic music for the world. Then you have even more classic artists like Røyksopp. These electronic producers have really put us on the map for contemporary music.

How is the health of the music scene where you are? What is the must-go night spot in your town?

In Høyanger specifically, there is a rock scene and club. It isn't a dedicated "must-go night spot" for house music. I partly own this club and get in DJs from Oslo, Bergen and occasionally form abroad.

Do overseas DJs visit much?

Not yet but it will be during this year, I am planning several events as we speak. High-profile international DJs usually play the larger cities like Oslo, Bergen, or Trondheim.

I’d love to hear about the initial idea for your new release. When did you first approach this concept and what was your original intention?

The idea for the new EP, Et Helvetes' Rabalder, came from wanting to capture that specific feeling of how to transform the negative chaos to a creative process. The title is a Norwegian phrase meaning "A Hell of a Racket" or commotion. My original intention was also to translate the energy you feel standing on top of a mountain taking the risk heading into something you can´t control, into house music. It's meant to be big, slightly rugged, and authentically.

What are you most proud of with this EP?

I'm most proud of its authenticity. It sounds exactly like I intended it to—it doesn’t try to fit a trendy mold. It’s house music with a distinct, proud Norwegian accent.

Ian Dury?

Classic post-punk, new-wave energy, perfect guitar riff from a liv act. The original track is not close to the live act. Suits perfect to my track.

What was the most challenging part of bringing this release together?

The biggest challenge, honestly, was time management. Juggling being an entrepreneur and a founder and the meticulous process of production, mixing, and mastering. The important thing is the attitude in the mix, to find the good spot where everything fits together and creates that moment that I´m constantly looking for.

The Kappekoff remix is pretty dope. Are you thrilled with what he has done?

Absolutely thrilled! Kappekoff totally nailed it. He took my concept and ran with it, adding his signature groove that perfectly complements the original. It’s a very good interpretation and I couldn't be happier with how the remix turned out.

How did you hook up with Paper Recordings initially? Your third outing on the label. Why did you feel this was the right place for this one?

I initially connected with Ben and Pete from Paper Recordings after sending them some demo tracks years ago. They’ve always championed quirky, underground house with character, which felt like the right fit for my sound. For this third release, it was a no-brainer—they understand my musical language and the freedom they offer artists is invaluable. They were the ideal home for a project so rooted in my personal location and sound. It is my family.

What drives you to create music do you think?

Sometimes it is as a valve to release the steam when I am under high pressure. Or only to reflect on myself, or when I need to release good energy. All depends, there are many scenarios.

Who are the artists and icons that inspire the music you make?

My inspirations are varied: the pioneers of Chicago house, Detroit techno, the UK acid house scene, and the Norwegian space disco pioneers.

What is the perfect setting for you to create some new music? Where do you find the most inspiration when it comes to discovering new sounds?

The perfect setting is my home studio late at night, with the mountains outside my window. I find inspiration not just in clubs or records, but in nature—the vibe of the landscape here often translates into the groove of a track. Or at least the vibe it gives me.

Who do you think is making great music right now?

There are so many talented producers out there. I’m really enjoying the current wave of raw, analog-driven house music coming from various European labels. I like the straight forward expression of 18 Carat Affair, or on the other side of the scale Machindrum, just to mention two.

What has been one of your favorite moments from the past year?

Finalizing this EP. Happy and confident about it enough to share it.

Where should we make sure we go if we visit your hometown?

If you visit Høyanger, up the mountain for the panoramic view of the Sognefjord. And the club Joss that I own, and the hotel Eides that I also own.

What is next for MAde?

I’m already back in the studio working on new material. Doing collabs at the moment, that really excites me. More tracks are in the pipeline. Stay tuned!

Check out the latest release from MAde.