VICTOR CRONE TALKS CALIFORNIA
"Not all the dreams you once had come true"
Daniel John
Your new single 'California' is ready to meet the world this Friday, how are you preparing for the release?
I’ve been preparing by working, writing new music in the studio, and also moving into a new apartment.
Do you have any plans for how you’ll celebrate the release?
Priority number one right now is to put my bed together, I'm just trying to assemble it in one piece. Then I’ll celebrate with food, first-class drinks, and good friends! No release shows are booked yet, but for the EP, I will be inviting everyone to a huge party!
What is 'California' about?
It’s about California, of course. But also about young love, and the confusion that comes when not all the dreams you once had come true. The anxiety you can feel after a break up. I came up with the idea for the song about eight-nine months ago. Richard Nilsson and I then went to Gotland, where Johan Lyander has a house. We had a few really great days there, writing lots of music. I played them the idea I had for 'California', and we later brought it back home to Stockholm, where Andreas Mattsson helped us fine-tune the lyrics. So a big thank-you to those gentlemen!
What’s it like being produced by Johan?
There’s never a dull moment with Johan. He’s a wonderful, slightly crazy, versatile guy from Gotland with a twinkle in his eye.
It’s been almost a year since your last single was released. What have you been up to since then. Is this song telling of the sound you're in now?
This is probably the most indie influenced song I have written so far, it stands out a bit from the rest of the upcoming tracks. I’ve spent a lot of time writing songs and working in studios all over Sweden. I have high standards for myself. I want my music and lyrics to be as good as they can be. Sometimes, I think the people I work with might find me a bit too particular! I have chosen the songs I feel the most connected to right now, it’s music. It has been incredibly hard to pick the best ones. Now it feels like I have made the right choices. But you never know, I might change my mind (laughs). The rest of the upcoming songs have a more "pop-oriented" sound. I also have some fun collaborations with other artists and songwriters coming out later this year.
What inspires your music?
Honestly I do not really know what specifically inspires me, but life in general does. Big and small moments in everyday life. Music has always been part of the family. Loud volume and vinyl records spinning all night long.
When will this EP release?
The EP will be out in the spring.
With the new single and upcoming EP, I imagine it’s time for more live shows?
We’re planning to put together a release tour this summer.
What has been your most memorable show so far?
Performing in the Swedish Eurovision try-outs in 2015, of course! But also a tour I did with Bobby Kimball of Toto, Bill Champlin of Chicago, Sanne Salomonsen, and Joe Lynn Turner of Deep Purple. But my best memory around a show is from the Eurovision try-outs, just after the first semifinal when we found out we were moving on in the competition.
Do you prefer performing live or working in the studio on new stuff?
I love writing new music and of course I love performing too.
Could you see yourself competing again?
If I have a song that feels right, then absolutely, I’d love to take part again.
Any favorite this year?
I actually have not had time to watch this year, but I will definitely be tuning in for the final! We’ll have to talk again after that.
What's best thing about California?
The variety.
Are there producers and songwriters you would like to collaborate with around there?
Of course, there are tons of songwriters, producers, and artists I’d love to work with.
For a little while, you were in the U.S. performing under the artist name "Ricky Heart"?
Not Rick, not Dick, not Slick, but I actually went by Vic Heart for a short period. It gave me a fun time in the U.S.
How do you hope listeners will welcome 'California' on Friday?
I hope listeners welcome 'California' with resonance, cheers and champagne and that they'll keep their eyes open for what’s coming next!
What future releases are you most looking forward to yourself?
Anderson. Paak's 'Come Down' and Zac Brown Band's new album in May. I discovered them in Nashville, I'm hoping for a perfect summer album.
