In this talented musician’s hands, music is something to be inspired by.
With a remarkable career that spans over a decade, Swedish musician Azure Blue’s particular brand of ethereal pop has garnered him respect and adoration.
A hopeless romantic known for his heart-on-sleeve lyrical style, his authentic approach to music has garnered him legions of loyal fans who’ve felt Blue’s ability to touch people with music firsthand.
With his sixth studio album, “The Night of the Stars,” slated for release shortly, Blue has again kicked it up a notch. Having already set an extremely high standard for himself with his previous releases, “Stockholm’s Gentle New Wave King” seems to have outdone himself once more.
Born Tobias Isaksson, Azure Blue has spent the better part of the last decade building a rich musical legacy that has been acknowledged both by his peers and by his audiences. He’s won a Swedish Independent Grammy for best pop album, among other things like features on Swedish National TV and even a grant from the government’s culture council for his contributions to music.
With his upcoming “The Night of the Stars” album, Blue is poised to show that his artistic growth has continued for over a decade. Focusing on themes of togetherness in times of hardship, Blue’s heartfelt approach promises to touch hearts again, and we’re on the edge of our seats waiting to see what he’ll show us.
Blue’s latest release, “Rise,” is the second single from “The Night of the Stars” and a dynamic release in its own right. It features energizing and vibrant instrumentals accentuated by a rushing drum and shimmering layers of analog synths and sees Blue’s longtime companion, The Land Below, singing vocal harmonies.
Put simply, “Rise” feels like a call to dream, aspire, and overcome, and it does so in ways that are not easily quantified. It’s a release that will leave you feeling better afterward, and it’s impressive that Blue has found a way to harness music’s innate ability to heal while entertaining.
Azure Blue’s latest release, “Rise,” is an energizing offering that promises to soothe your worries and elevate your mood. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Blue’s new release, “Rise”, available now on all majour streaming platforms. Keep an eye out for his upcoming album, “The Night of the Stars,” as well, out soon.
Congratulations on your latest release, "Rise." We loved "Rise," what an excellent release! What was the inspiration behind this release?
Thank you for the kind words. I wrote the chorus on guitar a few years ago. It was one of those immediate melodies and lyrics that just came out, played the chords, and sang almost all at once—like written in a flash. Those instant song moments I value and always try to keep. The rest of the process was more a marathon than a sprint. The verse lyrics develop a movie-like scenario of me looking at old photographs and longing for the West Coast where I grew up and a more straightforward relationship. And in the second verse, we are finally on the beach together. But in the perfect setting, there is a flashback or a glitch from the past. Without ruining it, it deals with being in the moment. And the irony of always getting some feeling that you can't shake. Life, love, and summer are never perfect. That's why we need music as an alternate universe!
What was your favorite part of the creative process for bringing "Rise" to life?
Playing with synthesizers, you often end up loving a sound. When I first transitioned from basic chords on guitar to electronic production, I wanted a Gorillaz' On Melancholy Hill' vibe. It has a sweet, repetitive melody on top, but my take on that became much weirder. That dripping sound was fun. As I progressed, it sounded more like Bernard Sumner and Johnny Marr's duo Electronic. So, my second favorite was when I decided to add a Peter Hook bass. For someone who has been compared to New Order many Times, it is almost so obvious that it becomes mischievous, but I like that. Last but not least, it is always such a treat to receive the vocal takes from The Land Below, who has been singing choirs on every record since my second album. He lives in Malmö 600 km south of Stockholm, so he tracks his parts and always adds some surprise bliss in the package. This time it was the falsetto.
Your new album, "The Night of the Stars," is slated for release soon, right? Are there any other releases on this album you're incredibly excited for fans to hear?
Yes, as soon as I finish the rest of the songs. I have become a terrible perfectionist, and this time, I am working with mixer legend Ollie Olson (Snoop, Tupac, The Bee Gees, Robyn, etc.), who does the final touch mixing. So Godspeed! I hope We make it! The whole album will be appreciated by my previous listeners as it is the best of my first two albums and with a lush and more hifi production. And I am thrilled with the material! It is very melodic!
What's been your favorite part of your musical journey so far?
The first hype for Azure Blue in 2011 was quite overwhelming as it was just me solo, doing everything without a band and being the only one to blame if I failed. But the critics liked it, and I even won a Swedish independent Grammy for best pop for the debut, and the listeners still refer to it as my highlight. But every time something fun happens, I enjoy the ride even though I have been putting out records since 2004 under different monikers. It never gets boring.
What's next for Azure Blue? Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans?
The release of another favorite song called' Three Times the Drama' as a single and then the whole album, hopefully only a short time after that. I want to thank the listeners for their patience and hope it's worth the wait!