Norwegian artist Volléstad has breathed new life into Sam Fender’s popular song, “Seventeen going under,” with his pop-rock cover, which was released on April 6th. This song is a masterful blend of guitar riffs, synths, drums, and a beautiful vocal performance. We had the pleasure of interviewing Volléstad, and here’s what he had to say:
Q: What inspired you to create this song, “Seventeen Going Under”?
VOLLÉSTAD: I’m always inspired by telling a story with my music, this time it was already written for me in a way. And Sam Fender’s song “Seventeen going under” was just a track I felt connected to lyrically the moment I listened to it. I also wanted to stay as true and close to the original as I possibly could. Trying to understand, also embrace the honest feelings and emotions he had when writing it. I think I was close this time.
Q: What did you enjoy the most about making it?
VOLLÉSTAD: The moment I dropped the vocal stems from Jax June into the daw. MAD goosebumps! I honestly feel like a kid every time I get vocals sent to me. And when they sound way beyond what I expected, I guess the vocal part is the best feeling in the world as a producer.
Q: What drives you to make music?
VOLLÉSTAD: It’s something I honestly can’t explain anymore. It’s like a drug. Once in, never out. Maybe it’s my escape from everything. I really want to make the best music I possibly can, always pushing myself toward something better and better. Until now, I have not had much gain and momentum, there are a lot of talented producers out there pushing the content on social media way better than me. But you know, someone is a little more closed and personal than others. I don’t want to take too much space and be that person screaming the highest. If people like my music they decide themselves if they want to follow and support me. I have a feeling if I write something when I’m drained of energy, it always sounds better. Between midnight and 6 in the morning, there is almost always something going on on my daw when my brain is disconnected from all emotions besides the feeling of just breathing and being. And also, one special person once told me, you are going to quit this and give up. Guess them words burned a little so also I just want to prove that person wrong for once.
Q: Did you always know you would become a musician? At what point did you reach this realization/conclusion?
VOLLÉSTAD: I played the violin when I was a kid actually, drums, and some old synths when I visited friends of the family. I was always interested in music, but with ADHD without knowing growing up, I could never sit down long enough. One night in roughly around 2016 I think, I was watching youtube videos, and suddenly Avicii showed up as a guest at future house magazine doing a remix of “Dancin in my head.” That night I downloaded a demo of Fl Studio. and I was hooked.
Q: Are there any musicians who inspire you? What qualities do you admire about them?
VOLLÉSTAD: I have always loved Avicii, and the old Calvin Harris albums, and singles. There are so many I look up to, and get inspired from.
Q: What projects are you currently working on?
VOLLÉSTAD: I will drop a new single with Jax June 12th May. Tropical House this time. Something for the summer. I’m also pushing forward with my first official album, but I’m not sure when to release it yet. It’s pretty expensive being an independent artist and doing all the stuff without a label, manager, and people knowing the tricks, but I will keep pushing until I find out.
Interviewed by Zoey King
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