Swedish artist The Fur, based in Stockholm, Sweden, dropped their latest single on March 18, 2022. “Autograph” may make you think that it’s about idolizing someone you would do anything for and, in a way, it is. However, it is so much more than that. There is an important message lying in the lyrics if you are ready to listen.
Written by Christoffer Nobin, “Autograph” already has over 55,000 plays on Spotify. It really comes as no surprise given its high energy and the fact that it was inspired in part by Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” from 1988. “Autograph” plays off the 80s song really well and it’s obvious for fans to see the influence.
“Autograph” shines light on the events that unfolded in the middle of the pandemic on January 6, 2021. It brings an outsider’s perspective in that the writer is not part of the bipartisan ways of the United States.
What is so unique about this song is that the various instrumentals were done in different parts of the world. It truly is a “pandemic song” in that regard. The brass section was recorded by musicians in New York, the guitars in Stockholm, and the percussion in Nashville. This song has so many layers and it’s just a really well-produced piece of art for the ears.
The Fur is definitely one talent to watch for 2022. They are set to do some big things over the year. Follow them on social media, linked below their interview.
Q&A with The Fur
Q: “Autograph” is catchy and definitely dance-worthy. What inspired the song?
THE FUR: Musically it’s flirting a lot with Straight up by Paula Abdul from 1988. I heard this hook from Autograph in my head, and it reminded me of Straight up, so I kinda went with that. But I also listened to mainstream pop of today like Charlie Puth, Dua Lipa and the Weeknd. I ended up having heaps of live instruments playing on the track as well; horns, drums, percussion, guitars.
Lyrically it’s commenting on the Capitol riots. Now everyone’s eyes are turned towards Russia, but at the time I was very concerned with the development in the US, and how the president at that time was bringing out the worst in people. To ask for someone’s autograph is to confirm that you look up to that person. And you should be careful with who you look up to and follow. Not everyone wants the best for others.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your typical creative process?
THE FUR: It almost always starts with an idea that comes from silence. My routine is not to sit down in the studio and decide to write something, it’s more that it just comes to me when I’m on the bus or wherever. Then I develop the important elements of the hook quite quickly, and then for the most part it stays that way. Even if the rest of the process can be quite lengthy.
Q: Who would you say your biggest influences are?
THE FUR: I take inspiration from so many things, and from so many genres in music. In the classical field I want to mention Giacomo Puccini, especially for his melodies and instrumentation. Benny Andersson of ABBA has inspired me a lot, not least because of his very Swedish sounding harmonies and melodies. Red hot chili peppers influenced me in my early years, and just the other day we where using some songs from Blood sugar sex magic to find the right drum sound for a mix. These days I keep an eye on guys like Max Martin, Cirkut and Ian Kirkpatrick.
Q: If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
THE FUR: I would love to work with Max Martin actually. We come from the same neighbourhood and have lots of common friends. Everything he touches turns to gold, so it would be so cool to learn more about how he works and thinks.
Q: What’s the music scene like in Stockholm?
THE FUR: I would guess that Sweden is the most successful country in the world for pop music, considering how small our country is. And 99% of that happens in Stockholm. So the music scene here is pretty amazing. But at the same time it’s like living in LA if you want to become a movie star; everywhere you turn there are 10000 people who are after the same things as you are.
Q: Do you have any final words for your fans?
THE FUR: Live in love, stay thankful and generous, and be kind whenever you can.
Reviewed & Interviewed by Dana L. Sullivan
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