Amazing Graze: The Field at 2 Kolegas
Axel Willner, aka The Field, was working in a Swedish liquor store when his debut album came out. He’s since made sampling Kate Bush into an art form and got rock fans hooked on his electronica – now he’s coming to take Beijing.
Do you still work in a liquor shop?
No, I stopped around 2007, and then moved away from Sweden.
With the knowledge you gained from working in a liquor store, what would you recommend for a December night in Beijing?
A good full-bodied red wine is always good for cold, dark nights. Maybe a Rocca Guicciarda with some gnocchi and lamb and mushroom ragu.
If your music was an alcoholic drink, it would be …
Champagne. Pretty consistent, but there’s always something bubbling.
Few artists are able to bridge the gap between a rock and electronic crowd. What’s your secret?
I don’t know exactly, but as I´m from both worlds and I love so much different music which inspires me, it´s probably in that mix. Influences from everywhere and no certain goal, so there’s no need to sound like something special or to fit into a special genre.
As 2010 closes, is the world a better place? If so, what has made it better?
It sure is. Love made it better!
If you could only have one track for company on New Year’s Eve, what would it be?
Manuel Göttsching’s “E2-E4.” It’s long enough, and there’s always something new to explore in there!
What three things would make the perfect Christmas/New Year party for you?
Good food, good drinks, good company.
Do you make New Year’s resolutions in Sweden? If so, what’s yours for this year?
They do, but I never really made one and I won’t do it this year either. You always end up breaking them – just like rules.
Finally, give us a five-track playlist to keep us warm this December.
“New Age of Earth” by Ashra; "Evergreens" by VED;
"Brüder Des Schattens - Söhne Des Lichts" by Popol Vuh; "Bis Die Blaue Blume Blüht" by Conrad Schnitzler; and
"Mein Freund Farouk" by Hans-Joachim Roedelius
The Field plays 2 Kolegas on Dec 3. RMB 100. 9pm.
