Hans-Peter Lindstrøm and Christabelle Silje Isabelle Birgitta Sandoo is the duo behind one of the most praised releases so far this year, and are currently all over your TV screen in the latest Cadillac commercial. Real Life Is No Cool has been getting top grades all over the line, and the pleasantly organic dance-pop album is also a flight from Lindstrøm’s trademark productions. I had a little chat with the music maestro and his beautiful and mystic chanteuse.
URB: You’ve collaborated since 2003, right? How did you decide to make a whole album together?
Lindstrøm & Christabelle: I guess we decided to make an album after getting pretty good feedback from the 2 singles we did on Feedelity. And we both knew that the half-finished recordings that we´d been working on since 2003 had some potential.
What common influences do you have?
L&C: When we first met we shared the same interest in the sounds of Grace Jones, Vanity 6 & 80s soul. I guess we still do.
Were you nervous about taking it from the studio to the stage?
L&C: For sure, we were not supposed to do it, but somehow I was convinced to do it. Good thing is that nobody will complain about not getting the chance to see us. There’s always somebody complaining if you decide to stay home. Hm..
Do you feel that you were embracing some guilty pleasures making a polished pop album with gay sauna manthems?
L: Ha ha, no, not at all. These are not guilty pleasures for me. Why should i feel guilt for enjoying good music? I’m not ashamed of my interest in music that many people disregard as cheesy.
Is there any kind of disco juice in the Norwegian water; together with Prins Thomas and Todd Terje you seem to be the Rat Pack of club music.
L: He he, I don’t think so, we’re just good friends I guess. Sharing many of the same musical references, getting inspired by each other.
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Here’s a download of the six-minute Moroder
synth propelled single edit of “Looking for What”, the
leadoff track from the pair’s debut album.
Who are you Christabelle?
C: The girl with four names..
You seem to be a little mysterious?
C: I’m dark.
Have you released music under other names besides Solale?
C: What do you think?
Do you have any musical background?
C: My father’s a music teacher so it’s been there all my life.
How do you approach writing a new song?
C: No inhibitions; anything goes. It’s often a musical approach.
What are your musical inspirations?
C: Daft 80’s music without bass.
Any solo material planned for the future?
C: Depends, I haven’t got many names left.
Do you plan a US tour?
L&C: Yes, but there’s no details ready yet. Probably after the summer. Looking forward to it!
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