Meet Cousin
Location: Denmark
What inspired the latest track?
Sonically we were looking for a sound that was more uplifting than our debut-EP. At the time we were really inspired by the Danish indie scene of the early 2010’s (Treefight for Sunlight and Kiss Kiss Kiss), and we just wanted to write a bright and playful song. This ended out in Decent Person – though it lyrically is actually quite melancholic, it is one of the most optimistic sounding songs we have in our catalogue.
How has the songwriting process evolved from when you started?
Our songwriting has become more democratic over time. Initially, it was primarily our lead vocalist, Mikkel, who wrote most of the songs but it has slowly evolved into a more homogeneous process. Decent Person was actually an idea that came from our bassist, Jakob, which we then jointly split apart and rebuilt.
Where did the name come from?
(Laurits, drummer in Cousin)
Actually it took us about 1,5 year to come up with. I think we’ve been through 4 or 5 different names before we came up with this. And it means nothing (Cousin). Finding a good band name is a bit of a waste of time, because everything will sound ridiculous in the beginning. Personally I like really long names. For example, I think “Rocket Juice and the Moon” is a cool name!
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you as a band?
It has definitely slowed down the expansion of the band, since we were not allowed to play any concerts. Our debut-EP was postponed and our release concert was further postponed due to the virus. It has been hard to find a pace and a rhythm, but we are very happy to finally be able to play again.
Vinyl, CD or Digital? (which do you prefer)?
Digital. Always digital. Not very indie, though.
How about your dream lineup of contemporary artists (still playing – and make sure to include yourself)?
Mew, Radiohead, Björk, The Flaming Lips, and of course COUSIN. Maybe not the most contemporary line-up, but it would be pretty cool.
One band or artist that you would recommend in a heartbeat?
(Laurits, Drummer in Cousin)
Again, Mew. This is the band that brought us together 6 years ago. As you can tell, we really miss the 2000’s and the 2010’s indie scene. It’s just a really virtuoso band, and we can always find inspiration in Mew, if we’re stock in the songwriting process.
Any piece of advice that you would give anyone thinking of getting into music?
(Victor, guitarist in Cousin)
Well, first and foremost – do not listen to us, ever. On a more serious note, I think that we have generally overthought things, e.g. what we post and whether we are on Spotify or Soundcloud, etc. I think that this can lead to a lack of spontaneity. I would urge people to post whatever they want, wherever they want and whenever they want – and then just see whether people engage with it.
Any piece of advice that you would give anyone thinking of getting into music?
(Victor, guitarist in Cousin)
Well, first and foremost – do not listen to us, ever. On a more serious note, I think that we have generally overthought things, e.g. what we post and whether we are on Spotify or Soundcloud, etc. I think that this can lead to a lack of spontaneity. I would urge people to post whatever they want, wherever they want and whenever they want – and then just see whether people engage with it.
Best place in your city to get inspiration from? – why?
(Laurits, Drummer in Cousin)
I live in Copenhagen and I think maybe I get the most inspiration when I’m at a concert. Could be anywhere really. Would be cooler if I said in nature or something, I guess.
What’s something that you consider so Danish that the flag should appear in the background when you do this?
(Mikkel, vocalist and synth in Cousin)
I think you are supposed to say biking and hygge here, but I think I’ll go with slowly lowering your expectations.
What’s a particular expression that you believe is only heard in your country? (if possible in Danish and English) (Victor, guitarist in Cousin)
Danish: Hellere 1 fugl i hånden end 10 på taget.
English: Rather 1 bird in the hand than 10 on the roof.
Very Danish sentiment I think.
