I was first introduced to the band Mimas by some good friends a few months ago, having helped put a live show on for them in Glasgow it placed firmly in my top 5 live shows of 2010. I subsequently came across Dad Rocks! This is the side solo project of Mimas member Snævar Albertsson who in my eyes is one of the most gifted musicians I have had the pleasure of coming across.

I have this habit of finding a musician that awakes the senses and then immersing myself in everything they have produced like a ferocious addiction and that is exactly what has happened with this artist. Albertsson’s lyrics are exceptional. They stir the imagination and make you question not only your own thoughts but also those of others. His music is complex, but as I have stated previously it inspires one to pick up any instrument and just get out there and play. Both combined and you have the makings of someone that is as beatific as the first time you play a crisp new vinyl.

His latest EP ‘Digital Age’ was one of the most played releases over the latter 2010 period in my circle of immediate friends. Each repeated listen grants its melodic and rhythmical roots to embed themselves inside you and grow into something that is fantastically rewarding.

I was lucky enough to catch up with Dad Rocks! Snævar Albertsson for a chat about his influences, inspirations and what 2011 has in store for him. Sidenote:  I agree wholeheartedly with his mentions of Efterklang, Stars and Broken Social Scene. These artists are vital to your music collection.

Halina: When did you begin Dad Rocks! and why did you decide to do a side project outside of Mimas?

Snævar: I think I started getting some musical ideas that didn’t really fit into the Mimas-universe in late 2009. At the time it didn’t really feel like that I was in need of canalizing those ideas and songs into a side- or a solo project, but the more ideas I got the more I felt the need to record them and make something out of them. I sent some songs to my friend who was about to start a label (Kanel Records) with some of his friends, and they loved the tunes. That gave me an even bigger urge to give the project a try.

H: What is the story behind the name Dad Rocks!?

S: Well, I became a father almost three years ago (and my 2nd kid will be arriving any day now, as he’s due January 11th!), and fatherhood has awoken all sorts of thoughts about itself, and especially about all the clichés surrounding it. Some of these are maybe a bit serious, and some of them I think are really funny. The genre ‘dad rock’ is quite funny and sad at the same time. Imagine an old dad rockin’ out to old records, by old bands that no one listens to anymore, while trying to convince his kids that it’s the best thing every created in musical history. It’s kind of tragicomical, because obviously the music has meant and still means so much to him, but his feelings for the music (and the nostalgia that surrounds them) are completely alienated because of the kid’s total lack of understanding for the songs and lyrics. To them it’s just their dad being silly, while he might have big desire to express some really important feelings. I know that I will be a part of that whole scenario at some point, and especially cause I make music myself, and I’m sure when my kids grow up they will roll their eyes at me and say ‘daaaaad, stop it’. But I don’t care. I’ve accepted this at the age of 26, and all I’m saying is: Dads! You rock! And I genuinely think that my own dad rocks. He introduced me to bands like The Pixies and Radiohead a long time ago.

H: You have a very literal sense of humour. Do you consciously try to inject this into your songs?

S: I think my lyrics are very serious, and I sometimes have the need to inject a tad of humour and irony in them, because things aren’t always as bad as you think. When I say that kids are immature and rely too much on internet tools, it’s not that bad at all. It’s all just about becoming old and not being able to handle technology as well as the kids. They’re way more creative than adults. Just look at how many YouTube videos that are being uploaded every day. I guess I’m not answering your question at all. I think the short answer would have to be no. But sometimes I reach the stage in a lyric where I simply need a bit of irony to allow myself to sing it.

H: Where were you brought up and what is the music community like there? Are there any artists that you would recommend from your home country to our readers/listeners?

S: I’m originally from Iceland, and moved to Denmark when I was 12 years old. I think a lot of people know more about the music scene in Iceland, than the Danish one so let’s stick to that. Most people might know Mew, and Kissaway Trail have had some success as well in the UK. I would really recommend Efterklang if you haven’t heard of them. Their latest album ‘Magic Chairs’ is incredible. They’ve been gaining a lot of attention over the last years, so chances are that you’ve heard of them already. Check out Sleep Party People, Broken Bells and obviously Mimas.

H: We hear you have an album in the pipeline. Does it have a title yet and when can we expect to be out?

S: Oh, yes. It’s in the process of being recorded. I’m excited. I think we should have it ready for your ears in the early summer. Fingers crossed. I’ve been playing around with a couple of titles, but nothing that has really stuck. Any suggestions are welcome!

H: You are one of the most exciting musicians we have come across in some time. Who do you seek influence from and what inspires you?

S: Wow. Thanks so much, those are very kind words. Well, a lot of different things. I actually come from a background of heavy-metal, and at the moment I’m listening to Akron/Family and before that I was listening to ‘Set Yourself On Fire’ by Stars. Amazing releases from 2010 have been from Fang Island, Baths and Broken Social Scene. The last movie that I felt really touching was ‘Biutiful’ by Alejandro Gonzáles Inarritus and I recommend it to everyone.

H: What does the rest of 2011 hold for you?

S: Well, I will be playing a couple of gigs in the spring, but mainly focusing on the album and then we’ll probably have a good handful of gigs and tours in late 2011. While I’m home I’ll be raising my kids which I’m really looking forward to!

Halina Rifai

You can check out Dad Rocks! Latest release ‘Digital Age’ on his bandcamp below we urge you to buy it!