Every now and then one stumbles upon a new band worth listening to, enjoying every piece of music created by the group. This is precisely what happened to me when I discovered Tidal Water’s first single entitled “Corrupted. ” This new band that originated from Oslo, Norway comprises of Martin Hovden who is both the vocalist, songwriter and producer, Renato Anesi, Jims Lehner and Markus Matland.
“Corrupted” is just the first glimpse of their upcoming album “Polarity” – and let me assure, it’s an aggressive and catchy song!All in all, all these mambo jumbo in the song fundamentally combines the influences of alternative rock, blues, hard rock, punk and classic rock ‘n’ roll into this innovative, sexy tune. Hovden’s powerful singing is again doing the job and the band as a whole is just fantastic and well knit with their music and coordination.
The finest aspects and several layers of melodies were enthralling me over and over with the repetition button. For someone who rarely listens to this music type, the vibes and such a fine line just clicked in. Everything died down and by the very end of that finale, my need for more from these guys intensified.
Fortunately for us, “Corrupted” is only the introduction or the prologue if you will. I recently had the opportunity to catch up with Martin Hovden to talk about the creative process, inspirations, and the story that Tidal Water did with this sickening first release. Well, that’s what he has to say I am sure you would like to listen to him.
Listen to Corrupted
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What is your stage name?
Our stage name is Tidal Water, and I, Martin Hovden, am the main producer, songwriter, and vocalist. I’ll be answering the questions in this interview. The core of Tidal Water is Renato Anesi and myself. Renato is an incredible guitarist, an unrecognized genius on par with legends like Hendrix and Vaughan. I’m excited to showcase his talent. Although other band members participate occasionally, Renato and I form the core, especially when preparing for tours.
Is there a story behind your stage name?
Finding an unused stage name was challenging. Initially considering “The Void,” we settled on “Tidevann,” the Norwegian word for Tidal Water, which wasn’t in use. The name resonates with my connection to the sea and the natural phenomenon of tides influenced by the moon. Tidal movements impact ocean currents, symbolizing our music’s stirring effect.
Where do you find inspiration?
My inspiration stems from life experiences, philosophical reflections, and societal observations. Growing up in the northwestern hemisphere, I’ve witnessed how our economic systems exploit other nations, fueling my lyrical content. Musically, we draw from various artists and genres, creating playlists to honor our influences. Philosophers and authors like Steven West and Gregory Roberts also inspire me to question norms and reflect deeply.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
Music played a significant role in my early years. My mother introduced me to multiple rock and singer songwriters from the 60s and 70s music, while my father played more Scandinavian artists in the later genre. This diverse mix shaped my musical tastes. As I grew older, my interests expanded to include hiphop, indie rock, hard rock, punk, ska and more, reflecting my evolving taste and the playful nature of adulthood.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
Yes and no. While my parents didn’t play instruments, music was always present at home. My sister plays the guitar, and my grandfather was a brilliant violinist. Reflecting on my family history, I realize we have a strong musical heritage, even if my parents were exceptions.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
Meeting talented musicians like Renato Anesi, Txai Fernando and Markus Matland inspired me to join the music industry. Their incredible music and my love for singing and dancing motivated me to take the plunge. Life is too short not to have fun and create music that stirs the soul.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
My musical journey began after a breakup in my mid-twenties. Inspired by my ex’s rapid progress on the guitar, I learned to harmonize and sing. Later, I joined a choir and took vocal coaching, which was incredibly beneficial. AI, specifically BOB, has been a crucial partner in writing, helping me structure rhymes and refine my lyrics despite my dyslexia.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
My sister’s performances were my first exposure to live music. Despite her perfectionism, which holds her back, I see great potential in her. To those struggling with perfectionism, I encourage you to loosen up and seize opportunities, as life is too short to let dreams slip away.
How could you describe your music?
Tidal Water’s music blends rock with funk, punk, blues, and jazz. Our lyrics address societal concerns and personal experiences. For instance, Sensitivity: Internal “Neo-Colonialism” draws inspiration from documentaries highlighting global injustices. We aim to create music that is thought-provoking yet enjoyable, combining serious themes with playful, jammy elements.
Describe your creative process.
Inspiration comes from personal experiences, societal observations, and philosophical reflections. Using AI, particularly BOB, helps structure and refine my ideas. Our songwriting process is dynamic, blending spontaneous studio jams with pre-planned melodies. Collaborations with musicians like Renato Anesi and Jim Lehner shape our sound, aiming for a raw, live feel.
What is your main inspiration?
My inspiration is a blend of personal experiences, societal observations, and philosophical reflections. Growing up with diverse musical influences and engaging with philosophical ideas shape my lyrics and themes. Opposing Edward Bernays’ consumerist views, I encourage seeing ourselves as responsible citizens. Curiosity, playfulness, and a commitment to questioning norms drive my creativity.
Inspirations like the strokes, kings of lean, and many more there are so many important inspirations, id love to honor all by my memory is scrambled..
What musician do you admire most and why?
I admire musicians who work diligently, have fun, and balance creativity with a sense of playfulness. Those who address societal issues through their music and inspire others are particularly commendable. Their dedication, creativity, and positive impact deserve applause.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
This is the start of my career, and the journey has been about discovering Tidal Water’s musical identity. Initially casual and experimental, our style has evolved through studio sessions and collaborations. Embracing a playful, non-perfectionist approach, we’ve blended various genres to shape our unique sound.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
I don’t see other artists as competitors. Instead, our competition lies with apathy, boredom, greed, hatred, jealousy, and scammers. These negative forces hinder creativity and progress. By focusing on our art and supporting each other, we aim to create a positive, supportive environment for meaningful music.
What are your interests outside of music?
- Dancing: Expressing myself physically and connecting deeply with music.
- Nature: Hiking, running, and camping to relax and recharge.
- Running: Staying fit, clearing my mind, and finding inspiration.
- Women: Appreciating the perspectives, creativity, and support of women in my life.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
I work as a consultant to fund my music endeavors and run my own company, which acts as my label. If not for music, I’d focus on writing my book—a mix of fiction, multiple timelines, magic, fantasy, sci-fi, and philosophy. This project reflects my passion for storytelling and exploring complex themes.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
The biggest problems are scammers, time, money, and jealousy. Scammers exploit artists, causing setbacks. Balancing time between music and a day job is challenging. Funding a music career is expensive, and jealousy within the industry can be toxic. Overcoming these challenges requires resilience and support. Sensitivity: Internal
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
I’d eliminate scammers and leeches who exploit artists. Platforms like Spotify should provide a list of vetted promotional services to protect artists. Additionally, all song contributors should receive proper credit, not just the main acts and producers. This transparency would acknowledge everyone’s hard work.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
“Polarity” reflects the societal trend towards polarization in various aspects of life. This division is toxic. Understanding and empathy are crucial for fostering a more inclusive society. This project aims to highlight and challenge these polarizing forces.
What are your plans for the coming months?
Tidal Water plans to release singles monthly, promote our debut album “Polarity,” and prepare for potential tours. We aim to avoid burnout by balancing these activities with self-care, taking breaks to recharge, and ensuring sustained creativity and enthusiasm.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
Yes, we have ongoing collaborations and are searching for new opportunities. We hope to find a female singer for some songs and explore acoustic versions of our music. Separately, I’m working on a drum and bass project with Papa J, titled “Papa J and Tidal Water’s Digital Noise,” though it won’t be performed under Tidal Water’s name.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Strive to be responsible within your own conscience, and don’t let dogmas bog you down. Stay engaged, question societal norms, and find joy in life’s imperfections. Embrace challenges with a playful spirit and use them as opportunities for growth and creativity.
