It's been a tough and rewarding journey for Lars Ek whose original sound is now cascading through the airwaves as his new ambient / instrumental single ‘Tico Tico’ rockets up the charts. Lars Ek brings an exquisite sensitivity to his music, creating an authentic sound that simultaneously honors and breaks the traditional rules of songwriting. It is an approach that is earning this artist out of As
torp, Sweden much acclaim lately and has propelled his debut radio single ‘Tico Tico’ to the top of the charts. One critic recently went so far as to comment: ‘Lars Ek is a rare creature to be sure - equally armed with verve and velocity - and the group's upbeat inclinations perfectly complement their smart Latin concoction.’ Reporter Lauren Scott recently caught up with Lars Ek to learn more about this intriguing artist, his artistic inspirations and plans for the future. LAUREN: As an artist on the rise, what is one thing you are most excited about and one thing you are most afraid of happening in your career? LARS EK: I really appreciate that my music is finally available on the Internet. I hope I get the time to develop my ideas about tomorrow's accordion music! LAUREN: Your song ’Tico Tico’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio? LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single? LARS EK: My Music (about 100 compositions) has been on Tellus for a long time. Tico Tico was the first track on the Internet Radio. LAUREN: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music? LARS EK: Adversity generates success. All my life I've had a special love for the Italian accordion music by Pietro Frosini. It is important that tomorrow's practitioners should listen to and be given the opportunity to experience the same love for the accordion music that I enjoyed. LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
LARS EK: With love comes responsibility. As an artist, I try to express the music as the composer wished. As a composer, I write music for the youth of tomorrow to explore. LAUREN: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team? LARS EK: Lars Ek's Hottrio started in 1980. We have recorded about 200 songs. All my compositions are created from different events in my life. The Global touring has inspired me to create a multicultural accordion repertoire. With the Internet's help it has now become spread all over the world. LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family? LARS EK: Yes, the whole family toured under the name FAMILY FIVE. My Father Nils built the accordion and played the accordion. My father did teach me from when I was 4 years to 7 years old. Then I got one of the best teachers in Sweden: Lasse Benny. My mother Ingrid played double-bass, my oldest sister Marianne acoustic guitar, my youngest sister Ann-Christin vocalist and my little brother Tommy played the drums. We toured around Sweden for many years with my dad as a driver and manager. LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging? LARS EK: Being able to travel abroad and meet many different people and cultures that inspire new music. Today's technology is developing too fast. Now soon the music will calm down and adapt to humans. About all music, we need to rethink! LAUREN: Who are your role models in music? LARS EK: I have many role models depending on what music we're talking about: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Pietro Frosini, Queen …
LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance. LARS EK: 1964 I think it was when I was Swedish champion on the accordion and traveled to Helsinki to compete in the Nordic finale. Dad had told me that he could not afford to come and listen to me. Dad would listen in Stockholm on the live radio show from Helsinki. When it was my turn to go on stage and play my competition piece Carneval in Venice by Pietro Frosini I saw with great surprise Dad sitting in the front row just below microphones. This large positive surprise gave me the energy to play for Dad and I became the winner of the Nordic championship which I repeated in 1965. LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance? LARS EK: Any the time you spend on exercise as a youth, will in future be reciprocated. Study and learn everything there is in your domain. Further develop and seek new paths. When you have succeeded and have finished your task, start to share your knowledge with others who can take over and further develop your ideas. LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it? LARS EK: I'm still open to new ideas in music. I´m now following music development on the Internet, giving occasional concerts. I write aphorisms, books, and poetry. I have seven pages on Facebook, two on youtube. Thank you for giving us a peak into your life as an artist. I wish you continued success in your career. https://www.facebook.com/public/Lars-Ek
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