The driving force behind art-pop ensemble Chimes & Bells is the softly-spoken and modest 26-year-old multi-instrumentalist Cæcilie Trier who has been for many years an integral part of the Copenhagen indie scene. Chimes & Bell recently released their debut EP ‘Into Pieces Of Wood’ on Bella Union, while a full-length album is currently in the making. ClashMusic met Cæcilie and took the opportunity to ask her a couple of questions, including on the upcoming album. Here’s what she told us.
How did the deal with Bella Union emerge?
It was kind of surprising. One month after releasing the EP in Denmark (February 2009) I added Bella Union on myspace and then within a week I was exchanging emails with Simon (Raymonde – ex. Cocteau Twins). It all happened very quickly.
How did it feel?
Actually I don’t know that much about labels. Of course I was very happy, but I didn’t really know who Cocteau Twins were for example.
When did you start playing music?
I studied cello and conducting at the conservatory. My whole family are classical musicians. The rest of the band is self-taught.
How was the ‘Into Pieces of Wood’ EP recorded?
We recorded it in three days in a small Copenhagen studio. The instruments were recorded live and then we added the cello and the vocals on top of that. I remember it was freezing in the studio…
The EP is profoundly sad. Would you say you are sad as a person?
Actually I don’t find the album sad at all. It’s more dark.
Do you think there is a particular Scandinavian gloom in your sound?
I totally agree that such a Nordic sound exists, but I don’t think that we have that. Our music is powerful and dark, but not sad.
How do you manage to play in several bands? (Choir of Young Believers, Jong Pang, Le Fiasko etc.)
It is very important to have different roles in different bands. In some bands you write the music and you are in the spotlight and sometimes you’re just helping to grow the music that other members write. Both things provide you with a lot of energy. There is a social element as well. In Copenhagen everybody’s got ten bands. I don’t know if this is a good or a bad thing. Maybe commercially it’s bad, but is great for creativity.
Are you already working on a full album?
We are recording the debut album right now.
Is it going to sound any different?
You can never make an album that sounds exactly like the EP because its songs are really inseparable. It’s like one 20-minute song. The new material is more diverse and they represent different sides of us.
When should we expect a release?
Sometime around September hopefully.
What’s the ultimate goal of Chimes & Bells?
The goal is to make Chimes & Bells a bit like a mass, to get the ritual and spiritual thing into a rock concert. We want it to be very profound.
Words and photo by Vasilis Panagiotopoulos
