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So I usually feel pretty awkward doing interviews, but with this one I felt especially awkward. It probably has something to do with the fact that Sune Rose Wagner is ultra cool, aka the exact opposite of what I am. Despite the whole being cooler than me thing, he graciously put up with my barrage of questions during our brief conversation. I asked him about his hair, his current relationship status, and other things that would imply I’ve been reading far too much Seventeen Magazine and Teen Bop. But don’t you worry…I also asked him some normal stuff for those of us not trapped in our teenage years (yeah right, like anyone like that even exists…). Anyways, here is what our beloved Danish rocker had to say:

How are you?

Good, how are you?

I’m doing well, thanks. I’m up in Ohio and you guys aren’t even coming here! That’s depressing…

Yeah, I know.

Well, I guess first and foremost tell me a little bit about the new album In and Out of Control. That was released just a couple days ago, right?

Yeah.

So what’s the sound like? How is it different from your other albums?

Hmm…I don’t know! (laughs) Well the sound I guess is different, it was done in a studio. It’s a year down the line from the last one, so it has changed a little bit I guess. I don’t know what to say really.

Like, any different inspiration this time around?

No, not really, I mean…you haven’t heard it yet?

No, I have, I was just trying to kind of get your perspective on it…

Oh. Well I don’t know, I mean…yeah, I think it sounds different from the other ones I guess.

Now are you in control or out of control today?

Today is out of control. Nothing is working. We’re rehearsing and stuff and things keep breaking, so it’s not so much in control.

Well I hope things get back in control for you soon, but out of control is fun sometimes anyway.

I know!

So this is mainly me being self-indulgent, but you guys have really cool hair. What’s your secret? Any shampoo secrets?

(laughs) I don’t really do anything.

I don’t believe it! Okay now tell me about you. Like tell me about growing up in Denmark. What was that like?

It was fun, I had a good childhood I think. I enjoyed myself. Watched a lot of movies and ate a lot of candy.

Very nice, typical childhood. And according to Wikipedia, a very reliable and invaluable internet resource, international studies show that the population of Denmark is the happiest of any country in the world. Agree? Disagree? Discuss.

I’d agree. I think what they mean by it is that Denmark is a very safe country to live in because we have free healthcare and free education. And when you have that, it eases a lot of people’s worries, you know? You can never be a bum in Denmark because you can always get money from the state.

Yeah, I feel like a lot of Scandinavian countries are really on top of that. I think we need to get a little more on track with that here in America.

Yeah, I’ll say!

So how did you guys meet? You met in Copenhagen, and…was it just magical? Tell me everything.

Oh we’re just old friends. You know, we have mutual friends, acquaintances…I think we’ve known each other for over ten years or something. There wasn’t anything special or dramatic. We were just friends, really. Yeah, I don’t know, just how people meet I guess, nothing crazy.

And are you dating anyone right now? Do you get really mad when people ask you that question? Are you mad at me? Are we in a fight?

No no no no. I’m just working on music right now. We’re very busy right now, so there’s a lot to work out I guess.

Now, what would you tell someone who has never been to one of your concerts to…I guess not to expect, but what are your live shows like?

Well I mean, just come to the show. It’s great, I mean, it’s the best music you can possibly find these days, so the show is good too. If you’re sick and tired of terrible, bad, annoying music, then get into us. You know, buy a ticket, buy our albums, and go to the shows.

What was your craziest moment on stage?

I don’t think I’ve ever had a crazy moment. Not that I remember. So, I don’t know. I always forget the crazy things I do.

Do you have any favorite songs to play live?

Well we’re doing this B-side right now called ‘Experiment in Black’ and I really like playing that, you know, because we haven’t played that in forever. So that’s a fun song to play.

Cool. Now, do you remember the worst show you ever played? Or the best show? Any that stand out?

There’s been so many of each, I don’t know. Last year we played a good show at a Spanish festival I really like, and then there are just too many bad ones to mention.

Understandable.

Yeah.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? Or maybe just one that stands out in your memory?

When Phil Spector heard one of my songs and he really liked it.

And now for a dumb but semi-necessary question: what are some other ‘the’ bands that you like?

The Who. Good band.

Good answer. And how about just music in general that you’re listening to right now?

I was listening to the Everett Brothers. That’s a good band. And Hank Williams.

Very nice. Now obviously you’re super good at music, but is there anything that you’re really bad at?

Yeah, many things. I’m only good at music. So all the other things I’m terrible at.

Now, this is a totally irrelevant question but it stems from the fact that I’ve been watching the game show network like crazy. I feel like game shows are really underrated. What’s a game show you think you’d be really good at? I’d like to think that if I was married I would be good at the Newlywed Game.

I don’t watch TV so I don’t know what kinds of game shows are on.

Bummer!

Yeah, I watch movies.

What’s the last movie you saw?

I saw…what’s it called…Wait Until Dark or something. Audrey Hepburn movie.

So you watch movies…what else do you do in your spare time when you’re not rehearsing or on tour?

Oh, you know, the usual. You read books, you watch movies, you go out, you go to dinners, you stay in, you go for walks, you travel…you know, anything really.

What are you looking forward to most on this tour? Any city you’re really looking forward to visiting?

I like Portland.

Yeah, Portland’s a really cool city. I have a lot of friends there.

Yeah, I really like it up there. It’s nice.

And as far as DC goes, is there anything you’re looking forward to doing or seeing? I don’t know if you guys are around long enough to do much.

Yeah, we’re just there for the show for the day. We don’t get to see anything.

Well that’s a bummer. Maybe next time.

It’s okay, we’re used to it.

Well thanks so much and good luck!

Thanks!

Want more? Check out the Raveonettes live w/ the Black Angels this Friday at the 9:30 Club. Tickets are $20, doors open at 8:00 PM.

BOOOOOOOOOOONUUUUUUUUUUUS:

In 2007 we (Cale) did one of our very first interviews ever with the Raveonettes. It was such a big deal to us that they were willing to do so, I remember. What transpired is probably one of the MOST HILARIOUS things ever to go up on BYT, complete with dumpling song review etc. Enjoy it by clicking here:
click click

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