After having a blast with Todd Terje last month, it's time to bring in one of the originators from Oslo's lively disco scene. Rune Lindbæk has gained reputation for his feel-good DJ sets as well as his work in the studio, both solo and with such people as Idjut Boys and Lindstrøm. A fan of fish, dub and real ale (in no particular order), Rune joined us for a quick interview before his return to Helsinki this Saturday.

 

You are known for a great amount of collaborations and projects. What have you been up to lately in the studio and what's coming out next?

 

– Yeah, there is plenty in the pipeline, among them an edit 12" on Lovefingers' Blackdisco label and a new solo album. 

 

Can you tell something about the solo album? What has been influencing you lately?

 

– It's balearic, with a hint of drama, in the key of Viking disko and soundtracks! Or something...

 

I find that stuff from any decade, continent or style could influence me. And it's always fun to look for music where not so many else is looking. It's all about being free in your mind and have a big musical landscape because you can find diamonds anywhere!

 

 

Do you have a favourite piece of equipment in the studio, something you have used for years?

 

– Yes, the Korg MS series. Wouldn't mind one of these spaceships whenever they get produced! 

 

You've been spinning records since the 1980's. What kind of clubs do you enjoy playing in nowadays? Is there a place in Oslo where you feel at home the most and are able to do musically whatever you want to?

 

– I've DJ'ed and had amazing nights in 22 countries, so it's hard to pinpoint one place. I've had my busy Undertonar nights at Nomaden in Oslo since 2004 and I really love it! It's such a good crowd there. I always play the music I want to everywhere I go and keep the music close to my heart!

 

Rune Lindbæk DJ mix from Oslo (1997) by smalltownsupersound

 

Are there any new names coming from the Oslo scene that we should get ready for?

  

– Bazis and Mathias Stubø. 

 

Could you give us three tracks that you have been playing a lot lately – something we may hear at Nolla on Saturday?

 

Roxy Music – Love Is The Drug (Todd Terje disco dub)

 

– Terje and I have studios in the same building along with Lindstrøm, Prins Thomas and a bunch of other cool cats. Everything he does is gold! Not sure when this is coming out though.

 

Marion – Syy Täysikuun (Schmami edit)

 

– Got it from your top local Helsinki DJ Schmami (a.k.a. Sami from Shine 2009). It's a Finnish version of a Vangelis-produced Demis Roussos track that strangely is as good as the original! It's also an Idjut Boys favorite.

 

'Lectric Workers – Robot Is Systematic (Rune Lindbæk edit)

 

– Top mad European disco re-sliced!

 

What do you when you want to take your mind off all the music related activities?

 

– Well, I'll stay an extra day in Helsinki and I'm going to see if I can find out anything about my great-grandfather who came from your city. So I'm actually a bit from Helsinki!