Ulrik Munther

Having already released a combination of singles and music videos this year, Swedish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ulrik Munther is already making a name for himself in the UK music scene. With his highly anticipated new album set to arrive later this fall, we caught up with Ulrik to discuss music, reflections and dream party guest lists.

Hey Ulrik, how’s it going? For those who are not familiar with your work, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hello! It’s going pretty good I think, especially considering the circumstances. Hmm, where to start. I was born one cold night in February 1994. My career started when I was 15 years old. Like a lot of kids these days, my first big break was in a music competition. I’ve sort of grown up in the spotlight, which I think has affected me quite a bit. Finding yourself while feeling like you should have it all figured out, whilst being a “role model/idol” is not something I recommend actually. Anyway, now I’m 26 years old and live in my hometown Gothenburg, Sweden, with my girlfriend and our dog. I’m pretty “down to earth” guy. At the moment I’m trying to allow myself to dream a little more and not problematise things as much. I try to be as honest as possible in everything I do. Anyone can act cool, but honesty and vulnerability is much more interesting in my opinion.

Your video ‘Man In Need’ was directed by Simeon Frohm. How was it working together to bring the visuals to life?

Simeon is my Visual Director for the whole album, and he’s also an old friend of Johan (my producer) and a new friend to me. He’s been popping by the studio once or twice a week since we started working together, so we’ve had plenty of time to bounce and sync our ideas. Unfortunately I wasn’t at the set when they were shooting because I was sick (probably corona), but I think that was actually a good thing because I would have probably been in the way.
 
‘Man In Need’ is a walkthrough of your own reflections in a relationship. How does the character in the video represent you?

Pretty well, I think. He’s maybe even more of an introvert than me, and I think I’m a lot better at communicating my feelings nowadays. But yeah, the dynamic between the two is very close to my own relationship, I think. He’s in his head a lot, and she’s more in the moment. I think generally guys are often thinking more about themselves and their own problems, while women are much better at taking responsibility for friends and family. At least in my experience.
 
Apart from creating music, what is your greatest passion?

I don’t know. Does “having interesting conversations” count? I’m interested in a lot of things; but as dull as it might sound, there are few things I appreciate more than diving deep into an interesting subject with someone. But climbing is fun. And I’ve gotten quite interested in yoga and meditation recently.
 
Imagine you’re having a party whom, dead or alive is on the guest list?

Ouff. I really suck at this game. I mean it’s hard because of course there are people I find interesting, but I would probably just feel intimidated and stand in a corner all by myself haha. I’m already overthinking this. But let’s say David Bowie, Joni Michell, Elon Musk, Ricky Gervais, Björk, Justin Vernon, Ben Howard, Phoebe Bridgers, Duncan Trussell (just started watching Midnight Gospel on Netflix) and Eckhart Tolle. Jesus, I’d probably want to invite a few Swedish people too; but you wouldn’t know who they are, so I’ll invite them next time instead.

Ulrik Munther – "C'est la vie"

What can we expect from you next?

The plan is to release my album this fall. But honestly, I’m starting to freak out a little because there is a lot of work still to be done. But if we’re talking songs, then I think that my latest single “C’est la vie” has more of an upbeat-vibe. I’m a sucker for downtempo (Preferably like 66 bpm) and bittersweet, semi-depressing singer/songwriter lyrics. But there may be a few surprises. 

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