PLAYLIST 16
FREDERIK VALENTIN
PUBLISHED
THU, 10 APR 2025
5 MIN READ
Frederik Valentin is a Copenhagen based artist and musician known for his unique blend of electronic and indie pop music. He has contributed to shaping the underground music scene in Denmark, combining introspective lyrics with atmospheric production. His distinctive sound explores themes of personal growth, relationships, and self-discovery. Frederik is recognized for his emotive performances and his ability to merge modern production techniques with organic, heartfelt songwriting.
You are the musician in the whole world I know that is involved in most projects, how do you manage?
First of all, I love making music. I think life is beautiful and complicated, but making music is fun and easy. In music, there's really only one indicator of success, and that's whether you feel it. You can't fake that feeling—it’s either there or it’s not, and I love that. That’s how I involve myself emotionally in all the projects I work on. Using my gut as a compass saves me a lot of time on decisions. I’d also say my big secret to doing a lot is to do as little as possible. I try not to do anything twice. I embrace my mistakes and see where they take me, rather than chasing perfection, which is actually boring to listen to anyway.
I always loved your energy, when do you relax?
I go for a run, work out, meditate every day, and read for 30 minutes before I go to bed. This is plenty of relaxation for me, and it all gives me energy, providing instant bliss and happiness.
I first got to know you many years ago when my label Fake Diamond Records released Complicated Universal Cum, which was your project. What was the idea of Complicated Universal Cum?
Complicated Universal Cum was my first solo project, and in a way, it was made to free me from my musical past and the structure of bands. It was about quitting entertainment and my entry into experimental music. I also wanted the music to feel like a ceremony—transforming both me and the audience, something I’ve carried through my music ever since. It was also a big social experiment. Even though I wrote and recorded all of the music by myself, we were an 11-piece band performing live
"It feels like the golden age of indie DIY music. I’m happy to be here and experience it."
I Can Hardly Wait, was a great song on the album, you also made a fantastic music video of two girls softly kissing, still love it, how did you come up with the idea?
It was actually Kasper Bjørke who came up with that idea. He was doing A&R for Fake Diamond and signed me after hearing my demos on a tour in China. I directed the Video myself, and it featured my friend Sara, who brought her first girlfriend from primary school to do 'the kiss.' We all left the room to give them some privacy, played the song on the speaker, and filmed it once. The video went viral back in 2010. Ten years later, I created a paraphrase of that scene when I directed a video for the artist Figur for the piece 'As You Were.' We made a beautiful kiss between two male dancers, recorded in the same room, with the same background, and the same lighting at The Lab in Copenhagen
What’s up in your life right now
My life is great, blessed with two daughters who enrich, challenge, and inspire me to do better and experience the world with new intensity and beauty. I feel very privileged and inspired, working on new music, getting the chance to meet people and see a bit of the world while playing shows.
How would you describe the mood of the playlist
Profound chill that will cut your chest open to see what's inside
Anything you'd like to add before we listen to the playlist?
Yeah, let me just say that this is all part of the Copenhagen scene. There’s so much initiative and talent right now—it feels like the golden age of indie DIY music. I’m happy to be here and experience it.
Thanks for sharing!