For On The Record, we speak with Benjamin Rajani, a rising Faroese singer-songwriter whose heartfelt, poetic songs are steeped in Nordic melancholy and emotional depth. Drawing inspiration from artists like Sigur Rós and Neil Young, this artist crafts music in Faroese, which imbues his work with a rare intimacy and cultural richness. His debut album Tá hvørt ljós líkist tær is a deeply personal exploration of love, nostalgia and the human condition. Produced in collaboration with Danish producer Esben Svane, the album blends indie-folk with lush baroque-pop arrangements reminiscent of The Beatles and The Beach Boys. Written largely while studying in the UK, Rajani’s songs reflect on relationships, memory, and a longing for simplicity, all while staying rooted in the emotional power of his native tongue. In this interview, we dive into the stories, influences, and creative process behind one of the Faroe Islands’ most promising new voices.
Welcome to Unrecorded! For those who aren’t already familiar with Benjamin Rajani, can you introduce yourself?
Thanks! I am a 29 year old singer-songwriter who writes heartfelt songs in Faroese (only spoken by 70.000 people). I guess my music is characterized by Nordic melancholy and I am inspired by artists such as Sigur Rós and Neil Young.
What was the initial inspiration behind your new album Tá hvørt ljós líkist tær?
The songs are inspired by relationships. Both romantic and platonic, and the highs and the lows that
they bring. But also, the relationship between the past and the present – being an adult and feeling
nostalgic about the simple times of youth and childhood.
You wrote over ninety songs in Faroese while studying in England, so how did you choose which ones made it onto this debut album?
First, I chose 20 songs that I thought went together nicely, then I asked my wife, friends and producer, which one’s they liked the most. There was a lot of contradiction, and it took quite some time haha.
What does it mean to you to write and sing in Faroese, especially after reconnecting with the language while abroad?
When I found a new love for the Faroese language, I also found a new love for songwriting. Writing in my native tongue speaks directly my heart, and the hearts of those from the Faroe Islands. Hopefully the feeling is transmitted to listeners abroad as well!
Do you find that writing in Faroese unlocks different emotions or imagery compared to writing in English?
Yes, I think it is easier to involve imagery of nature and weather, as that pretty much sums up the Faroe Islands – Stunning nature and wild weather!
How did your background in psychology influence the emotional depth or themes of the album?
I think the common theme is an underlying interest in people, emotions, relationships, and why we are the way we are. The human psyche is a fascinating subject that I can never get enough of.
There’s undercurrents of bands like The Beatles and The Beach Boys in the arrangements. How did you incorporate that retro style into your own modern sound?
You would have to ask my producer Esben Svane haha! He did the arrangements for the strings and horns. We both love baroque pop like The Beatles and The Beach Boys, but he was the one who brought it to life. He did an amazing job, I think.
The album touches on love, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Is there a specific story or memory behind any of the songs that stands out to you?
Certain memories stick out, like hanging out with friends at late summer nights, or falling in love and going for endless car rides around the Faroes. Most of it is just based on emotions and reflections though.
How do you hope listeners connect with the themes of your album, especially those who may not understand the language?
I hope that they will give the album a change, the album is intended to be a holistic experience. We tried to make the album feel like a dynamic journey, and I think that still resonates even if you don’t understand the language. Nevertheless, Faroese and English both have Germanic roots, so who knows, you might understand a few words!
You can also listen to lead single ‘Orð eru fátæk’ in our Folk This Way playlist.
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