Exclusive Interview: Ruben Gausel Torkelsen

StreetWave Media presents an exclusive interview with EDM artist, Ruben Gausel Torkelsen located in Norway. after our interview, check out the Lyric video linked below…

1. What made you decide to jump into the music industry or music business? 
I never really meant to jump into the business. It kind of just became the more sane thing to do, which in itself sounds strange. But I live with chronic back pain, so I couldn’t do my daily job anymore. So the transition into music was more or less the only open door I saw.

 2. What do you think makes you stand out from all the other aspiring and upcoming artists in your genre of music? 
Well, I don’t really think I stand out too much to be honest. There are so many great musicians out there, in my genre and other genres. But I think that I can bring a whole lot to the table for my fans, because I always try to put out new styles of music. I try to not become stale in my work.

 3. If you could collaborate with ANY artist/band… Who would you choose and why?
Easy, Shakira. I absolutely love her and would do anything to do a song with her!

 4. What do you think is your biggest Advantage and your biggest Disadvantage about being an Indie artist?
I think my biggest advantage is the creative freedom I have right now. I’m in control of every aspect in my songs, the vocalists, the style etc. On the other hand, my biggest disadvantage must be covid. It’s really hard to find available tour locations, and trying to maneuver through all these “red, orange” zones is really tough right now. So it’s tough for us aspiring indie artists right now.

 5. Do you prefer the Independent route or would you rather sign to a major record label, and why?
Personally I prefer the indie route. Simply because I’m a control freak when it comes to my music haha. I have both worked with and been offered deals with major labels, but turned them down because the deals didn’t really fit my vision of how I want to do this. So if I make it to the big leagues, it will feel absolutely amazing knowing I got there by myself.

 6. Out of all the songs you’ve released, what do you think is your Best song and why?
Oh this is a tough one. I love every song, they each contain memories and stories that I really can’t put up against one another. But If I had to choose a favorite, it would have to be the song I did with RØDY, called “Take You Down”. There is just so much time and energy put into this, plus the emotional place I was in my life at the point of this release, it’s just really specialand close to me.

 7. Do you miss the era of CD sales OR do you prefer the new wave of music streaming?  Explain…
Hard copies all the way. I’m somewhat of an old soul when it comes to a lot of things. I would definitely prefer CD’s instead of streaming. I miss bringing my discman with me, trading CDs with my friends when I was tired of listening to the songs on it. It was just something really beautiful about that era. I guess we appreciated the music more back then, when music was less accessible. 

 8. Between creating in the studio OR performing live on stage, which is your most enjoyable one and why? 
Hmm from a creative perspective, studio for the win. But there is something about the on stage energy that can’t be matched, so I’d have to go with that!

9. During your entire journey through the music business, what would you consider your Worst experience?
My worst experience have been to try and maneuver through a huge minefield of boobytraps when it comes to promoting songs. It’s so much information you must process that it becomes really overwhelming at times. But with a good team backing you up, hard work and dedication it’s nothing I can’t handle! I’m always trying to get my music out there and will do my absolute best to try and reach new fans.

10. What would you consider your most successful or proudest moment in your music career, so far?
I get a new “proudest” moment every time a new song is ready for release. When I get to show my grandmother the song before it’s released. She always loves my songs, and it’s just amazing to see her vibe with my music! It’s pretty rare to see someone of her generation enjoy EDM like she does! 

11. If any, what discourages you the Most about music industry these days?
The streaming industry and how it’s treating the artists. Not many people are aware of this, but artists are getting paid fuck all right now.

12. What inspires you the Most about the music industry these days?
The impact you can have on someone’s life. It’s just amazing to see that my music can put a smile on someone’s face or brighten someone’s day just a little. You can reach so many people these days, and you can inspire, encourage and even save lives just by doing what you love. It’s awesome.

13. If you wasn’t in the music business or industry, what do you think you would be doing with your life instead?
I would probably be an electrician. If my health would allow me. If not, I’d probably be homeless.

14. In your own opinion, What is the current music scene like in your local area? 
I would dare to say that Norway is crushing it at the moment. The issue is that we are crushing it everywhere else but in Norway! Especially EDM. I’m struggling to find success here in Norway, but my numbers are really good overseas in the USA or even just the rest of Europe. So, I’d say Norwegian artists is crushing it, but Norway got to step up their game to bring forth all these great artists that are lurking around. 

15. What is your latest release and where fans can find it?
I just released a song with Simon Wangemann called “To You”, and you can find this on more or less any streaming platform you want. You can follow this link to spotify and have a listen to it https://open.spotify.com/track/5A7lWzhqvy1DEVspMxnWSl?si=e9b13c9c5e3e4132

16. What is on your agenda or what can fans expect to see from you in 2021?
We are closing in on the end of 2021 now. But I still have some new music coming your way! Right now, I am aiming to release a song with a UK based singer that goes by Holly Rae around 8thof October. A stunning voice with a powerful song! After this song, I will release a song with the one and only Anna Slinning, aka. My better half. This project will be the perfect way to end a quite chaotic year! I will try to keep up the pressure of new songs in 2022. It’s quite expensive to keep this level of production quality going from my own bank account, but I will do my best! There will also be a Europe tour in 2022 which I’m really looking forward to! It’s going to be great to meet fans from around the world and meet new fans! A whole lot of fun in the years to come, can’t wait!

follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rgtoff/