Tormodur‘s latest single “Green, Yellow and Red (Can’t Figure You Out)” is a refreshing addition to the pop punk genre, showcasing the singer-songwriter’s versatility and emotional honesty. From the first guitar riff, the song immediately captures your attention with its high energy and catchy melodic leads.
Tormodur’s voice is strong and expressive, conveying the frustration and confusion of trying to decipher mixed signals from someone he’s interested in. The chorus is particularly memorable, with its anthemic quality and relatable lyrics that are sure to resonate with anyone who’s experienced the same kind of relationship ambiguity.
What sets Tormodur apart from other artists in the style is his willingness to blend genres and experiment with different sounds. “Green, Yellow and Red” has elements of indie rock, punk and grooving funk rhythms, all seamlessly woven together to create a unique sound that’s distinctly Tormodur.
Lyrically, Tormodur has a gift for expressing complex emotions in a way that’s both relatable and deeply personal. As he explains in his own words, songwriting is a way for him to process his own feelings and experiences, and this honesty shines through in his music. “Green, Yellow and Red” is no exception, with lyrics that capture the frustration and uncertainty of trying to navigate a relationship that’s constantly in flux.
Overall, Tormodur’s “Green, Yellow and Red (Can’t Figure You Out)” is a standout single that’s sure to gain him even more fans and establish him as a rising star in the music world. With his ability to blend genres and his honest approach to songwriting, Tormodur is an artist to watch in the coming years.
We caught up with Tormodur to find out more about his inspirations, his new single “Green, Yellow and Red (Can’t Figure You Out)” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Tormodur below.
Hey Tormodur, howâs things?
Things are really good and exciting at the moment. I’m working on some new music, which I love to do, and then this time of year is also just amazing, the days get longer and the weather gets better for each passing day.
How did you first get into making your own music?
When I was around seven years old I started writing lyrics and creating rhythms for them. Back then I would write hip-hop verses and songs, that I would then perform at family gatherings.
The first steps were extremely fun and exciting. I would sit for hours trying to find the perfect combinations of words, that would suit the rhythm and melody, as well as the story that I wanted to tell.
It’s great to get started and get yourself out there at a young age, you really learn a lot.
Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?
Eminem, no doubt. I was mesmerised from the start by his writing and delivering, I would sit for hours non stop, listening to his songs while reading the lyrics.
He inspired me a lot when I was starting out myself.
What do you love about the music scene of the Faroe Islands?
That it’s so big and varied. Although we’re only just above fifty thousand people, the Faroe Islands have really many amazing musicians, and it’s everything from jazz to pop and everything in between.
Another great thing about the music scene right now, is how much young talent there is. The past couple of years, many young artists have gotten onto the music scene with great music, so it’s a very exciting time to follow the Faroese music scene.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?
I definitely draw inspiration from a lot of artists, but I feel that it’s in a somewhat unconscious manner. I can see in my own music, that it often to some extinct reflects the genres or artists that I’ve been listening to leading up to it, but I don’t feel that it’s one or two artists that inspire me, but more styles or genres of music.
Leading up to the creation of my first release, ‘We Both Know’, I had mostly been listening to singer/songwriter pop, and if you give the song a listen, you’ll be able to draw some clear parallels to various artists in that genre.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
From my own life and the situations I find myself in. Writing lyrics and making melodies has always first and foremost been a way for me to work with myself and clear my head, and so that’s also where most of my songs come from, just me trying to figure myself out.
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
The songs that I’ve released so far are very different from one another, so I don’t think that one setting suits all of them.
To my more intimate releases ‘We Both Know’ and ‘Fire In My Flame’, I’d recommend listening in peace and quiet, with the lights either off or turned down.
To my more lively releases ‘Aphrodite or Medusa’ and ‘Green, Yellow and Red’, in your car with the volume at a hundred!
How has your sound evolved since you started out?
I haven’t gotten to a place yet, where I feel that I can call something “my sound”. I’m still at a very early stage, where I’m trying different things out, and I’m really glad to be exactly where I am. I’m exploring the musical universe, and maybe somewhere out there I’ll find “my sound”, time will tell.
How did you find making your new single âGreen, Yellow and Redâ?
The process was really great, most of the time it was together with Benjamin Djurhuus, who has produced and mixed the song, as well as playing most of the instruments. I’ve worked with him on all of my releases and it’s always nice working with him.
We had some moments in the process, where we went somewhat stale, but that’s also a part of the fun, finding solutions and getting past the different obstacles that come in your way.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
The frustrations that come when you’re receiving mixed signals, and the different emotions and thoughts that you go through, before you’re able to pull yourself out of it.
It’s often not easy to see and think clearly, when you’re in the midst of it, and so it can be a real process to work yourself to a point of clarity, and the song paints a picture of that process.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
I’ve been listening a whole lot to a Faroese electro-pop duo, called Byrta.
They have made some amazing music, and although it’s in Faroese, then I’d recommend everyone to give them a listen, you won’t be disappointed!
Whatâs the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
Most of my music has revolved around some form of frustration or sorrow, regarding love. I hope that people can relate to the stories and the emotions that lie within my songs, and hopefully it can connect with people and maybe help someone who’s going through something similar.
Whatâs been your favourite live show so far?
Playing at Voxbotn 2022, a local festival, was incredible. It was only me and a very dear friend of mine, who played the guitar, and we were only playing one song, as a sort of warm up to the next band, but it was amazing. It was my first live performance after releasing music, and it was a big crowd that contained many of my friends and family members.
A day that I won’t forget, and the feeling still sits within me.
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
Ahh… That’s a tough one! I would have to have Eminem there, he is probably the artist that I’ve listened to the most in my life time, so I can’t leave him out.
Then I’ll take Elton John, his music has really given me a lot. The magic that Bernie Taupin and Elton John create together is incredible, and I want that magic at my dream festival.
Last but not least I’d take Coldplay. Their music is amazing and their live shows are second to none. I’ve wanted to experience them live for a long time, but unfortunately I haven’t gotten the chance yet, so Youtube clips will have to do for now.
In the beautiful scenery of the Faroe Islands, of course!
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Don’t be afraid to try things out. If you have an idea, no matter how absurd it may seem, try it out and see where it will take you.
And when it comes to releasing music, do it for yourself, don’t be too focused on the listens and the general reception of it, do it for yourself and get yourself out there.
Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?
First and foremost to release more music, I’m working on something right now that I really look forward to releasing.
And then hopefully to play some live shows, and be able to present my music to people live, it’s just not the same to listen to something on a speaker, as to experience it live and in front of you.
Listen to Green, Yellow and Red (Can’t Figure You Out) below
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