Alongside studio partner Prins Thomas, Lindstrom has fast become Norway’s most notable musical export, responsible for spearheading the ‘space disco’ sound across the globe. Their 2005 debut album was an underground hit with discerning music fans and critics, with Lindstrom’s rather amazing ability as a musician adept as various instruments shining through. He was recently asked to put together the latest installment in the ‘Late Night Tales’ CD series, now standing proudly alongside bonafide superstars like Air and the Flaming Lips as artists to have been given the opportunity. ITM had a Q&A session via email recently to find out how he approached the CD.

Where do you think is the perfect environment for listening to your ‘Late Night Tales’ CD? Where should people be and in what sort of frame of mind to really soak it in?

It’s the perfect soundtrack when doing the dishes…

The list of artists and bands asked to do ‘Late Night Tales’ CDs is pretty spectacular, but also very diverse; Air, Nouvelle Vague, Belle & Sebastian, the Flaming Lips. How did it feel to be asked to do one yourself?

I was more familiar doing a compilation with an “artist” point-of-view rather than a mix from a series of proper DJs. I don’t consider myself one [a DJ], so it feels better to be a part of this series.

Do you have a favourite from previous ‘Late Night Tales’ releases? Have you gotten into the series in the past?

I really like the one from Air. I’ve been aware of the series, but I’d never listened to any of the previous selections before I got the offer from Azuli!

With these CD series that have a format or theme outside of your usual DJ mix compilation often the people compiling it can get a little over the top in their song selections; trying to outdo each other by picking the most obscure track possible to up their ‘cool factor’. How did you approach the song selection for your CD?

I wanted to include both tracks and artists that some people are familiar with, like Carly Simon, Sly Stone and Dusty Springfield. But since I believe that these kind of compilations are perfect to introduce lesser known music to the listener, I included a few ‘obscure’ titles as well. Also, I wanted the compilation to include more than 50% vocal tracks.

Alongside your longtime collaborator Prins Thomas, you’re known around the world as one of the most exciting artists in the ‘space and cosmic disco’ scene. Does your ‘Late Night Tales’ mix offer up any insights into your disco music influences?

Well, I’ve been selecting music that I’ve been feeling lately, so I guess I’ve revealed all of my sources of inspiration now… haha!

Is there a particularly big scene for the cosmic disco sound in Norway and throughout Scandinavia?

No, not really… But I guess there’s an open-minded crowd in Norway. Many DJs say it’s always good to play in Norway because they can do whatever they want. Maybe [it is] because we’re not spoiled with international DJs coming in every week.

Your debut album with Prins Thomas, released in 2005, was acclaimed by both music critics and fans. Will you be working on another album, or are you focusing on solo work and 12” releases?

We’ve already started working, and we’re trying to finish up before 2008. We’re both workaholics.

You’re a multi-instrumentalist, playing drums, guitar, bass and keyboards. How does an understanding of several musical instruments affect the way you listen and interpret music? I imagine it broadens your horizons quite a bit?

Yeah, it really does. That’s why I decided not to stick to one single instrument. I’ve been aware of many aspects that I didn’t think of when only playing keyboards.

Lindstrom’s ‘Late Night Tales’ compilation is available now through Azuli/Stomp.

Check this YouTube clip of the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, set to Lindstrom’s track ‘I Feel Space’. Cosmic disco baby!