You may recall that we considered Third Attempt's remix of FSQ's 'Freak Out For Fitness' to be the grooviest of them all and on his new EP, 'We're All Connected' he's lost none of his groove from his base in Norway, so it's a good time to catch up with Torje Fagertun Spilde for a bit of a Q&A.
YATM: How do you know FSQ/Soul Clap (see review of 'Freak Out For Fitness HERE), did you meet in a gym? TA: Haha you’d think? Actually I first met with Charlie (Chuck Da Fonk) in Amsterdam late 23. Being a part of FSQ he recognized me out of the blue at a Boogie Angst label event. We got chatting amongst other artists, and we eventually ended up at a Glitterbox party together. After I returned to Oslo, things just snowballed from there. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the remix. Probably won’t be the last time we work together.
YATM: You've had 4 albums out on Beatservice prior to this EP and last year had a collaboration with Steve Cobby with 'Offshore Sunsets'. With Mr Cobby being 50% of Fila Brazilla - as mentioned in our recent interview with Balaphonic (see Interview HERE) how did you link up with Steve, one of Hull's favourite sons? TA: That’s right. 5 if you count my first album 'Dreams In Common', released independently in 2017. Besides playing gigs over in England late ‘22, I had the absolute pleasure to meet and connect with Steve, which is someone I've listened to since my early teenage years. I reached out via messenger to ask if I could come visit. Initially he turned my request down, but after a heartfelt follow-up message, we suddenly found ourselves in his studio together.
During my short two-day visit in Hull, not only got to know each other, but crafted a solid amount of musical material for this collaborative EP. Sessions that flowed immensely well, especially since we'd never met before. Grateful as this was a big moment for me, something I will never forget.
YATM: If you're into the Balearics and are new to Fila Brazilia (I recommend RE:Warm's compilation 'Fila Brazillia – Retrospective Redux 90- 22'), MadeNorth did the artwork for that. Your artwork is quite similar. Is that the same people? [Ed. I have suggested this before, but both would make great t-shirts] TA: Good question actually! Ours was done in-house at Paper Recordings.
YATM: We love the intro to 'Language Of The Heart' tell us a little about that track.
TA: In person, I’m a bit of a closet romantic. Channelling feelings, many times through music and storytelling is my go-to method of expressing this side of myself.
YATM: Which brings me to 'Blessed' that's groovy, jazzy and funky all at the same time? That's your thing right?
TA: Big fan of crossing genres that inspire me.
YATM: 'People Are Beautiful' is even better with its low-slung synth end and poppy Chic-esque groove and vocal. What was the influence behind this track?
TA: [I] Wanted to play something that really kicks in the club but carries other listenable qualities as well. I like music that is not constrained to a specific time and space. 70s disco is among the right references.
YATM: That then flips into acid rave land. The crowd reaction to this must be bonkers?
TA: I’ve gotten milage out of this acid sound. Have had great fun playing this out.
YATM: The only trouble with the EP is that the next track you hear instantly becomes your favourite. 'Tears On My Mixer’ that's more soul-disco with the quirky ending. Was that based on a real experience?
TA:I appreciate that! I guess this excerpt of dialogue was something I really could relate to. It ties together a touch of awkwardness with something so heartfelt at the same time. That’s life!
YATM: The title track is closer to the FSQ remix for me but with more of a 'community' ethos with acid + scratchin'. I really like this non-genre style. Is that what you're aiming for?
TA: I’m happy with this direction and message. Hard to say what I will make next. But I hope it’s something that stand and speak for itself.
YATM: Have you got a launch party for the EP/gigs/festivals lined up?
TA: Not directly a launch party, but playing a gig in Oslo this Friday, and in England this June!
YATM: 20 years ago, all I knew about the Norway scene outside of Jazz was Espen Horne's Moosejuus night in Norway (see review of Espen's album from last year HERE) which got overshadowed when the Prins Thomas/Todd Terje explosion happened. Apart from yourself, what/who should we know about in Norway at the moment? TA: Love Espen Horne! You should check out Dublon and Henrik Villard to name a few within the warmer shades of the house scene.
YATM: Is there anything else we should know about you?
TA: Started playing with my band last year! Guitar, drums and electronics. Working on getting that properly established.
.I wonder if that's Torje Fagertun Splide's Third Attempt(?) 'We Are All Connected' EP is out on Friday so get connected.
PS. Many thanks to Torje and Sharonn at Shrine for arranging the interview.
Artist: Third Attempt
Title: We Are All Connected EP
Release date: 9th May, 2025
Label: Beatservice
Cat. No: -
Format: digital / Bandcamp
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