Filip Clements

Rising indie star Filip Clements has released his debut album Soft Apocalypse on LP, CD, cassette and digital formats. 

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

Probably listening to “Karma Police” in the car when I was about six years old.

 

When did you begin songwriting?

I recorded my first demo at about eight years old, then started writing more properly in my teens.

 

You have your debut album ‘Soft Apocalypse’ out now on Eastcote Recordings. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

I wanted it to be collaborative and fun – mixing genres, adding more guitars and following whatever made the songs exciting in the room. Enjoying the creative process without worrying about the outcome, then being more meticulous about decisions after we’d created something.

 

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

Eastcote Studios in London, with Martin Terefe, Catherine Marks and Tord Øverland Knudsen of The Wombats producing.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

I remember there being a lot of pasta ragù and red wine involved while we were making “Carte Blanche”…

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

The others are much more into equipment than me, and we had access to some amazing gear at Eastcote, but ultimately I think we were all just chasing the performance.

 

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

a) “Taking Flight” – we made it on my birthday.
b) “Tomorrow’s Parade”.
c) “Million Miles Away”.

 

Who were the musicians who were on the album with you?

Tord Øverland Knudsen, Karl Brazil, Martin Terefe and Catherine Marks.

 

Does the album’s title have a specific meaning/significance?

I wrote the words “Soft Apocalypse” down and they just struck me. To me it captures change – like growing older while becoming increasingly aware of this slow and silent decay around us – personally, environmentally and politically – but still finding beauty and optimism within what we have.

 

Was it a difficult album to write?

We were actually in a great flow and writing loads, so the difficult part was deciding which songs belonged on the album.

 

Who designed the album artwork?

Cindy Sun, with photography by Caleb Marshall.

 

One of the tracks is “Million Miles Away”. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

It partly came from feeling a bit of imposter syndrome in the room with these big producers. It evolved into something more reflective about wanting to grab hold of something so badly that you end up pushing it further away.

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Nesøya, just outside Oslo. Nature, water, peaceful, family, home.

 

What are some of your memories of being stationed in the Arctic Circle whilst you were in the military?

Sitting down in the chapel to play the piano, and seeing the Northern Lights glowing just outside.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026/2027?

There are a few exciting things in the works for 2026/27 – hopefully more to announce very soon…

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

Made people feel something, and made them want to come back.

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

A wireless mic so I can jump around!!

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

That’s a difficult one – I’d probably bend the rules and say I’d love to build a film score around the world of William Blake.

 

How do you look after your voice?

I’m careful with alcohol before performing. I also really enjoy running, which can help with stamina onstage.

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Radiohead, The Killers, U2, The Police, Coldplay, a-ha, The Beatles, Queen, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley and Bruce Springsteen are some big ones. The Weeknd and Tame Impala are also shining through in the album. For something newer, I’ve been listening to a lot of Mk.gee.

 

What makes Filip Clements happy and what makes you unhappy?

Performing music onstage, writing music, listening to music, talking about music, working with my team on music – and spending time with family. Being away from those things tends to make me unhappy.

 

Feature Image Photo Credit: Isabelle Dohmen

Filip Clements’s debut album Soft Apocalypse is out now on LP, CD, cassette and digital formats, stream here / order physical here. 

Record Label Website: www.eastcoterecordings.com