photos by Anna Petri, Stine Exler and Per Kristensen
Second lady up in our series about Danish singers, their style and musical influences is Maria Køhnke who is both a solo artist, a vocal producer as well as the first choice of champions when it comes to back up singers (Niels Skousen, Robyn, Nicole Atkins, Er de Sjældne and many more)
1) The Danettes: What is your favourite stage outfit?
My favorite stage outfit is a combination of black and white items I wore at a gig last year. The outfit consists of a vintage silk shirt with a bowtie, a white pencil skirt from a Red Cross charity shop and a pair of two tone tights from Wolford.
2) Who is your favorite female singer and why?
I have always preferred listening to male singers and one of my favorite voices is the voice of Marvin Gaye in the 60's. In the words of David Ritz "Marvin was anguished pleading, unremorsefully romantic".
Especially in the sixties, his expression was light, sweet and yet fueled with despair and to me that kind of dualism makes great art. With his unique timing and dynamics it seemed that he was effortlessly able to create the most expressive and beautiful soundscapes.
3) Can you recomend an artist or a band that our readers might not already know?
The Berlin based Janine Rostron aka Planningtorock. First time I experienced this lady was back in 2007 when she was opening for The Knife. I was completely blown away by her performance! Her one-woman show started with a loud playback of Prokofiev's Romeo & Juliet and throughout the set PTR managed to maintain the high level of intensity that characterizes this dramatic piece. I sometimes get a little annoyed by her singing, but I think there's something extremely haunting about her musical productions and visuals and I just love her fearless approach to making music. - For instance not many artists dare to throw in soprano saxophones in semi-dark artsy music. Planningtorock is not afraid :-)
Thank you Maria :-)
Later! Lady L
