Getting to Know… Anders L. Rasmussen | Interview

In the 445^th Q&A in our Getting to Know… series, we get the inside scoop from Anders L. Rasmussen. 

“This solo project will hopefully showcase sides of me that the audience has never or very rarely heard before.” Awesome, Anders L. Rasmussen! Interestingly, Rasmussen’s band, Ohmwork, was interviewed on The Musical Hype in 2021.  This go-round, it’s all about Anders! He gives us the inside scoop on his goals, musical influences, and current and future musical endeavors. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into Getting to Know… Anders L. Rasmussen: Interview No. 445!

For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes Anders L. Rasmussen distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

Well, [it’s] still very early days of this new project of mine. This solo project will hopefully showcase sides of me that the audience has never or very rarely heard before. I believe I have my own little twist, something slightly unique that can bring joy to many listeners.

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did Anders L. Rasmussen form, and what were some of your goals or visions early?

After 14 years of rocking my socks off in Ohmwork, a metal/stoner/doom trio, it was time to broaden my musical outlet. Changing to dry socks, calmer music in a more Americana style. A dream I’ve had for a long time. That said, Ohmwork is still alive and well, but I have the freedom to switch socks depending on whether I want to rock hard or do what I’m doing right now—playing calm tunes on my acoustic guitar.

Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

In the beginning, conquering the world was my plan. It didn’t materialize, but I am happy gigging now and again, during weekends when I’ve got time. My goal is to have fun with it. Writing songs that resonate with people, getting them to attend my concerts, and meeting the fans. Maybe this new thing will take me to cool places. Get some more attention.

Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Whom would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?

Since we are talking about my new solo endeavor, I would say Jason Isbell. I just love the instrumentation, the singing, the melodies, and of course the lyrics!

Ah, the fun stuff.  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.

That would be when I was entering the stage I tripped on something, possibly a guitar cable. Went flying through the air and hit the ground hard—right there on stage. It was a tough concert to get through, to say the least.

To this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

Hmm. Difficult to say. For this project, it’s still early days. But I would say all of the new tracks coming on my debut album. That was really fun to record. I had the best of times, all alone in the studio, “in the zone.” And beer of course.

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left-of-center we should know about Anders L. Rasmussen? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

I work as an assistant principal. Really dull, but yeah, that’s what I make a living from. On the weekends,  I rock out, on Mondays “Mr. Hide” gets to work.

What is Anders L. Rasmussen currently working on or promoting that you can share? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure. 

Releasing singles. A cool cover version of the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic, “Simple Man”,  arrived on January 17^th, 2025.

Last November [2024], I released my debut song, “The Weight of Life”. There will be a couple more single releases before my album comes out, hopefully before summer!

Thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward. 

 Thank you very much!

Getting to Know… Anders L. Rasmussen: Interview No. 445 [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Anders L. Rasmussen, Yngve Grønvik; AcatXlo from Pixabay]