A Chat with Fiskur (11.08.20)
Most well known as the frontman for Three Blind Wolves, Ross Clark is a Scottish singer/songwriter with a flair for raw alternative rock. After Three Blind Wolves disbanded, Clark was at odds as to what he should do next. After spending a lot of time fly fishing Clark gained clarity and a desire to be challenged musically; hence, Fiskur was born. Working with Andy Monaghan and Chris McGarry, Fiskur is a dream-pop band with some rock thrown in. We speak with Clark about Fiskur’s debut album, accomplishments and future plans.
OSR: What can you tell us about Cold Hands, Burn Slow?
Clark: Cold Hands, Burn Slow is an album of songs about someone searching for answers, trying to find the solutions to the problems in life. This record is about hope, admitting that there is a cycle of despair in life and in order to improve we must push on with the faith that life can get better. There are certainly dark themes on the album, but it’s a cathartic expression of this darkness and a statement of ‘If I can get through this you can too’.
OSR: What is your favourite and least favourite track from the album?
Clark: My favourite track is ‘Black Revival’ as it captures, musically, the emotions that I was feeling at the time of writing it. I actually don’t have a least favourite track; I love all the songs and am incredibly proud of each one.
OSR: What inspired the creation of Cold Hands, Burn Slow?
Clark: I am always writing music and don’t need a record to work towards to be an artist. My great friend Andy Monaghan has always helped me with my music and, on hearing what would be the demos for the record, told me I should get in the studio and make this music real. Our main inspiration for the record was to collaborate and create good art, nothing else but honesty in ourselves and our music.
OSR: If you could change one thing about the album what would it be and why?
Clark: It’s a good question. I’m not sure if I can answer it. With this record I am nailing my colours to the mast and telling you everything, sharing all that hurts me and makes me grind my teeth. I wouldn’t change anything, despite not loving the headspace I was in when writing it. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to have made and released it.
OSR: Describe your music in one sentence.
Clark: Songs about self hatred and fly fishing.
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
I want to share these feelings with people; feeling sad, miserable and helpless is something we all feel at some point. I would like us to all connect to the sadness of the world and together pull each other out of the hole. Hopefully, this record provides a little solidarity to the miserable.
OSR: If you were to be reincarnated as an animal, what would it be and why?
Clark: I would come back as the mighty Atlantic salmon. If I could shed this human form I would swim forever fighting the currents and jumping about the Atlantic and up the mighty rivers of Scotland.
OSR: What is your greatest accomplishment to date – not necessarily musical or professional.
Clark: I would say that releasing the record is my greatest achievement. The last few years have been pretty tough, so much has happened that has stopped me in my tracks. The fact this record has come out despite all that is a huge achievement. I have the best people around me and I have to attribute this success and achievement to their love and support.
What are your plans for the future?
Clark: To keep making records, being honest and sharing my art with amazing people that support it. Oh, and try to learn more languages!
Thanks to Ross Clark for speaking with us. To find out more about Fiskur, please visit their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
