Some bands fade into memory, but Wingfish feels like one of those rare projects that only gets more intriguing with time. Born in 2002 from Jesper Larsen’s fearless approach to songwriting, Wingfish has always been less about fitting into a genre and more about chasing pure creativity. Jesper never stops asking the big question: what else can this sound do? That curiosity has fueled everything from experimenting with dusty old tube radios to crafting songs that capture the electricity of a live show.
Two decades later, Jesper stands as the steady heart of Wingfish, carrying the project forward with authenticity, grit, and vision. His music blends the warmth of retro textures with the bite of modern rock in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. With a new album, Dyads, on the way, Wingfish isn’t just looking back on its history — it’s proving that real artistry only gets better with time.
For readers who might be discovering you and Wingfish for the first time, can you introduce yourself and share a little about your journey as a musician and how Wingfish came to life?
Wingfish started back in 2002, when I released my first album, “Stories from the River Ego Shoreline”. A lot of friends were involved in the recordings, but the band wasn’t formed until right before the release. Wingfish saw several constellations until 2005, followed by a long break from the live scene until 2019.
Looking back to 2003 when Wingfish first started, what inspired you to form the band, and how did those early days shape your sound?
I have a very broad taste in music and always enjoyed combining retro sounds with new sounds. Up through the 90’s my main purpose was doing technical stuff as a guitarist. At some point that focus shifted: I wanted to be a songwriter. The way I see it, the songwriter makes up the dish, where as a musician brings the spices. It can be a tough and time consuming task on your own, though, so joining creative forces seemed obvious. Allan, Michael and Peter all contributed to form a sound that was all I could have wished for.
Your debut EP Looking Forward captured a raw, live energy. Can you tell us more about the creative process behind it and what made it stand out to you?
Forming a band for live shows taught me a lot about raw energy and dynamics, and I wanted to crystallize that in the next release, the “Looking Forward” EP along with some post-production experiments. I had this old tube radio and loved the noises it made, while searching for frequencies. I imagined someone tuning in on a live concert.
Over the years, you’ve experimented with unique elements like old noisy radio effects, backwards echo, and infinite sustain guitar. What drives your creativity when experimenting with sound?
I guess I’ve always had the approach of saying, “What else can it do?” Few things in life are restricted to one single purpose.
As the only original member still in the band, how do you feel about carrying the Wingfish legacy forward, and what has the journey taught you about resilience in music?
I think I’ll go on for as long as I can recognize myself I my music. My musical output has changed a lot over the years, but it’s never just one thing – even in simplicity lies a complexity.
Music aside, what does a typical day in Jesper Larsen’s life look like when you’re not in the studio or on stage?
I teach music and crafts in the local elementary school and love spending time with my family.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped both your songwriting and performance style?
Besides all my other inspirations, I have been a huge fan of the Black Crowes, the The and Kings X for most of my life, and they remain a big inspiration, when it comes to songwriting, arrangements, tone, dynamics and melodies. Also Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots and Queens of the Stone Age have meant a lot to me.
The band has been together for more than two decades. What moments stand out as highlights in your career so far?
Actually some of the more intimate shows, where you connect with the audience in a very different way. And when I shared the stage with my son for the first time. He’s a great guitarist!
The music industry has changed a lot since 2004. How do you adapt to the modern landscape while staying true to the Wingfish sound?
I think in so many ways the indie diy way of getting your music out there has become a lot easier since back then. Before I used reel to reel recorders or harddisk recorders and now it’s daw, which, in my opinion, sometimes limits my creativity. I don’t rush things through these days. Single releases has helped my workflow, but I still tend to think in albums
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from Wingfish in the near future, and what personal goals are you most excited to pursue next?
I’m in the process of mixing the upcoming album, Dyads, which hopefully will be out by the end of the year. I’m also looking forward to getting together with Johan and Thomas for band rehearsals. I hope we can announce a couple of shows in the near future.
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