Are you currently in the studio recording your next project? If not, when can we expect you to start recording again?

As a matter of fact, we have put together about 12 demos for the next CD scheduled to be released in late 2006, one of them being our next single due out in September. This is the first time that I am covering a song. It is our interpretation of a great hit from the early 90's written by one of New York's most prominent male artists. It will be exciting. We are also working on setting up live performances and hope to start up a tour in the early fall.

How do you describe your music? 

I used to describe it as soulful and sexy vocal music until I read James Christopher Monger at All Music Guide's description: "Soulful Swedish singer/songwriter Anders Holst blends smoky jazz with the adult contemporary melodicism of Sting, Seal, and Leonard Cohen. Introspective, spiritual, and romantic, FIVE deftly weaves pop, jazz, and classical into a smooth style all on its own". I think this captures my sound in a very flattering way.

How many instruments do you play in addition to singing?

Well, as a singer/songwriter I compose using the piano and used to play some guitar around the fireplace at night, but when you spend so much time with professional musicians you realize that "playing" is not the proper word to use here.

Are there artists that you're inspired by musically?

Absolutely. It is rare in fact that music doesn't inspire me. I saw a ballet recently in New York directed by Stephen Petronio inspired by the music of Rufus Wainwright in New York, which was very inspirational. I discovered the German trumpet player Till Brönner not long ago, and I love his work. I wish I had written David Bowie's "A Conversation Piece" from 1969, it's on the Heathen Bonus CD disc.

What's your favorite destination for a get-away?

A casual summer drive through the vineyards of France in a convertible sports car taking the day as it comes. That's hard to beat.

What's on your iPod?

Graig Armstrong, Van Morrison, Damien Rice, Leann Rimes (would love to do "Love is an Army" with her), Edward Shearmur (K-Pax), Daniel Lanois, U2, Costello/Bacharach collaboration, Chris Botti, Esbjörn Svensson Trio, Jan Garbarek, Gerald Albright, Buddha Bar/Café del Mar compilations, Peter Gabriel, Van Morrison, Robbie Robertson, Yo Yo Ma, Satie, among others.