If there’s a theoretical person who doesn’t care about making money, it’s a punk rock star. Part of that kind of studied coolness is a nonchalance about material success. But success is exactly what’s happening for the Danish band Iceage. Their third album was reviewed as “brilliant” and they’re in fashion magazines and on a U.S. tour. 

Lizzie O’Leary spoke with frontman Elias Bender Rønnenfelt in downtown New York, where he was staying with an artist friend. She sets the scene with a mattress on the floor, stacks of philosophy books and an ever-present cigarette.

Listen to Elias Bender Rønnenfelt‘s thoughts on success and creativity by clicking the audio player above.