100 Musicians Answer the Same 10 Questions

Part Seventy-One: Johan Hedberg of Suburban Kids With Biblical Names

instigated by dave heaton

The Swedish duo Suburban Kids With Biblical Names has more than just a clever band name - their first two EPs (#1 and #2) were filled with smart, catchy, affecting pop songs, with moments both sensitive and lively. Their first full-length, #3 (Labrador) looks to be just as good, if not better, judging by the absolutely addictive, song-of-the-summer "Seems to Be on My Mind," which made an appearance on the recent The Kids at the Club comp. Check out their blog and MySpace.

**************************

What aspect of making music excites you the most right now?

Recording new music and finding inspiration.

What aspect of making music gets you the most discouraged?

Playing live in stockholm.

What are you up to right now, music-wise? (Current or upcoming recordings, tours, extravaganzas, experiments, top-secret projects, etc).

We are recording new music right now and we have a show in spain in november. The record #3 is going to be released in the states in November too.

What's the most unusual place you've ever played a show or made a recording? How did the qualities of that place affect the show/recording?

Well we have played in squats and really fancy places. But the strangest gig we've done I think was when we played at Peter's parents' neighbours' work. It was really strange playing for these office clerks. The PA was really bad, so that affected the show negatively.

In what ways does the place where you live (or places where you have lived), affect the music you create, or your taste in music?

We had this house we could go to and listen to music and rehearse whenever we wanted. We didn't have to put up these stupid schedules and we could get drunk and have a good time without anyone knowing or caring. I think that has affected me a lot. Everything seemed possible really, when you were a young punk and had friends.

When was the last time you wrote a song? What can you tell us about it?

I'm trying to write a song about our stay in the UK and mostly about the city of Nottingham but I doubt it will ever see the light of day. I often do like that; I start projects and then I get bored of them and put em away to start something new that I never finish.

As you create more music, do you find yourself getting more or less interested in seeking out and listening to new music made by other people...and why do you think that is?

You need inspiration.

Lately what musical periods or styles do you find yourself most drawn to as a listener? (Old or new music? Music like yours or different from yours?)

I've been listening a lot to really cheesy disco music with soulful arrangement. I hope that will affect out music to come. Today I listened a lot to white trash pop from mid nineties. For me that's where it all begun.

Name a band or musician, past or present, who you flat-out LOVE and think more people should be listening to. What's one of your all-time favorite recordings by this band/musician?

Well most people are in to Pavement but the true genius of Stephen Malkmus and the others shines through in the song "Range Life". I cant find anything bad about it. It's their best song.

What's the saddest song you've ever heard?

Nils Erikson - Silver i ditt hår

To check out the rest of the Q&As, click here.