05/08/2008
Lykke Li Live @ Johnny Brenda's: Interview, Review + Photos
On Tuesday night, Robin and I headed over to Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia's Fishtown section to catch Sweden’s newest pop chanteuse, Lykke Li. Yep, we were psyched! It was a beautiful night and we sat outside eating chicken tacos and hummus, as we awaited her arrival. Soon enough, Lykke and her crew, including the super-talented El Perro Del Mar, arrived out front in a giant dark blue bus. When Lykke got settled in and made her way outside for some air, we quickly introduced ourselves and invited her to our table for a quick chat before soundcheck.
R: We're glad that this is the first stop on your US tour! Have you heard about Philly before your arrival?
LL: No, but I am really into Philly performers like Jill Scott and The Roots!
M: Awesome. Don’t forget the Fresh Prince, haha. Speaking of fresh, how do you usually get introduced to new music? Blogs? Friends?
Friends give me stuff. This whole blog phenomenon makes people open to new music, but it’s often out of context. I don't really read blogs myself. People tend to judge artists based on one song and that's not really fair.
M: Yea, and it’s rare that people actually "wait" for albums to come out these days.
I used to love waiting for albums to come out. I would study the artwork and read what they wrote in the jacket and liner notes...things like, "Thank you Mom.” These days, it's hard for artists to grow or have careers, because it's so fast. People that write about the music, sometimes seem to think they know the artist, but they don’t really know them. What they write becomes the truth for a lot of people, and that is kind of scary.
R: Do you ever feel like you have been profiled unfairly?
Sometimes when older men want to review my album in Sweden, they don't get my music. They're like, "What is this? She can't even sing...it’s so sparse!" But that was my point, not to try so hard or overdo it.
M: Definitely, I think that’s the best part of your music. It’s sophisticated in its simplicity. I tend to like my music that way, lately anyway. What bands/artists are you listening to at the moment?
I always listen to Nina Simone. Always. I also really like A Tribe Called Quest. I’m definitely into newer bands like Cat Power and Panda Bear as well.
M: Cool, your taste is pretty diverse. That’s something that really comes through in your music. Growing up, were you exposed to a broad range of music, or did your tastes evolve over time?
I went through phases. My dad played a lot of reggae and other music. As a really young kid I listened to Madonna and Michael Jackson. I had blonde hair, a black bra and a costume like her, and I was a really good dancer! Later on though I was into a lot of soul music, and when I heard the music of Cody ChesnuTT, I thought, "Oh my god! Wow! I want my album to be like this!" It’s really raw and he takes risks with his lyrics. He just doesn’t give a fuck!
R: Haha, awesome! In regards to your music, do you prefer performing or recording?
They're two totally different things, so you really can't compare. Being in the studio is really hard work, but it’s an important part of music, so you have to do it. I love performing, because it makes me feel alive and free.
R: What kinds of places do you prefer to play?
Small places and I like the mixed audiences.
R: Then you'll like Johnny Brenda’s. When you play smaller places, specifically bars, what do you usually drink?
Whiskey, Champagne, or white wine are the only things i drink. Maybe I’ll have a gin and tonic. I don't like beer! I'm such a girl!
M: When you are in the studio, what's your process like? Do you improvise, or is it more pre-meditated?
Yes, sometimes improv, sometimes not. It’s usually pretty spontaneous, which is the way I think it should be.
M: If you could work with any producer or artist on a collaboration, who would it be?
There are so many good people! But just because they're good doesn't mean you're going to work well with them. I would love to work with Chris Cunningham on some music videos though!
M: Yes! He does great work! Do you think you will be recording another album any time soon?
I'm going to be on tour for at least a year, and then I need some space to relax. After that, yes. But I want to live more and meet new people, and not just drive around in a bus, because what would I write about then? I need to go out and party and have relationships and enjoy life!
R: Ok, let’s talk about life! If you weren't touring and performing, what would you be doing?
I would be traveling. I would love to go to South America and just hang out, study philosophy, hike, or learn how to dive. I would also like to go to Africa and help teach in a school. I feel kind of selfish now, so I would really like to give to others and get involved with charity programs.
R: Besides music-making, are there other art-forms that you are interested/involved in?
For sure! I love films, particularly European films and especially Spanish films. European films are great at capturing life. I just don't feel a connection to Hollywood movies, actors, and dramas...it often feels fake, maybe because of all their Botoxing. It's important to be real. I also really like fashion and photography. I really enjoy spending time looking at photo-books and I take photographs, but just for fun.
R: Do you have any pet peeves?
Pretentious people and bad food!
M: Did you enjoy Johnny Brenda’s chicken tacos?
Yes! I ate it all, didn't I? God, was that a lot? I love eating! I eat eat eat eat like a horse.
M: Haha! Do you have a favorite food?
I’d say grilled street food in Morocco.
R: What about eggs? How do you like yours?
I like them scrambled. But I like omelettes and poached eggs, too! Ok, I have to head up for sound-check. Thanks, this was fun!
Thanks Lykke!
Show Review: When I returned to the venue to watch Lykke’s performance, I was a caught a bit off-guard due to the fact that she and the original headliner, El Perro Del Mar, had switched slots. At first I was disappointed, because I was super anxious to hear Lykke, but as the show progressed it seemed irrelevant. See, both singers shared the same backing band, and the ladies joined each other on stage during their respective sets. Lykke’s performance was more energetic than the beautiful and introspective set by El Perro. Keep in mind that’s just the nature of Lykke’s music...it’s more in your face and dramatic. In terms of her stage presence, she’s a natural performer and has a compelling presence.
(l-r) Lykke Li & Ell Perro Del Mar
She charmed the crowd throughout her flawless set, and when she pulled out the megaphone and began singing the opening lines of “I’m Good. I’m Gone [MP3],” I had to put down my camera and cut loose! Cheers to Lykke, El Perro Del Mar and the entire band for putting on an awesome show!
Visit Lykke's MySpace Page for streams, tour dates and pics. Her excellent debut album Youth Novels is available now at Rough Trade. Check out another great song from the album below...
MP3
Download 'Lykke Li - Dance Dance Dance'3:41 | 5.83MB
Posted by Michael on 05/08/2008 10:17 AM in Indie-Pop, Interview, Live Review, Events
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