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Interview with Lykke Li
Interviewed By: Kevin Serra
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We chatted with Sweden’s Lykke Li about her new album Youth Novels, the bathroom video, her eleven SXSW shows, and of course, her favorite foods in the US and Sweden. |
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How did you first get involved with music?
I can't remember how I started cause it's always been a part of me.
When did you record the song “Tonight”? Was the song ever released on any media or is it just a free download on your MySpace page?
I recorded the first version of it about two years ago. It will be on the album as well.
You worked with Björn Yttling of Peter Bjorn and John on your first full-length, titled Youth Novels. How did Björn contribute most to the sound of the record?
He helped me create the perfect soundscape—airy, sensual, and fresh.
Did you re-record the songs “Little Bit” and “Time Flies” off the EP for the new album?
Nope, it's the same recordings. Although there is an early recording of “Time Flies” on the Swedish EP floating around on the Internet. You should check it out!
What song are you most happy with on Youth Novels?
I'm happy about most of the songs and my favorites change from day to day. “Little Bit” and “Hanging High” are always accurate though.
How long did it take to record the album?
It took a lifetime to plan, but only about two months to record.
In your video for “I'm Good, I'm Gone,” you have an all-star cast of Adam and Bebban from Shout Out Louds, Robyn, of course, singing, and Björn Yttling. Did they record on the album with you or did you record everything yourself?
They are not on the album. It was a one-off thing we did for the video.
Where is the “I'm Good, I'm Gone” YouTube Soundvenue unplugged video in the bathroom recorded?
It's right before my first show in Copenhagen when I was opening for Shout Out Louds. It was all very spontaneous.
How did that performance come about?
They asked me to sing a song, and I did in there since I was in the bathroom getting my makeup on.
How many takes did it take to get it on video?
About two takes, I think.
How were your SXSW shows?
Hectic, but wonderful!
How many shows did you play?
Eleven, if I remember it right!
Which was your favorite show you played?
My favorite was the Fader show.
What did you think of festival?
I didn’t really have time to hang around, but from what I saw, I liked it. Beer, sun, and music!
Did you see any bands or shows you really liked at SXSW?
Bon Iver.
I recently saw your performance in New York City at the Bowery with El Perro Del Mar. Very few artists get a New York City crowd to dance. You achieved this and more. Were you happy with your New York shows?
Somehow I zoom out to another world when I'm performing, so I usually don’t remember so much except it being very surrealistic. But of course I was happy; it was a dream come true.
So I heard in an interview you like pancakes and steak. Are pancakes and steak your favorite foods in the US?
I actually don't like pancakes that much. My all-time favorite food and store in the US is Whole Foods I could eat there every day!
So you toured Europe through April and then the US in May. What shows were you most excited about?
New York, Los Angeles, and San Fran.
What does your favorite Swedish meal consist of?
At home. My dad’s homemade meatballs or Swedish breakfast.
If you could open for any band in the world, who would it be?
Hmm . . . tough one. Björk maybe. |
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