I’m launching a new series here on 8sided.blog called 3+1. As I run across interesting people doing interesting things, I’ll get them to answer three questions, and then, as a +1, they’ll tell us about something they love.
First up in Johan Kull, an expressive musician and vocalist based in Stockholm. He’s self-releasing a personal brand of lush, mellow music, featuring washes of ambient-influenced instrumentation accompanied by his consolatory voice. It’s a lovely combination. “Dreams,” Johan’s first single, was an auspicious debut, rewarded with national radio play on Britain’s BBC and Sweden’s P4. Now Johan has followed up with “Home,” a song about “things falling into place.” You can listen to the tune here, followed by a bit of 3+1 with Johan.
1: The new song is called “Home.” You say it’s about “finding home in a person,” and it’s especially calming and warm. Am I wrong to think this year of lockdown and isolation influenced this song?
It’s funny because many have assumed that it is about the past year. While that isn’t necessarily wrong, I think it’s nice that people can have their own interpretations. I’m glad that these feelings seem to be more present during these times and that “Home” can put those feelings into words for listeners.
2: What role does technology play in your songwriting? How about the influence of ambient music?
Digital instruments are an essential part of making my soundscapes but not a requirement. Bon Iver is probably my biggest influence, and he makes ambient textures with both acoustic and digital instruments. I have also built my sound around the contrasting relationship between the organic and the digital.
3: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen happen at a concert?
I saw Dave Grohl falling off the stage and breaking his leg in Gothenburg in 2015. He walked back on crutches to the middle of the stage and thanked everyone with a cracking voice for staying at the show. He then dedicated “My Hero” to the crowd while waving a whiskey bottle he blamed on the doctor. A memorable moment!
+1: Something you love that people should know about.
I just discovered the show Schitt’s Creek a couple of weeks ago and binge-watched the whole thing. I believe everyone could get something out of watching this TV series … and everyone should.