They're more than just the whistle song, people! Liah and Alli recently got the opportunity to chat with Peter Morén of legendary indie trio Peter Bjorn & John. We asked an array of questions, both about the past and about their upcoming album, Darker Days. Take a dive with us and discover the ENTIRE PB&J discography, because, trust us, it's a whole lot more than just "Young Folks." Which of your songs has the most personal meaning to you? Peter: Well, that’s probably different for each member. For me, there’s almost too many to mention, but there’s plenty. Funny thing is the most personal are almost always the most universal ones, like the classics on “Writer's Block:” “Objects Of My Affection” and “Paris 2004.” These are super personal songs that people seem to take to their heart as well, using them for weddings, funerals and tattoos which is like, the highest praise you could get. Even though I don’t like tattoos really… Other really personal songs for me are “Big Black Coffin” and “Far Away By My Side,” and most of the songs I wrote for Falling Out. Maybe that’s why I really love that album. “Stay This Way” is very personal. “May Seem Macabre” was a dream I had, so that’s close to me. “Do-Si-Do” also very personal, like “Paris 2004” part 2. And “Breakin’ Point” (the song) is very close to my heart, as well. I could go on. How did you decide on the order of your names in your band name? Peter: We never even discussed at that point. It just felt natural. I was more of a leader or front-man then than I am now, so maybe that was why. But also it sounds the best, most natural. Peter Paul & Mary. Peanut Butter & Jelly. Etc. Describe your upcoming album Darker Days in five words. Peter: Composed, laid-back, desperate, anxious, indie-pop. What is the main theme and meaning of Darker Days? What is the message of the album? Peter: There’s no one theme, but several. We started with the album-title and kind of assembled songs from that, some written previously, some brand new, that would fit under that umbrella so to speak. We think about the dark, silent days in the north of Sweden when the sun rarely or never comes out, things which we all have grown up with and found inspiration and creative impulses in. It can seem depressive and scary, but also can lead to a kind of pleasant melancholy. We also talk about interior anxieties, problems and relationships, our own in the band or other peoples’. There are also songs about the “dark” state of the world; politics, environmental and the downside of the world wide web. Lots of themes. Which animal would best describe the new album? Peter: A wolf, I think. A sad but kind wolf. What was the most electric show you’ve ever played? Peter: Too many too mention, but I seem to remember one in Dallas when the audience came up on stage and it was all mental. Could have been Nashville too, though. Salt Lake City once was just crazy, people stripping, grabbing us (ouch!) and storming the stage. That was scary, but not in an exciting electric way. We have played so many shows. It’s kind of a blur.. Corona Capital, the festival in Mexico City on the last tour was really crazy, soooo many people. Eastern Europe is always pumped up. Can’t choose. The best gig is always the next gig. Which cities are you most excited to hit on your upcoming tour? Peter: It’s always nice to come back and play NYC. It’s like our second home. But I like playing almost everywhere. I’m really excited to play Prague, cause we’ve never played there before. I hope I have time to see something of the city and have beers! Does your home country of Sweden influence your music in any way? Peter: I think I already touched upon that. But absolutely! Growing up in small villages in the north of Sweden we felt the “boredom” of being different and alone but not necessary in a sad way, more as a creative mode. We always go back to that as a primal scene of writing songs. It has to be quiet and still. But the arts and music scene in Sweden is also inspiring. And it’s a long, tall country with lots of diverse landscapes and nature. That in itself is inspiring and varied. It’s a good place to live for sure. In your opinion, what is the most underrated PB&J song and why? Peter: Too many to mention. But again “Big Black Coffin” comes to mind. A personal favorite with very raw, heart-on-the-sleeve emotions. That whole album to me (“Falling Out”) is an early peak. “Failing & Passing” from the first record is really special with that lo-fi-pocket-symphony-sound. “Breakin’ Point” the whole album is kind of underrated too. And “Seaside Rock”. Everything but “Writers Block” and “Living Thing” is underrated, I think. “Living Thing” got quite bad reviews and it’s not as awful as that. But as an album it could definitely have been better. It was a confusing period. And “Writers Block” of course is great but I don’t tend to praise it as much as some of our fans. Even that could have been better. You have to be critical! ;) Which song from Darker Days are you the most excited for the world to hear? Peter: Right now “Living A Dream”, because it feels like a complete song that works really well on just an acoustic guitar and I tend to like songs like that, that don’t always need the whole arrangement. Also “Heaven & Hell” which John wrote, is an amazing record! What feelings do you hope your fans get from listening to your new album? Peter: I hope they will be a little puzzled and a little sad but then in the end coming out of it feeling pretty good and eager to see where PB&J might go next! Have some melodies and lyrical thoughts stuck spinning round their head for hours and days after making them think and feel, and they might listen again! It’s not that long :) ~And now, for some funny off-topic questions!~ Do you actually enjoy PB&J sandwiches? Peter: No! They're awful! Funny thing is, we didn't even know they existed before we went touring the states and people told us. True story!! PB&Js are not big in Sweden..you guys have funny food. ;) What’s the weirdest experience you’ve ever had with a fan? Peter: I had a girl stalking me and finding my girlfriend on social media and telling her weird creepy stuff. Later though she emailed and apologized so maybe I shouldn’t hang her out like this, but then again that Salt Lake City-gig had some weird fans too, as I said. What are your top 5 tour necessities? Peter: I brush my teeth obsessively, especially before shows. Fresh ginger, if the throat gets sore I chew it. Great stuff. That's 2..lets see. Clean underwear. Beer. Yes, very mature answers, but true, and walking!! When sitting down traveling lots you have to walk lots, run or exercise now and then not to get a sore bum between shows. Also it’s a great way of seeing things. Well that’s not really a physical tactile thing like the other stuff, but still. I like food too! Nuts, fruit, it goes on. Tell us your best joke. Peter: I'm not very funny like that. I can throw in a a funny biting comment here and there. We Swedes are very good with the dark humor and irony, making fun of ourselves. Sometimes it’s hard to get for outsiders that are not part of the inner circle, but I also like slapstick and people farting. I have the same humor as my 5 year old son, really. PB&J as a band together are quite funny. We kind of feed off of each other. Humor is really important in pop bands. The Beatles knew that. Lot of people seem to forget that. Tell us your best tour story. Peter: I've touched upon stuff, but I can just say...I've fell off stages several times. I also fell THROUGH a stage once. I also once at Lollapalooza fell into a barrel of ice. So I'm just happy I'm still alive, but live music should hurt. Live music should be sweaty and hurtful and energetic until you drop down wasted. Otherwise there’s always Spotify, folks. Comfortable. Stay home ;) Shout-out to Peter for taking the time to answer our questions! It was a pleasure, and I hope it was for you, too! Be sure to listen to Peter Bjorn & John's new album, Darker Days, when it comes out on October 19th, 2018!
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