We chatted with Indie Pop band VELVET MOON who unveiled their latest single, ‘A Love Song’, on October 11th, 2024 via Argle Bargle Studios. The track follows the releases of their captivating singles ‘Hymn’ and ‘Daylight’ off their forthcoming album slated for release in 2025. Boasting 15 million streams across platforms, the group’s first three albums earned them global recognition, reaching the top of Spotify’s Viral list in Indonesia. VELVET MOON’s music has also become a favourite among vloggers and has been featured in TV commercials for brands like Kappahl and Bollinger in Sweden, as well as gracing stages such as that of The Great Escape festival 2024. Their timeless sound has attracted a fanbase that is both diverse and multi-generational. The Stockholm trio have built up a catalogue of deeply intimate and evocative songs, with their latest single conjuring up a sound reminiscent of the sultry Synth Pop of Fleetwood Mac (in the 80s), Chappell Roan, The Eurythmics and Cannons.
Stream ‘A Love Song’ while you read our interview with the band below.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
Music has followed us since we were young. It was our first love and still is today. It’s such an emotional way to express and connect with others. Also, the fact that one creates magic that can’t be seen, only felt out of thin air, is still mind-blowing and gets us every time. There’s no bigger kick.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
Most of the time they are born simultaneously, but this can also vary from song to song. Sometimes Stefan and Johan build a soundscape that I (Sandra) feed off and other times I have a topic or a lyric we start from.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
Not at this moment.
What’s on your current playlist?
Sandra: RY X, FKA twigs, Hazlett
Stefan: David Gilmour, Bon Iver, Ludwig Hart
Johan: Hermanos Gutierrez, Khruangbin, Tom Petty
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
It’s on like King Kong, an upcoming single from our next album.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
We work with close-up recording versus ambient far-away techniques.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
Johan tends to layer guitar tracks to infinity when in production, just as Sandra stacks one choir package after another. It’s still so much fun to play around with one’s main instrument. In the end, Stefan is left to select the goodies and add what’s missing.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
I (Sandra) had an epiphany when I was eight years old, sitting by the piano, that my destiny was to be a songwriter and artist.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
Sandra always has her water and lipgloss while the boys have a beer and different picks 🙂
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Ludwig Hart and Hazlett.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Great lyrics, epic melodies, and soundscapes that reeks of nostalgia and ambience. Fusions were different genres that intertwine and bridge old into new.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
We work mostly in ProTools but, at times, in Logic X. Johan uses the Antelope interface, and Stefan’s choice is Universal Audio. Tons of guitars, amps, mandolas and drums are near at hand in the studio at all times. This way, we can run with any idea smoothly and fast.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Not at the moment.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
By never stopping or believing in restrictions, we have always tried new sounds and new ways of creating. This has led to growth in all directions and a constant shedding of skin.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
This year, we are releasing some new singles and a live EP from a concert we had in ABBA’s old studio, Atlantis Metronome. Then, next spring, our 5th album is due.
Famous last words?
The best is yet to come – ALWAYS.
Follow VELVET MOON:
Website – Facebook – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
