Q&A with Swedish “Supergroup” AMASON, Which Include Members of MIIKE SNOW Talk: New Album, Sky City, David Lynch and More!

If you’re a fan of:  Miike Snow, Little Dragon, First Aid Kit, JJ Thumpers,Taken By Trees or Simian Ghost you will love Swedish supergroup Amason  [“Amazon” for the Americans in the room] is comprised of Pontus Winnberg of Miike Snow, Gustav Ejstes of Dungen, Amanda Bergman of Idiot Wind and Petter Winnberg & Nils Törnqvist of Little Majorette. 

After coming together at the tail end of 2012, the quintet have been churning out a steady supply of crisply indulgent, indie folk tunes ever since. Following the positive reception by listeners from the bands’ first single “Margins”, the group released a self-titled EP via Stockholm-based INGRID Music Collective in August of 2013, which included the single “Went To War”. INGRID, is best known for housing the side-projects of artists’ whose outside musical interests do not conform to their primary ventures, is also a home to Chryssie Hynde, Lykke Li and Peter, Bjorn & John.

Most recently, Amason has released two singles this past year, “Ålen” in February and “Duvan” in October, through Fairfax Recordings and INGRID. Their highly anticipated debut album, Sky City is out now.

All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa was fortunate enough to catch band member, Gustav Ejstes, for a quick interview to lock down a few details about the up and coming “supergruppen”, which you can read below.

Hi Gustav! Where does this interview find you? What’s on the agenda today besides our interview?

We’re in a car going home from a 3 date tour in Scandinavia.

For those not as familiar with Amason, when did you guys know you wanted to start a band with one another? How did it all come about?

Pontus kind of made it happen. He booked a show for us so we had to write some songs and come up with a name.

I must ask for all our readers and because I read something very humorous about the origin of the bands name. I had read that you guys took the name Amason from some mythological warrior women and/or an old Volvo. So, which is it?

We refer to the old Volvo.

 You guys  released your debut album, Sky City (via Farifax Recordings/INGRID) on January 27th. Was there an overall theme or vibe you wanted to capture with this album?

Different types of animals/ David Lynch and something we call “dansbandsmusik”  in Sweden.

What was the recording process like? With so many talented musicians at the helm, did everyone share duties in the writing process?

Totally! And that’s the great thing and unusual thing with the recording process. No egos and everyone is doing everything.

Amason made an impressive US live debut in New York City and in Los Angeles where the band received a lot of heady praise and comparisons to everyone from Fleetwood Mac to Sigur Ros. That’s pretty great company to be in. What do you think about being included in their company?

Totally flattering of course. The bands they mention is classic good music.

Speaking of inspiration and influences, who are your musical influences?

It’s just as many different types of music as the number of toes and fingers in the band. Rock Hip Hop Baroque folk music etc. etc.

What was the first song that you fell in love with and why?

“Let’s Work Together” by Canned Heat. Why? I got a cassette of classic rock when I was 5. My elder brother hated it. He tried to bury it in our garden.

Who is in your current playlist? Any artists, musicians or genres we might be surprised to find in there?

Dj Qbert

What’s on tap next for Amason? What are you most excited about in 2015?

To do as many shows as possible. We love to play live.

To learn more about AMASON visit their website HERE .

You can also purchase AMASON‘s new album, SKY CITY via iTunes or Amazon.