Interview: Hearts
By Sophie Minello
Though only around for a short period of time, Sweden based Hearts are making their mark on the rock music scene. With members coming from a slew of different bands such as Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Bongo Club, and Bottlecap; this new pairing brings their extensive experience into a fresh framework. Releasing their live recorded debut EP in late October and going on their first UK tour in early November, they’re wasting no time. We were happy to talk to lead singer Jesper about the origin, inspirations, and aspirations for the band.
What’s the story behind your band name?
Our band name, "Hearts," represents a shift from the long, complicated band names we've all had in the past. It's a name that's easy to remember and has a visual and auditory appeal that we love. The simplicity of the name also allows it to stand out, especially on T-shirts. Buy one!
How did the band meet?
Erik and I go way back, having played together in The Bongo Club since our teenage years. We hit it off instantly when we met through mutual friends in school. Johan, on the other hand, came into the picture during a gig a couple of years later while he was part of another band, Bottlecap, which is still active. Although we frequently crossed paths at the same gigs and played together informally, it wasn't until recently that we all came together for Hearts. Rob and I met in 2021 during the Viva Sounds festival in Gothenburg, and from there, our friendship blossomed. It took us almost a year to get the band started, and during that time, we were all in transition from our former bands to what eventually became Hearts.
What inspired you during the creation of "EP1"?
The inspiration for "EP1" was simply the joy of playing music with friends in a barn on a remote island with no distractions. After a hiatus from making music, we were excited to reunite and create new music. The creative process often involved late nights and a healthy serving of beer. Some of the songs already had a seed of an idea, and the party in the barn brought them to life.
Did you always have live shows in mind when creating the EP? What kind of energy do you want to foster for your shows?
Live shows were definitely on our minds while writing the tracks for "EP1." For all of us, performing in front of an audience is the ultimate goal, so most of our musical decisions revolve around that. We aim to create an energetic and engaging atmosphere during our shows, where people can connect with the music and each other, bringing all the people in the room together to generate positive vibes.
You have played a handful of shows since your band's inception. What are some of your favorite memories from these shows? What makes your live shows special?
The favourite memories always include a combination of a strong connection with the crowd, feeling the energy in the room, and the collective shared enthusiasm for music. Our live shows feel most special when this combination is in full force and it creates an electric vibe. It feels bombastic and chaotic, where anything could happen - but at the same time I feel we bring professionalism, where people know they can trust that we have everything under control simultaneously.
Do you have a dream venue to perform at, and why?
Pustervik is the ultimate dream venue in Gothenburg, and we're eager to check that off our list. It's a place that holds great significance in our local music scene. When we have done that, our ambitions honestly extend to arenas because we're eager to take our music to larger audiences and make a bigger impact.
Most members of Hearts came from different bands before this one. What are some things you’ve taken from your past experiences that you’ll apply towards Hearts?
Our past experiences have taught us a lot about band dynamics and efficiency. We've individually done our 10,000 hours plus more already, which has given us a head start with Hearts. We now finish songs more quickly and trust our instincts more. We have a clearer vision of what we want to achieve with our music, and that confidence carries over into our current project and vision.
Does your Swedish identity tie into your music or band identity at all?
While we may not embody the stereotypical Swedish modesty, our music still carries the essence of Swedish melodies, so that's where our Swedish identity subtly plays a role. However, we generally approach our music with conviction and a commitment to creating something bold and unique!
What’s in store for the future of Hearts?
In the first week of November, we have a tour in the UK (which might have already happened by now). We’ll also be doing a quick trip to Spain as well as another hometown show in Gothenburg together with Girl Scout. We've already recorded and mixed our second EP, and we're eager to share it with our fans. Hopefully, there will be a new track released before the end of the year. Next year, our plan is to gig as much as possible, and we hope to bring our music to as many venues as we can. If you'll have us, we'll be there!