Words by Art Jefferson
Images courtesy of The Magnettes
Youthful spirits with the feelings of running free, the transition into the next chapter of life – sometimes embraced, sometimes appalled…the rebel yells are fiercely heard. The words scream of love and lust, happiness and hurt, yet all ring out with a charismatic lilt. Enter the world of Sanna Kalla and Rebecka Digervall, the Swedish duo known as The Magnettes.
Raised in the northern town of Pajala, Kalla and Digervall formed a band in their early teens, playing in local establishments. Influenced by a variety of styles ranging from punk to folk, by 2012 the two released their debut single ‘Paper Cuts’, a lofty pop rock song that showcased their rapidly matured new sound and star-like quality. Consistent with their 2014 follow-up entitled ‘Who We Are’, They went on to play multiple events around the world including The Great Escape in Brighton and SXSW in Austin, Texas.
The Magnettes’ latest single ‘Sore Feet & Heartbeats’ is an upbeat branding of indie pop steaming with glistening production and a more than infectious chorus. Like previous recordings, the song blossoms with charm and wit, adding them to the list of exciting, new artists emerging from the Scandinavian region.
You two were childhood friends. At what point did you decide to form the band?
The Magnettes – We had a punk band when we were 13. Then when we were 14 our music teachers realised we could play, and there weren’t that many others who wanted to, so they got us an acoustic gig at a café in Pajala. We nervously got through the set and the whole thing kind of snowballed from there. But I think we really started to see us as a band when we started writing our own songs when we were 15.
Growing up in Pajala, what was the music scene like at the time, since it’s quite an isolated town?
The Magnettes – There were few pop bands and few female musicians in Pajala. But there was this one really cool band called Pajala Truck Co. that showed us that it was possible to play pop music in Pajala. They had this Cyndi Lauper-meets-Roy Orbison disco/rock sound and the songwriting influenced us a lot. But we’ve also grown up with a lot of local folk music. Melancholic melodies and lyrics in Meänkieli (Tornedalen’s own language, an isolated version of Finnish) about all kinds of misery.
When you two first started the band, were you making pop music initially or were you experimenting with other genres?
The Magnettes – As mentioned, the first band we had together was a punk band called Ulla Stava. We had two original songs ‘Jag Skiter I Dig’ (I Don’t Give a Shit About You) and ‘The Soldiers Killed My Family’. Then we went acoustic for a while, but it was all pop from then on. Which, come to think of it, is a shame, really, because Sanna’s an excellent punk drummer.
Can you talk about your latest single ‘Sore Feet & Heartbeats’?
The Magnettes – ‘Sore Feet & Heartbeats’ was written when we went to Stockholm to this indie club and wanted to get laid but struck out. The song is about the dance floor being a war zone, and us always losing that war. We really wanted it to sound like you’re all alone on the dance floor, slightly awkward, slightly buzzing, all dressed up and fancy but empty on the inside.
You two were featured in the film Pajala State of Mind, which deals with the issue of leaving one’s town in order to further pursue a dream. How did that come about?
The Magnettes – Hans-Erik Therus who made the film got in touch with us. He was one of the filmmakers involved in a documentary series about young people in minorities (we’re Tornedalningar, which is a national minority in Sweden), and our story and where we were in our lives and careers fit really well into that concept. He basically followed us around for a year. Snowmobile rides in Pajala, Rebecka’s move to Stockholm, showcases in New York etc.
You recently played at SXSW in the Austin, Texas, not to mention The Great Escape in Brighton. How has that experience been, performing in huge markets like The U.S. and The UK?
The Magnettes – It’s a bit more intense than playing in Sweden, especially SXSW where we did nine shows in seven days. The experience of actually playing the shows is not that different. It could be an industry event in the U.S., a small club in Russia or a large festival stage, but we’re always trying to improve the show and be the best band on the venue.
You played at Lilla Hotellbaren in Stockholm back in April, performing a number of great songs, blending pop with more of an electro sound. Not to spoil anything, but will you be releasing some of those tracks in the near future?
The Magnettes – Yes, we’ll release some new songs as soon as possible. It feels like it’s the best stuff we’ve ever made so we’re really excited about getting it out there.
Finally, what’s forthcoming for The Magnettes?
The Magnettes – We’ll be doing a lot of Scandinavian festivals this summer, then release some new singles in the fall. Probably another U.S. tour in October and then hopefully some European dates.
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