Profile: Andreas Mattsson
Name: Andreas Mattsson
From: Piteå, Sweden
Sounds like: Lo-fi pop folk, a combination that is pulled off quite well here.
Listen: You're never lonely when the band plays
Discography:
2006 - The lawlessness of the ruling classes (Hybris)
Links:
www.hybrism.com
Andreas Mattsson is a man that makes soothing, peaceful music, just as peers Devendra Banhart and David Fridlund have done in recent years. His voice is one of the most soothing I have heard in a long time, and flows like a waterfall over the ground of his guitar playing. I was quite impressed when I first came across "You're never lonely..." (linked above) that I wanted to share a burgeoning new (but not so new) artist with the rest of you.
- Matt Giordano
We (the public) know you as Andreas Mattsson, but what do you excel to be, and where are you from?
Physically I'm from Piteå, 1000 kilometers north of Stockholm, where I live now.
Used to be in a band, Popsicle, in the 90s. We split in '98 and then me and a friend, Niclas Frisk of Atomic Swing fame, started a gospel rock band, The Sweet Chariots, and made one album.
Since then, me and Niclas have been writing songs for other artists and for the band Vanessa & the O's, which we have together with French/English Vanessa and James Iha.
My solo album has been made on spare time since 2000 as a way to make some music without having to compromise and/or cooperate with anyone. I wanted to make all the decisions myself, and produce and play all the instruments.
I guess I just want to make nice music.
I have only heard the one song on the Hybris website, but how would you describe your sound to those unfamiliar?
Non-invasive.
If you could be any non-human being, what would you choose and why?
Maybe a rock. They get to live long and see a lot.
What is your favourite lake? land? lager?
Lake: Pitholmsträsket
Land: Corsica
Lager: Stor stark. (Large strong. That's what you order in Swedish bars. Means draught beer.)
How are Sweden's World Cup chances in your view?
In what sport?
How many hours would you estimate you'll spend this year in downtime between gigs?
Since I'll do approximately six gigs this year, I guess around 8756.
Lastly, what does the rest of this year (and beyond) hold for you?
This summer I'm doing the soundtrack to a Swedish TV thriller and me and my girlfriend are having a second baby. After that I'll take some time off.