From Sweden with Love

Looking out her window at home in rainy Stockholm, singer Anna Ternheim, one of Sweden’s biggest female recording artists, comments, “This is normal for summer.”

It may also explain where the singer finds a lot of her inspi­ration for her introspective music. Winner of the 2009 Best Female Artist, and Album of the Year awards at the Swedish Grammys, Ternheim’s third release, Leaving on a Mayday, is the result of collaboration between the singer and producer Björn Yttling (Lykke Li, Primal Scream, Shout Out Louds), a member of the successful Swedish band Peter, Bjorn and John.

Yttling recommended that Ternheim “listen to Nina Simone, Bob Marley, and Cornelis Vreeswijk. Be inspired, and call me in six months!”

Working with American musicians Steve Shelley, drummer of Sonic Youth, and guitarist Matt Sweeney who has worked with Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Cat Power, and the Dixie Chicks, helped create an impressive release that has garnered Ternheim both critical acclaim and mass appeal.

Raised on her father’s record collection, young Ternheim lis­tened to everyone from the Sex Pistols to Leonard Cohen and David Bowie, along with Swedish soul and jazz music which is very melodic. At the age of 17, Ternheim moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she went to school for a year.

“That was a bit of a culture clash,” the singer recalls, “but I liked it. Going down south took a while to adjust but I found a crowd with music that made it feel like home. I had my first band down there and I was a songwriter and it just felt natural.”

Although her native tongue is Swedish, Ternheim immedi­ately began penning her lyrics in English. “I started writing in Swedish when I was younger but I always heard pop music in English. Now when I play in the States the words get even more power and more meaning, and you can feel that onstage.”

Living out of a suitcase, taking her music around the world, Ternheim isn’t fond of calling the road home. “I have a difficul­ty making peace with that because I’m a homebound person and I’ve always liked having my place. But I’m getting good at making new homes. I don’t need that much to feel at home and I feel that has come out of touring, but it’s hard to be away from friends and family. But that’s something that I have to get used to.”

Preparing for yet another U.S. tour, the singer is excited to make new fans on this, her third trek across the States. “I do what I want to do now,” Ternheim offers, “so whatever hap­pens, happens, and that’s something that I can’t control. I hope people will come and listen and feel some magic.” ▼

Catch Anna Ternheim at the Troubadour on October 1st. For more information see www.myspace.com/annaternheim.

Speedway

26 venice september 2009