Living Thing | Peter Bjorn and John | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Swedish indie rock band Peter, Bjorn, and John perform their hits, discuss their music and influences, and answer audience questions in a lively Bay Area appearance.

Transcript

It's my pleasure today to welcome Peter, Bjorn, and John in their only Bay Area appearance. [clapping and cheering] I'd like to introduce Peter Moren on guitar, Bjorn Yttling on... >> PETER: That's Bjorn. BJORN: We changed places. >> You changed places. Okay. Sorry. Bjorn on guitar and Peter on keyboards. But John is still on drum and percuss... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤕 Peter, Bjorn, and John have been making music together for 10 years and have separate projects outside of the band.
• 🫒 They value their fans' experiences and enjoy interacting with them during live performances and interviews.
• 🤕 The band has a broad appreciation for music and recommends checking out Swedish artists such as Existence Minimum, Jenny Wilson, and Bear Quartet.
• 😋 They enjoy touring and exploring new cities, particularly enjoying good food and visiting museums.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Peter, Bjorn, and John find each other and decide to form a band?

The trio had been playing separately before coming together to form the band. They all had a mutual passion for music and realized they were the perfect fit for each other's talents.

Q: What is the inspiration behind the title track "Living Things"?

"Living Things" is a song about the band as a collective entity. It represents the power and energy created when the three members come together to perform, and the unique dynamic they share.

Q: How do the band members feel about singing in English instead of Swedish?

Singing in English comes naturally to the band as they grew up listening to American and English music. They also learn English in school from a young age. While they had to overcome language barriers in the beginning, it now feels like second nature to them.

Q: Can you talk about your experience with remixing music?

Remixing music is something the band appreciates but believes it can be challenging to get it right. Some remixes are excellent, while others may not meet their expectations. They understand that remixing is an art form in itself and appreciate the different interpretations of their music.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Peter, Bjorn, and John are a Swedish indie rock band known for their unique blend of classic '60s pop and new wave influences.

• The band formed in Stockholm in 1999 and quickly gained popularity for their infectious and original indie rock sound.

• They have released multiple albums and singles, with their fifth album "Living Things" showcasing their signature electro-acoustic tunes and storytelling lyrics.