Swedish natives, Urban Cone, comprised of Rasmus Flyckt, Tim Formgren, Emil Gustafsson, and Jacob William Sjöberg came together to release two albums. One in 2013, Our Youth, and one in 2015, Polaroid Memories. The band has even recorded with another popular Swedish artist, Tove Lo. But since then the band has release their hit single and music video “Old School”. If you haven’t taken a listen, then you definitely should! Once you fall in love with Urban Cone as much as we did, you can check them out on tour with Nightly right now! In the meantime, check out or interview with the band to see what’s next!
Your tour starts Tuesday; what are you most looking forward to?
We haven’t been on tour for way too long, so just the fact that we are going to spend time in a claustrophobic tour bus feels amazing. Probably a very temporary feeling. But just to meet people every night that come to have a good time is magic. We could do that forever.
How are the shows and fans different in the US than they are in Sweden?
US-fans are as Bruce Wayne would have expressed it… MORE.
It’s true. Compared to Swedish fans, US people are more loving and caring. And are not afraid to have a conversation. It is lovely. Swedish are usually too cool for their own good. But, we love anyone that loves us. Like for like, follow for follow.
Have you received any strange or memorable gifts from fans?
One time we got handmade teddy dolls of each person in the band. A trippy experience to see yourself as a teddy. They have kept us in good sleep ever since that’s for sure. Otherwise, cakes are always appreciated. Letters, hugs, cash: we accept anything.
How do you feel about how social media has influenced how you interact with your fans? Especially since you currently have a contest running that you promoted on social media…
Social media is one of those things you hate and love simultaneously. You love that you can connect with someone in a little village in Siberia. You hate that it eats up your life. But, Instagram has changed us all whether we like it or not. For us, it’s super important to be there and engage with people that think we are still interesting.
You released the “Old School” video in April; where did the idea come from? Especially to have a bunch of kids dance around with you?
The idea came from what “Old School” represents for us. A sort of reaction to the current dating scene. Your rarely show one another old school appreciation. Which is a magic thing. It’s easy to forget. Don’t forget. Flowers can’t kill you, most of the time. Having kids in the video was a representation of that pure, almost naive way of being in the present and showing true love to each other.
What made you decide to put up a mini behind the scenes, 360 video up?
The mini behind the scenes was made to let people know who we might be behind all those glossy filters. For us, it’s important trying to be real in an otherwise pretty made up world.
Rumor has it they you’re working on a third album, any news on that? Possible name or release date?
I don’t know what sketchy alleys you’ve been lurking around, but you are definitely right. We have so many songs now we can’t even remember them. If they turn out as an album, and if so, when that will happen, only the future can tell… quite soon we hope.
Between Our Youth, Polaroid Memories, and the album you’re currently working on, which was the hardest to work on?
They all came around in different periods of our lives. So, they are all different in their way and had their own difficulties. This album is a sort of new era for us, and it feels more exciting than ever to release these songs.
When writing new music, who do you look to for influence?
I assume it would be a real tragedy if we had that person. Music should come from within. This album, we’ve had the chance to write with other musicians, too, which has been a cool experience. But no go-to for inspiration here. Our own weird life, if anything, is way enough.
If you could collaborate with anyone, dead or alive, who would choose?
Ok so this really split us up in the tour bus. The Pope is a strong contender, an obvious smash hit out of that. Misty Holloway from The Get Down is also an attractive choice. But, we all agreed that Anderson Paak is so hot right now, though. So hot right now.
