Sophisticated, lush pop best describes Colonia, the second album by A Camp, the side project of The Cardigans vocalist Nina Persson. Eight years after the debut record, the band makes its comeback with new member Nathan Larson, formerly of Shudder to Think and also Nina’s husband, and the return of Niclas Frisk of Atomic Swing, an original group member who was replaced by Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse. There are a number of guest appearances such as Joan As Police Woman, ex Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha and Guided By Voices drummer Kevin March. We got up close and personal with Nina Persson to get the scoop on the new album and much more…
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH NINA PERSSON
1. Nina, eight years have gone by since A Camp’s debut… a really long time… Why the silence?
There’s an easy explanation: after making the first A Camp album and the tour, I recorded two records with The Cardigans. Time flies…
2. Do you think your music has evolved over this long period of time?
Compared to our first record, I think we’ve really fine-tuned things. On the other hand, making an album just like the first wouldn’t have made sense. I’m also very different from eight years ago, I have more experience, and I think Colonia reflects that.
NINA PERSSON’S DREAM BOX
3. Colonia has a sophisticated pop sound backed up with strings and wind instruments that give the record a really visual mood. I think that Nathan Larson, who makes music for film, made an important contribution in this direction. If you could use the songs from Colonia as a soundtrack for a film, what film would you choose?
I would definitely pick Don Quixote, Orson Welles’s unfinished film.
4. You have a very elegant and put together look. Are you interested in fashion?
Yes, very much so. Choosing what to wear is definitely an important part of my work.
5. Who are your favorite designers?
Lately I really like Swedish designers like Acne. I also think Vivienne Westwood, Anna Sui and Erin Featherstone are interesting. But the truth is that my taste changes often and my choice in clothing doesn’t always mean I pick big names.
6. Musicians like CocoRosie, Chicks on Speed and Ellen Allien have made their own clothing collections. Would you be tempted to do the same?
I was the creative director and buyer for a store in Stockholm. That experience was very useful for me because I learned I was not interested in the fashion business. I’m just interested in the creative aspect of fashion and not the problems of marketing or selling it.
