Dreams, Bouzoukis, and Emotional Moments: A Dive into Grå Gåsen
You say in the program that it is a dream to be able to participate; how long have you wanted to visit Grå Gåsen?
– Oh, many years, but I have thought about it with humility, of course. I love to interpret songs and have done so a lot over the years. So when they called, I shouted “Finally!”
Ah, the ages-old question of a dream visit! Reminds me of when I thought it was my lifelong dream to be a stand-up comedian—turns out, I just needed to lower my standards and find a microphone! But who would have thought Grå Gåsen was on the bucket list? It’s about time we redefine that list, isn’t it? From hopping on a plane to buying a ticket to your dreams, the word “humility” here is like my first Tinder date: it sounds great, but you know it’ll end in tears.
You immediately debut with an interpretation, and that of Arja’s “High above the sea.” So you got the golden nugget; tell us how it came about!
– I knew I wanted to sing High above the sea and knew exactly how I wanted it. It would smell like Greek pop, be catchy, and contain bouzouki. Both Arja and I have a connection there, so it was fun that she liked it. I noticed that she was grateful.
A golden nugget indeed! Mind you, the only golden nugget I know is the girl at the drive-thru who gave me extra fries when I didn’t even order any. But combining Greek pop with bouzouki? That’s like pairing wine with fish, folks—an epiphany waiting to happen! And let’s be honest, songs that smell—well, that would be a whole different dimension! Audiovisual ambrosia? Sign me up!
What about the other choices to interpret?
– I got what I wanted. Maybe I didn’t pick the most tipped songs or go for the one with the most streams. I went for songs I could make something out of. But I’ll be honest and say that I had no idea what Alba, Kerstin, and Simon had done before, so it was fun to discover how much good there was.
Nothing wrong with a little musical ignorance, eh? It’s like walking into an art gallery and thinking that all the pieces are just different stages of a mid-life crisis. Who knew there was a treasure trove of talent there? Next thing you know, someone’s pulling out a cryptic family tree of hits, plotting like it’s a game of Clue! Just don’t go blaming the butler…
Did it record who was ready for the program when you accepted?
– No, and when I was asked only a few were ready. The funny thing was that two weeks before I was asked, I told the husband/manager that it was time to record new music because I hadn’t done it in a long time. So it’s not just Driving dew falling rain that is on my Spotify page. I work all the time, but rarely create music. But then SMB called and then I just felt “yes, now I get to make some new music!”
Talk about serendipity! If only I could get a phone call telling me it’s time to record a Netflix special…. Just casually waiting for inspiration while dodging the existential dread like it’s a morning jog. The real question here is, when did “Driving dew falling rain” become the soundtrack of my life? Next, I’ll be getting cozy with a weather app!
What did Tess and Lina say when you said you would join?
– They were very happy and so proud. And it might happen that they…no, I’m not saying anything….
Well, if that’s not a cliffhanger, I don’t know what is! Sounds like the plot of a thrilling novel, or better yet, the next season of “Keeping Up With the Gåsens!” Can you imagine? “And on the next episode, drama! The bouzouki is missing!”
How was the experience?
– It went so fast! But there were also long working days from 07.00 to 01.00, and then you had to sleep. I didn’t drink alcohol, and I didn’t sleep much at all. Because you had so many impressions of the days. I don’t understand how Louise, the dragon, and Simon endured, who were there so much longer! But it was so worth it and I had so much fun. I had also promised myself not to cry, but still, I sat there with my hands on my face when someone said what it was supposed to mean and prayed: “Is it true!?”. But you’re so grateful that someone put their soul into the music.
24-hour days and no booze? Blimey, who signed you up for boot camp? That’s not a music program; that’s a gritty survival thriller waiting to win Oscars! And don’t get me started on the emotional rollercoaster—nothing like turning into a fountain of tears at the sight of a bouzouki, am I right? Maybe I should take a leaf out of your book and promise not to cry during tax season!
Who did you get closest to?
– The team all around because you spend so much time with them. My goodness, they work so hard! But my heart also goes to Louise and Kerstin, who were so nice. Unfortunately, you don’t have time to talk much privately outside the program, and it would have been nice to get to know everyone a little more.
Ah, the camaraderie! Nothing says “budding friendships” like sleep deprivation and artistic burnout. It’s either that or sharing war stories over cold tea! “Oh, you too? Almost cried during sound checks? Let’s be best friends!” Forget Facebook—if you want a connection, just join a musical competition; it’s like speed dating but with more emotions and less wine.
Finally, which of your hits would you like to be interpreted?
– Driving dew falling rain. I was hoping that these young people would dig a little deeper among my songs (laughing). And you’ll see if it turns out that way…
“Driving dew falling rain.” Sounds like a title that could double up as a thrifty weather app’s motto! It’s cheeky, it’s catchy, and something tells me there’s more than just heart behind those lyrics. You’ve got to wonder though—how many more gems are hidden in the treasure chest of your past? But hey, I’m always ready for a good sing-along…so let’s get those kids digging!
All in all, it seems like Grå Gåsen is not just a visit but an experience that leaves you emotional, musically enriched, and possibly in desperate need of a power nap. Who knew trotting into your musical dreams would require so much caffeine, tears, and a good dose of humility? Now, there’s a program I’d tune in for!
Dreams, Bouzoukis, and Emotional Moments: A Dive into Grå Gåsen
Interviewer: You say in the program that it is a dream to be able to participate; how long have you wanted to visit Grå Gåsen?
Andreas Lundstedt: Oh, many years! I’ve thought about it with humility, of course. I love to interpret songs and have done so a lot over the years. When they called, I shouted, “Finally!”
Interviewer: It sounds like a dream come true! It reminds me of how we often have these quirky aspirations. So, Grå Gåsen was on your bucket list all along, huh?
Andreas Lundstedt: Absolutely! It’s about time we broaden those lists. Dreams come in all shapes and sizes!
Interviewer: You debuted with an interpretation of Arja’s “High Above the Sea.” How did that come about?
Andreas Lundstedt: I had a clear vision of how I wanted to approach it. I wanted it to smell like Greek pop, be catchy, and incorporate bouzouki, especially since both Arja and I have connections to Greek music. It was fun because she really liked what I did!
Interviewer: Bouzouki and catchy Greek pop—what a combo! It’s like having an epiphany wrapped in a musical delight!
Andreas Lundstedt: Exactly! And let’s be real: songs that “smell” like something would be a whole different experience!
Interviewer: You mentioned that you didn’t choose the most popular songs for interpretation. What motivated your choices?
Andreas Lundstedt: I wanted songs I could truly make something out of. I didn’t really know much about what Alba, Kerstin, and Simon had done, so it was a joy to discover their talent.
Interviewer: It sounds like a delightful surprise! Kind of like walking into a gallery and finding hidden gems of creativity.
Andreas Lundstedt: Exactly! I was excited to explore new music beyond the hits!
Interviewer: Speaking of surprises, did you know who else was ready for the program when you accepted?
Andreas Lundstedt: Nope! Just a few were ready. Interestingly, two weeks before I was asked, I had told my husband/manager that it was time to record new music after a long break. Then SMB called, and I thought, “Yes, now I get to make some!”
Interviewer: That’s some perfect timing! It feels serendipitous. What was it like to tell your friends about joining the program?
Andreas Lundstedt: They were thrilled and so proud. There might be more to share on that front, but I can’t say too much just yet!
Interviewer: Oh, a cliffhanger! It sounds like there’s more to the story. “Keeping Up With the Gåsens,” perhaps? Tell us about your experience while filming.
Andreas Lundstedt: It went so fast! Long days from 07:00 to 01:00, not much sleep, and no alcohol! Just so many impressions. I had promised myself not to cry, but when the emotion hit, there I was with my hands on my face, thinking, “Is it true?!” It was overwhelming to see the dedication to the music.
Interviewer: A 24-hour grueling schedule without the usual distractions sounds like a survival camp! I’m curious—did the emotional side of the experience catch you off guard?
Andreas Lundstedt: Completely! The artistry and soul everyone put into the music left me beyond grateful.
Interviewer: Well, I look forward to more of your journey—who knew music could be such a rollercoaster? Thank you for your time, Andreas!
Andreas Lundstedt: Thank you for having me!
