By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Boldly described as a straight-forward mix of bands like Hüsker Dü, Flaming Groovies, Ramones, Big Star and Dinosaur Jr, 2021 was an excellent year for Sweden-based group Sweet Teeth, as they signed with Lövely Records and dropped their debut seven-track EP ‘Acid Rain’ in July, which was recorded, mixed and mastered by band bassist Joona Hassinen at Studio Underjord.
Featuring members from Sweden acts like The Deadbeats, Disfear, Year Of The Goat, Dollhouse and Tortyr And The Dontcares, Sweet Teeth also include guitarist/vocalist Andreas Axelson, guitarist Andreas Sjöberg and drummer Joakim Öhlund.
The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with Axelson about ‘Acid Rain’ and more.
Music Bugle – How would you describe Sweden to someone who has never been there before?
Andreas Axelson – I would say, mostly cold, clean and expensive. A lot of great bands, though, from all genres.
Music Bugle – How was the band name decided?
Andreas Axelson – We just tried out a few and I’ve always loved the name “sweet leaf” and how it sounds, but us not being a stoner band, it wouldn’t work, so it became “sweet teeth” instead..
Music Bugle – What was your goal for your debut EP ‘Acid Rain’?
Andreas Axelson – Actually, it’s a demo and we just wanted to reach out to labels and see if anyone was interested and it seems like it worked and also, Lövely wanted to release it as an EP, so we just went for it.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Andreas Axelson – Phoebe Bridgers, everyday, all the time…and also, Bob Mould, Division of Laura Lee and Slayer.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?
Andreas Axelson – Energy, heart and melody combined in a whirlwind of powerpop. That, to me, is really exiting.
Music Bugle – Which of your songs were the hardest to write?
Andreas Axelson – None. They all come from the heart, so it just happens.
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians?
Andreas Axelson – Tough question, but I would say that for the most part, it helps, bringing people to gigs and so on…
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Andreas Axelson – We’ve written, like, two albums of material and the first one’s already recorded. That’s the good thing, but not seeing friends and family the way you’re used to fucking sucks.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need a break?
Andreas Axelson – Deeper into music or into horror movies… or red wine.
Music Bugle – What motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Andreas Axelson – Seriously, I would go insane without music, so I guess the answer is keeping my sanity?
