The roots of a lifelong love for music
Björn's love for music began in childhood, and he was influenced mainly by his father, who adored Elvis Presley. Growing up with Elvis classics, he was captivated by the emotional depth and energy that music could bring. Björn treasures the moments music has provided him, shaping his unique outlook on creativity and art. This foundational experience expanded during his teenage years when he discovered Swedish and international artists who helped him appreciate various genres.
Art meets Sound: The creative process
For Björn, music is more than background noise. He listens to an average of five hours of music daily, finding that tunes help enhance his focus, elevate his mood, and even transform mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. Music is a 'mood-setter' for his creative work, varying from soothing tunes when he needs calmness to upbeat tracks that fuel his creative momentum. Björn believes music is vital in achieving balance, allowing him to adjust his mindset and energy levels to meet the demands of his art direction work.
Music is a mood-setter. Whether I need to calm down or get energised, there's always a song that fits the moment.
Diverse tastes and timeless favourites
Björn's music taste is impressively eclectic, spanning from indie soul to rock, hip-hop, and beyond. Although his preferences are constantly evolving, he has a few go-to artists he returns to, including Talking Heads, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and the timeless genius of Prince. Talking Heads, in particular, hold a special place in his heart, symbolising his formative years and sparking his journey into musical discovery. These bands are not just favourites; they represent different eras and emotions in Björn's life, each contributing to his unique soundscape.
I try not to listen only to my old favourites. It's easy to get trapped in nostalgia, but discovering new music is like expanding your mind in real time.
Discovering new sounds in the digital age
With tools like Spotify and Shazam, Björn continually explores new music. He relishes stumbling upon fresh tracks in everyday settings, such as restaurants or cafés, keeping his playlist dynamic and current. He also enjoys revisiting nostalgic formats like CDs and even cassette tapes, which were once central to his music exploration. Despite technological changes, Björn values the thrill of discovering new artists, a joy that has only grown with the ease of access in today's streaming world.
Memorable concerts and the quest for live music
Björn is no stranger to live music. Attending concerts and experiencing music live is one of his greatest joys. One of his most cherished memories is attending a Prince concert in Stockholm in 1987, which left a lasting impression. While he's attended numerous shows over the years, from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers to Lauryn Hill, he still dreams of attending a performance by David Byrne of Talking Heads fame. For Björn, live music embodies a sense of community, creating unforgettable connections through shared sounds and experiences.
The role of music in team culture
As the designated DJ for Friday Fika at Zooma, Björn carefully selects tracks that set the right tone for the team. While his selections vary, he tends to lean towards upbeat tracks that avoid slow intros, ensuring they resonate well even on primary speakers. His approach isn't about showcasing his favourites but rather curating an ambience everyone can enjoy, creating a cohesive and engaging environment for his colleagues.
Björn's view on modern music evolution
Björn sees talent in today's music but avoids mainstream top 50 lists, preferring lesser-known artists who bring authenticity and freshness to the industry. He notes that many people hold onto the music they loved in their youth. Still, he strives to keep his playlist updated with new sounds, appreciating modern music's evolution and diversity. Music is, for him, an ever-expanding world, and he values the continual growth it brings to his creative life.
Björn's music tips for focus, connection, and discovery
Music is deeply woven into every fibre of Björn's vibrant life. Whether through memories of iconic concerts, the thrill of discovering new artists, or the simple pleasure of a perfectly chosen song, music remains a constant inspiration and a core part of his artistic identity. Listen to his latest curated Spotify playlist, specially created for Zooma and friends.
