“Backstage is usually an area where no one is allowed to come in, except me, so I wanted to invite the listener to my private room, my private area,” Jay-Jay Johanson tells us in this interview. Indeed, his latest album creates an unusually intimate feeling on anyone who listens to it — ideally, in a calm, quiet setting, letting every note sink in. But that isn’t odd if you’ve been following his near three-decades-long career.
Johanson’s music is ethereal, airy, poetic, subtle, and hauntingly seductive. He himself embodies that to perfection — just look at the exclusive pictures by Grigor Devejiev and Merab Chumburidze that we feature here. Throughout the years, he’s collaborated with The Knife, Cocteau Twins, and even curated a playlist for Balenciaga. Because his taste is sublime, but also very unique. Staying away from the flashing lights and carving his own path, the Swedish artist has been able to inhabit a place that he can claim his own. Today we sit down with him to discuss his latest album, Backstage, fatherhood, and the healing power of music.
What’s a memory from your childhood that still shapes your music today?
Seeing Chet Baker live at my dad’s jazz club back in 1984. Chet made me realise that you don’t need to be loud and extrovert to be a singer and to be performing on stage.
Was there a moment in your life that truly changed your perspective on everything — personally or artistically?
Well… becoming a father changed everything. Life suddenly got a meaning.
When do you feel the most like yourself?
Probably the moment when a painting I’m working on is finished, a song is written. Nothing can beat that feeling.
You often express vulnerability and melancholy in your music. How do you personally navigate those emotions off stage?
The best therapy for fighting sadness and depression is writing, getting it off my chest, and sitting by my piano composing, taking long walks while singing, improvising, creating new melodies.
Is there a part of yourself that you’ve never been able to express fully through music?
Ah, interesting question. I don’t know, but now when you mention it, I will need to search.
How has fatherhood or personal life influenced your music in recent years?
There are certainly other stories to tell now different from before our son was born.
What does success mean to you at this stage in your career?
Being able to continue doing what I’m doing. Survive on being creative.
Can you tell us about the story or concept behind your latest album?
Backstage is usually an area where no one is allowed to come in, except me, so I wanted to invite the listener to my private room, my private area, my intimate calm space. Almost like I’m singing these songs especially for you, only you.
Are there any new musical directions or experiments you’re currently exploring?
I’m not very good at collaborating with other songwriters and musicians, but I would like to learn and co-write more.
What do you hope listeners feel or take away after hearing one of your songs?
There are many songs that have helped me during loneliness and sadness. Music has that healing power, and I sometimes get letters from listeners who mention that my songs have helped them in some way, and that is amazing.
If you could give advice to your younger self, back when you were recording Whiskey (1996), what would it be?
Try not to worry too much, it’s gonna be alright.
