A Chat with Tears Apart (19.07.22)
Described as emotional, passionate, attractive and intriguing, Tears Apart is a Finnish band with a unique sound. We speak with frontwoman Lotta Svartsjö about their album LOVE, taking risks, future plans and more.
OSR: How did Tears Apart come together and how did you decide on the band name?
Svartsjö: The thought about putting together the band came to me on a Sunday about ten years ago. We (my partner Jani and I) had been making music together for a long time and had a big variety of songs demoed – without a specific purpose. I was frustrated and quite frankly fed up with making music in the studio only. I really longed for a band and a new context for our music. So I reached out to a couple of musicians I’d been working with throughout my singing career and luckily they all said ”yes” to my proposal. The band was actually first called LottaS, but we changed it to Tears Apart on the threshold of our debut album release, which felt suitably ambiguous and also more connected with our music.
OSR: Does the album LOVE have a backstory?
Svartsjö: Jani and I have been a couple in both music, love and life for twenty years now, so yes, LOVE has a backstory. It’s an album about everyday life: the ups and downs, the light rays and struggles in a long relationship. We didn’t write about love intentionally, but when the album was finished it was clearly all about love.
OSR: What inspires you to make music?
Svartsjö: I’m at my creative best when I’m upset, angry or sad. That’s the mindset that inspires me the most. When I’m happy or in balance, I sing and rehearse a lot. Jani on the other hand composes music all the time and is easily inspired by music documentaries, films and his favourite bands and artists.
OSR: What do you hope people take from LOVE and your music in general?
Svartsjö: Our music sparks joy and sounds as shifty as life. I hope LOVE gives pleasure, comfort and energy. It’s an album made from and with love.
OSR: If you could change anything about LOVE, what would it be and why?
Svartsjö: This is a hard one. The album was initially set for release in spring 2020, but the pandemic forced us to rethink. Which inevitably led to redoing some of the songs and composing new ones that replaced some older ones. So at the moment, I have to say I wouldn’t change a thing, I’m just really happy the album’s finally out and living its own life!
OSR: Do you have a favourite song on the album?
Svartsjö: My favourite depends on the day and mood. Some days I love the energy of ‘Alive’, some days I need to feel ‘Pain’ and some days I’m in a nostalgic mood and think ‘So Beautiful’ is the prettiest love ballad ever. ‘Perfect’ is a balanced track that’s great to play live and resonates well with the audience. ‘Rose’, ‘Sea of Sin’ and ‘Wanna Stay’ have been the listener’s favourites so far. ‘Lost’ was for a long time exactly that, lost, but found its shape at last and is actually one of my favourite songs live. ‘Storm’ is the only track on the album not purely about love. The song I’d love to do a music video for next is ‘Stronger’, I think it’s a great track that deserves more attention.
OSR: Which is more difficult: lyrics or melody?
Svartsjö: For me, lyrics definitely. Not writing texts, but writing in a way that suits the type of music we’re making. Music and melody come often simultaneously, a melody with some real words or phrases but mostly gibberish and chords that paint the feeling of the song. That’s on the other hand a good way to feel the vibe of the song and then continue with the lyrics depending on what the song seems to be saying. Jani is the studio wizard doing all the hard work along with composing, he really has great talent for recording and mixing!
OSR: What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
Svartsjö: At the moment, I feel that my biggest risk to take is still lurking around the corner. Sure I’ve taken risks along the way, many in fact, but nothing that would’ve turned out to be completely stupid or pointless.
OSR: If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
Svartsjö: Are you what you want to be?
OSR: Do you have future plans for Tears Apart?
Svartsjö: Sure! We are already writing new music and actively playing live, so LOVE will live on!
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Svartsjö: Thanks for reading and showing interest in music! Please check us out on our social media platforms, give us a like and feel free to share our music!
Many thanks to Lotta Svartsjö for speaking with us. For more from Tears Apart check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
