A Chat with The Connecting Dots (03.03.21)
Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, The Connecting Dots is a duo with catchy hooks, infectious choruses and eclectic arrangements. We speak with Helena Sundstrom (vocals and keyboards) and Johan Borg (guitars and other stuff) about their debut album Oblivious Beat, new bands and much more!
OSR: What is the backstory to your debut album Oblivious Beat?
The Connecting Dots: This bunch of songs were made in a short period of time, in a kind of stream-of-consciousness mode, and were actually written in the same order they appear on the album. Commercially it would probably be better to release one song at a time, but we liked this idea of an album that feels like a complete piece of work. The whole is greater than the parts. That’s why we chose to release it on vinyl as well.
OSR: What is your creative process?
The Connecting Dots: We always collect ideas. It usually starts with finding a lyrical phrase or an appealing title, then the rest comes naturally. We were trying not to over-do anything on this album. Go with the flow, trust your initial feeling. It is purposely a little rough around the edges.
OSR: What was the writing and recording process like?
The Connecting Dots: Once we had found out what we wanted to do the songs came really easy and we recorded each song immediately after it was written in order to keep the spontaneity. The writing side is usually the easier part. The hardest part is to make the music that comes out of the speakers sound like it does in your head. One day we might get there…
OSR: Which do you find more challenging – the lyrics or the melody?
The Connecting Dots: Finishing the lyrics when you have a verse and a chorus is sometimes a bit of a challenge. You just want to move on to the next song.
OSR: Which is your favourite track and why?
The Connecting Dots: ‘Cairo, I’m Leaving You Now’, the last track on our album. Can’t really tell where it came from, it just appeared out of nowhere like the best songs often do. We believe most songs of the album – and especially this one – would make a great soundtrack to a film. So if anyone is interested, please get in touch!
OSR: How do you feel your Swedish heritage and culture influence your music?
The Connecting Dots: Sweden has a history of being an early adopter and welcoming foreign cultures which is inspiring. And there is probably something in the melancholy folk song tradition that did influence us as well in unconscious ways.
OSR: What do you think is the best way to discover new music?
The Connecting Dots: Recommendations from friends or just something you discover by random chance. There’s so much great music out there that remains unheard, unfortunately.
OSR: Can you recommend any new bands for our readers?
The Connecting Dots: Just discovered a new band called Rattlesnake from Coventry, UK. Great power-pop. Only 200-something monthly listeners on Spotify, they deserve so much more!
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
The Connecting Dots: Our songs are all about feeling, creating an atmosphere. If we can get the listener into a certain mood then we’ve succeeded.
OSR: Do you have any future plans?
The Connecting Dots: We have only just begun. Many bands are at their best about four albums into their career so you’d better keep an eye on us!
Thanks to The Connecting Dots for chatting with us! You can find more about The Connecting Dots on their Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp and Spotify.
