A Chat with The Search (17.03.22)
One of Sweden’s best-kept secrets, The Search blends indie-rock with alternative pop to create an ethereal sound. We speak with drummer Johnn Bernövall about their new album Extras, future plans and what he would take to a desert island.
OSR: How did The Search come about?
Bernövall: Well, I joined the band in 2020 so I wasn’t there for it. But from what I know it was back in 1999 when Razmig Tekeyan, who is still the songwriter and heart of the band, and a few other teenagers in Uppsala, Sweden formed a band. In the first years, they called themselves Silverslut (an even earlier version, I think, were called Jesus Hade Flytväst which means Jesus wore a lifejacket in Swedish!) and the music was more angsty and punky than now. In 2004 the name was changed to The Search and they obviously conquered the world.
OSR: What can you tell us about your album Extras?
Bernövall: It was developed during the pandemic when the band couldn’t do gigs or even rehearse very much. Therefore, the basis for the album is Razmig’s home recordings. He wanted the album to have a band feel to it so during 2021 the rest of us added some things on it here and there. I think it turned out very nice. A soft caress of heartfelt rock music.
OSR: Did you face any challenges when writing and recording Extras?
Bernövall: Not really since, again, the groundwork was done by Raz in his bedroom. The next album, which we’re working on right now, will probably be more of a challenge since we’re doing it properly as a band in a studio.
OSR: If you could change one thing about the album, what would it be and why?
Bernövall: Wow, I don’t wanna change a thing! To paraphrase Aerosmith.
OSR: Do you have a favourite track on Extras?
Bernövall: My personal favourite is ‘Halt’. It’s one of those tracks where the music and lyrics seem like one natural unit, and the lyrics are truly universal yet personal.
OSR: WHat about a least favourite track?
Bernövall: None!
OSR: If you could spend a weekend with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Bernövall: ? They all seem so full of themselves, don’t they? A real hero of mine though is Paul Stanley of Kiss. He makes nice pizzas and it would be nice to ask him all my questions about the real truth behind the band. The official version of events seems so arranged. Then again, he probably believes his own lies by now…
OSR: If you were stranded on a desert island and could take three things, what would they be? No mobile phones or boats are allowed.
Bernövall: I’m thinking fun and survival. So, my fiancee, limitless supply of Swedish beer Norrlands Guld (3.5% alcohol), and cheese.
OSR: Do you have any advice for emerging musicians?
Bernövall: The Swedish indie band Broder Daniel had a memorable answer to that question: “Stop trying!”. We’re not that rude though. Since we are not very successful in a commercial sense it would seem strange to hand out advice. But hey, play for the right reasons because music is the best.
OSR: What are your future plans as The Search?
Bernövall: Making another album and hopefully play tons of gigs. We have done a few local gigs during the pandemic, but we would like to get out and play in Europe. Preferably in Germany where our label’s from and where we have a very friendly audience.
Many thanks to Johann Bernövall for speaking with us. For more from The Search check out their official website, Facebook and Spotify.
