Stockholm, Sweden indie trio Dixies List share the final installment of three connected singles that they have released throughout the spring of 2022.
“2:45” is a bouncy cut of guitar pop that alternates between bubbling verse melodies and a driving chorus hook. Much like the singles that preceded it, “2:45” deals with the experience of coming of age in Stockholm. In this case, Dixies List’s singer, Valle, is partied-out in the early hours and trying to keep up with a friend who wants to take the night as long as it can go. “2:45” is accompanied by a visual that explodes with youthful energy and emotion.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Dixies List about the latest release, musical memories, motivations and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music (plus the video) below.
What’s something you’d like readers to know about your latest singles?
We’re very proud to be releasing them and to have created something during the pandemic that might be applicable to what others our age might have experienced and done during that time.
How does these new singles compare with the songs on Pop Up Poetry? Was there anything specific you were trying to accomplish?
There are similarities but the new singles are definitely headed in a bit of a different direction. What direction that is we don’t really know and didn’t really think of when we made the songs.
The biggest thing for me is that we actually made something new that you can tell is still “Dixies List”. I as a songwriter tend to start a million different projects and never finish them, or I write a collection of songs and release them and then immediately want to do something else. This time it didn’t feel like that was necessary. I like what we’re doing and I think continuing that is something I’ve been wanting to accomplish.
– Valle
What motivates you to create music?
Mainly our many artistic friends, watching other bands and artists perform, Carmen (One of Stockholm’s cheapest pubs… and the finest one if you ask Fanny & I), nights out and also nights in (cause that’s when we actually write new music).
What’s one of your first or most powerful music memories? Did that play any role in driving you to create?
I’m not sure if I have a specific memory that was more powerful than the other. I’ve always loved music! My mother used to play me Bob Marley when I was still in her belly and as a baby I used to watch my cousin’s dad playing guitar for hours. He taught me a lot, especially about writing songs. He always used to sing lines that he made up on the spot whenever we got a chance to play together. I think my childhood is probably my most powerful music memory. It’s in my blood!
– Valle
All three of us come from quite musical backgrounds and have been playing constantly since we were kids. Growing up I had a lot of music playing at home and I started playing instruments myself really young, switching it up through the years but sticking to the bass since my teens. If I have to choose one specific music memory it would be when me and my family went to an indie music festival in the Swedish woods when I was around 7 years old. Seeing those musicians and being in that atmosphere really printed into my brain that if you want to create, you can and you should, in whatever way you want.
– Fanny
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
I’d personally love to collaborate with: Pete Doherty, Paul McCartney & David Bowie. I’d like to say Bob Dylan as well but it probably wouldn’t work as it would likely just be him doing all the work and turning down my ideas (probably for the best anyway). As a band I think we should collab with Mama Sonic! They’re a Stockholm based indie band who make incredible 60s sounding pop and manage to sound like velvet underground, the Beatles and the who all at once. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4w3CKpPNZ2YoSHut5TVByr?si=twIMjp2ZTKyG_vPnRVR3ow
– Valle
If I could choose an artist I’d probably choose the band Billy Talent because their one of my favourite bands of all time and I think the music we play is quite compatible. I also consider their guitarist Ian D’Sa as one of the coolest guitarists/riff writers ever so I’d just love to play with him in any scenario! Otherwise doing something with The Killers would probably be quite sick as well, we’d probably come up with some dope, grandiose arena rock stuff together!
– Alvin
I would love to collaborate with the legendary band Le Tigre. I think they are one of the most interesting and fun bands out there from recent decades. Their energy as a band and the unapologetic rawness in their music is really inspiring and I think we as a band would get along well with them and could learn a lot. Looking at Swedish bands I would love to collaborate with the band Bob Hund as they are one of my absolute favourite bands and are unmatched when it comes to doing your own thing and putting up live shows that shakes you to the core. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6OZxE19iim1JKvCA3GmCVx?si=LdKDlDRRQtasMllMX_uZ4Q
What was the last song you listened to? And who is one of your favorite all-time bands/artists?
Cathy Come Home by Flyte.
All time favourites: The Libertines.
– Valle
I last listened to Sweet Talk by Dear and the Headlights
All time favourites: I’m currently very into The Hotelier!
– Alvin
The last song I listened to was Time’s Tight by The Embassy and one of my all-time favourite bands are definitely the swedish cult band Broder Daniel (Brother Daniel).
– Fanny
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
Find us? Carmen in Stockholm, Sweden.
Stay connected? Correspondence by letter or our instagram, @dixieslist.
I really appreciate your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Not really. We hope you enjoy the singles and we’ll do our best to give you more of us in the near future!
