A “complain” from a friend persuaded me to book a flight to Stockholm. I really didn’t need much convincing to visit Stockholm though as I’ve been meaning to visit indiepopland for years now. I was going to be quite close, in Germany, and I first thought about taking a bus and visiting the south of Sweden, Lund and Malmö. I had time to do some little tourism around, I was going to be two weeks in Europe, it made sense. As soon as my plans to visit Malmö were unveiled, I was demanded to go to Stockholm instead. And I think it was the right decision: immediately I got offered to play some records at Debaser, Slussen. So thanks K for drilling it in my head that Stockholm was where I had to go! And on top of that, the Ryanair 10 euro flights sweetened the deal. The only bad thing, having to travel Saturday morning after a big party in Berlin. But for 10 euros I shouldn’t complain! Well, I still have to figure out how much will they charge for my luggage!
So that’s the plan, arriving on October 10th at Skavsta airport, then a bus all the way to Stockholm. Then lunch – I hope! I will be starving by then. Would be nice to see what’s typical Swedish food. I heard about a steak cooked over some wood? Sounds delicious to me. Later, this same day, I’ll head to the Fritz’s Corner club that takes place in the Debaser, Slussen, venue. There will be two bands playing, one that I really don’t know and seems to be the BIG act that night. Their name is Kap Bambino. I think this band will have the big stage while the Cloudberry people, humble indiepop people, will enjoy the cosiness of the Franska Bukten, which is, as far as I know, a small section of the huge venue. And. if things go as planned, I will share the DJ deck with a star: Tommy Gunnarsson. Do you remember that fantastic label called Heavenly Pop Hits that put releases out by Hormones in Abundance or Nixon and many more? Well, he was the guy behind it! He was also behind a band called The Gentle Smiles, which is as brilliant, but that will deserve a post later next year because there’s plans for something that is still a secret!
But the highlight of the night will be the other band playing that night: The Andersen Tapes. This will be their first gig ever! I’m so thankful and thrilled to attend this! Amanda Aldervall, who once was part of that marvelous, cult band, Free Loan Investments, and is one of the nicest and coolest celebrity in the pop-world, started The Andersen Tapes as a solo project. Last year, we put out a 3″ CD single that included three fantastic tracks that were well received by the indiepop community, getting glowing reviews and selling out quickly! As of today, I do know she is working on an album, but I’m not sure I can reveal more information about it! But be on the lookout, it’s supposed to come out on one of my favourite Swedish labels. And hopefully, I’ll be able to put a 7″ with The Andersen Tapes in the future too. That I’d love! And back to the gig. I think Amanda is getting together a full band for it! Isn’t that sweet? I wonder who she is recruiting! I bet there must be a big list (and a line) of people wanting and waiting to be part of the band. If I just knew how to play an instrument…
I already shipped some records to Stockholm and, even though I don’t know if there will be a merch table, I’ll be sure to bring them with me if you’d like to buy some and save on postage. And last, but not least, I want to thank a lot to Anders Thorell for booking this gig, for being enthusiastic about it and for making it happen. This will be a night to remember! See you all there!!
PS. There’s a piece written on the Debaser page, but I won’t hold responsible for what it says 
Also there’s more information there, but my Swedish skills are worst than what I think they are.
Cloudberry Records presents The Andersen Tapes
Escaping from the drowsiness of the warm Miami Beach breeze, the hollowness of neon lights streets and a broken-heart, Cloudberry started in 2007 determined to unite all bed-sitters around the world. Taste and aesthetics, hand-to-hand, a careful design, and lots of love are the foundation. On top of it, the main goal, purvey the sound of jangly guitars. Though, some distortion was going to be welcome. Carrying the indiepop flag on a hyperactive 100 singles series released in less than two years including legends St. Christopher and media darlings The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. Sold-out releases, sold-out gigs, four fierce fanzines, a DIY attitude fighting those who are boycotting our dreams, and bringing together those scattered lurkers from every corner of the world. No surprise that Cloudberry is a lively splinter cell of the international pop underground supporting bands from far away Hong Kong, all the way to the American West Coast and then to the Scottish moors. Sweden has had a deep impact in the label as many bands have participated with passion, with love. Among those bands there is today’s The Andersen Tapes, Twig, The Garlands, The Faintest Ideas, Blind Terry, Japan Air, Hari and Aino, The Bridal Shop, The Mare and more. And the tradition will continue with slated 7″ records by up-and-coming bands. With no doubts there’s an inherent link between Cloudberry and Sweden, and it goes further than cloudberry jam and pancakes. Popkids of the world unite!
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