Interview: Brott och Straff

Brott och Straff is a young Swedish electropop duo founded in 2012 by Martin Carlson and Kim Nilsson. Electropop is a very exciting genre on its own, but the fact that the guys are singing in Swedish makes it even more interesting. The interview below will tell you a bit more about these Swedes and make sure to check out their latest release "Lite Mer Chill"!

Anna: When and how was the band formed?

Martin: Both I and Kim has a background in the rock and punk scene in our home town. However, we were somewhat competitors because we were each members of the two biggest bands in town. Kim's band Blisterhead played punk and my band Hell n 'Diesel played heavy metal. So even if we played in the same venues and often met in the same context, we had completely different audience, in two different music camps. Punks and rockers. I played guitar in my band but decided to drop out in 2009 in order to focus entirely on my own project, Katzenwaffe. Electronic music in no particular direction.

One day, Kim emailed me and says that he is looking for a partner in crime. Someone who can produce his songs he writes alongside his regular band. He has heard my Katzenwaffe creations and want us to test a co-work thing. It seems exciting and I say yes. That's how "Ibland önskar jag" came to life. After that, there was no doubt. Two former small-town rebels had found each other in a whole new period of life and music genre!

Kim: For a couple of years i have been looking for a new way of making music, a new sound and a the right person to do this with. That person is Martin Carlson.

Anna: For all our non – Swedish readers: what does your name mean? 

Martin: It means Crime & Punishment. Our danish friends Oscillators thought it meant Bread & Punishment.

Anna: Why have you chosen for electropop and not folk, for example? 

Martin: Electronic music is an obvious opportunity for the solo artist who wants to do everything himself. Programming drums, playing synth, violin or trumpet. Everything is in the computer nowadays, and technology has opened up ridiculous opportunities for the musician with ambitions. I also belief everyone involved in pop making has in some way ambitions reaching as many listeners as possible. And of course pop is one commercialistic opportunity for a career in music.

Kim: Maybe electro has chosen us. Or not. I haven't done any electronic music before. And i just love it. It saves us a lot of time. Its makes me more creative. You know, we never rehearse. We nearly never met. I write songs and sing at home. For Martin it is the same. We both have small children. When they are a sleep we start to create. Our lives is too stressed to be in a rehearsal room 2 times a week.

Anna: As the songs I’ve heard so far are in Swedish I have a question: are you planning any records in English? (not that I don’t like Swedish, I think it sounds awesome)

Martin: There are currently no plans to sing in any language other than Swedish.

Anna: What was the biggest challenge for the band? 

Martin: To find as much time for making more music as we want. There's no other challenges. We do great music and have lot of fun while doing it. Now spreading the word is what’s up next.

Anna: Who is inspiring you? 

Martin: I get inspired by everything from great music to design, film and books. I am a super creative person who inspired creation itself. I can not name any individuals – the list would be too long. But all of those that are super talented at something inspires always to be even better than them.

Kim: I have noticed that the most inspiring thing for me is to relax. Whenever i have a day off it always ends up in a new song.

Anna: Where do you see yourselves in 10 years? 

Martin: Is this a job interview?

Kim: The future is unwritten, but we have plans for 2013. This year we will release one new song every month. You will find it on Spotify, Soundcloud and Facebook.

Anna: What is your favourite song of all times?

Martin: Elton John - Your song.

Kim: My favorite song is "Martin in Brott och Straff is a cheesy cheesy dude since his favorite song is Your song". I just wrote this. Maybe the title is a little bit long but it explains everything.

Anna: And finally, any words of wisdom for our readers? 

Martin: If you think someone is really good at something, make sure you're even better. That's not an impossible goal to reach. And the bar will always be raised as you progress.

Kim - BREAKING NEWS: We have made a cool video and our next song "Lite mer chill" will be released on 28th of January on Spotify etc!