SAMTIDIGT SOM
The SiS Interview by Dany Sloan

At the end of the day, good music is good music and it doesn't matter what language it is sung in. Samtidigt Som, hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden create hyperactive indie rock that has an air of intrigue because they sing in their mother tongue. While this band is an extreme diamond in the rough for American music ans, the fact remains they are really fucking good. Their debut album came out this week in Sweden.

SIS: How did the band get together? What were your initial goals? How has that changed?

SS: We´ve been together for about 18 months and you could say the initial purpose was part to have an extra excuse for drinking and behaving badly, and part to take over not only our hometown but also Sweden. We have all been in different bands, both separate and together for the last 10 years and this time I think all of us kind of felt like ´if things don´t start happen now, then this might be the last time I try joining a band´, go back to school or whatever an never mention again you´ve ever held on to an instrument. But eventually something did happen and, we are all very happy about it. I guess we still keep the goal about being a big Swedish act. And yeah, we still like to get drunk and end up i fights. Of course.

SIS: What are you guys up to for the rest of the year? Any big plans for '09?

SS: If 2008 was the year the underground papers and blogs discovered us, then
2009 is when all the rest of the people and media will have a taste of it all. We will released our debut album on January 28, have a smash hit with the single called "Vid din sida" and follow up with touring the spring, and when spring ends it´s time to play the festivals. Great success.

SIS: Who do you often find yourselves compared to, and do you like or dislike that comparison?

SS: It´s mostly bands from Gothenburg, both active and non active, like Hästpojken, Håkan Hellström, Bad Cash Quartet, Attentat, Broder Daniel. Nothing strange about it, Gothenburg is the Swedish capital of indie rock, and also were the first Swedish punk bands started out. We are honored to keep on doing what they did before us, we love what they did and we love what we do.

SIS: Who are some of your favorite bands to play with? Do you think any of them will take over the world?

SS: Maybe some band from our label, Franke, Boat Club or My Darling YOU!
We play a lot together with a band called Almedal, from the same label. They are amazing. Both on stage and off. Do we want them to take over the world? Nah, they have to take it from us then I guess.

SIS: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about being on the road?

SS: Absolutely to meet the audience. And also to drink a lot of Gin & Tonic in the van while watching the landscapes. Sweden is mighty beautiful when you are drunk. We rarely tour more than Thursday, Friday, Saturday. That suites us perfectly since the most of us has day jobs and the drummer has a daughter to take care of. So I guess the least favorite part of touring is when your boss calls you up on Tuesday morning wondering where the hell you are, and you are like a 1000 miles from home. You could always apply for a new job I guess.

SIS: If any member of Samtidigt Som were on the cover a tabloid, who would it be and why?

SS: I would go for Francisco since he´s the singer. Classic.

SIS: When family ask you what your band sounds like, what do you tell them?

SS: I guess we play a tune for them, but if we´re unable of doing so I would say, listen to Iggy Pop or Ebba Grön, and you´ll have a slight idea.

SIS: What's something about your hometown that most people don't know?

SS: Most people don´t know, since the people of Gothenburg are always
considered being happy and easy, is it´s still a shit hole. Remember what
Obama said about the pig?