Music

So, how have the rubber balls changed your life?

It’s been great. The record’s been selling a lot and more people have been coming to the shows. I even get people throwing rubber balls onstage.

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Do you collect them?

No, I throw them straight back. I’ve got to be careful with that, I guess.

Has anyone called you a sell-out?

It’s been a bit like that. I guess some people who knew me before the advert felt that it wasn’t such a wise move. They want their favourite artists all to themselves.

And you want everyone to know who you are?

Not really. But the advert means I can pay my rent for half a year and carry on making music.

What’s your favourite city?

Reykjavík. The show there was really nice. I love the people, too. They like to drink!

Do they have any good hangover cures?

Not that I discovered. But I had some smoothies in Australia. You know, with tomatoes and vitamins. Drink one or two litres of that and you’ll be fine.

What’s the most common question you get asked?

‘You’re Swedish with Argentine parents and you sing in English, how does that work?’ I don’t really have an answer. It’s just me and what I do.

What is the best thing you can cook?

I’m pretty good at making salmon with blue cheese sauce, peas and salad. That’s what I cook if I need to impress someone.

Has it worked?

One time. I’m still with her so it must have worked pretty well.

First single that you bought?

Dee-Lite’s ‘Groove Is In The Heart’. It’s kind of goofy, I guess. I was quite young when it came out so I used to dance to it at school discos.

What was the first gig you went to?

The Wailers. I got their autographs and everything. I was about 12 or so. At the time my favourite music was Bob Marley and Michael Jackson.

Ever sung karaoke?

I did it in LA once. They had a box with lots of things you could wear, like wigs and skirts. I put on a fake guitar and white hair and sang ‘More Than Words’ by Extreme.

Is this when you started reworking other people’s songs?

Yeah, that’s when it all clicked. I think I’m going to stop doing so many now, though. I’m pretty happy with my own stuff.

What’s the weirdest story you’ve heard about yourself?

There was a Swedish magazine that had a worst dressed list and I was number eight. It said that I wear white khaki pants way over my waist. I don’t! They didn’t even have any photos to prove it.

Have you made more of an effort since?

No. I’m okay with being worst dressed, but they could have written something true.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

An elephant. They’re big and grey and have very long noses. A bit like me. A grey, boring, big-nosed guy.

Anything else we should know?

I like Gorgonzola cheese. Some of my friends call me Gorgonzález.