
We spoke to Jack Adamant about the Swedish scene, how their love for music came about, the interesting self-made instrument and more!
An interesting background for Jack Adamant. Italian born but living in Stockholm! How did that change in your life come about?
Growing up in a small village had its pros and cons. When it came to the music scene, I always felt Italy was a bit stuck in a type of music far removed from what I was writing. On top of that, there seemed to be too much emphasis on cover bands rather than musicians creating original music. So, moving abroad felt like a natural choice. At the time, I was already playing in a band, and our lead guitarist had moved to Sweden. When the opportunity arose, I couldn’t say no. I had visited Sweden briefly before and found the music scene much more exciting, it was almost impossible to find a club where bands played covers, which was mind-blowing for me. Looking back, I can see why I made that decision, and I’d absolutely do it again.
What is the music scene like in Stockholm, and Sweden in general?
While Sweden is known for heavy music, particularly hard rock and metal, there’s a surprising variety of styles from electronic and experimental to alternative, punk rock, and grunge. It’s all about finding the right scene. Some clubs focus on specific genres, but you might stumble upon a punk band playing in a completely unexpected venue. Like any big city, Stockholm’s music scene is constantly evolving, with clubs closing and new ones opening. I follow underground bands I like, which often leads me to discover new places. It’s about exploring the city and staying alert so you don’t miss an unforgettable night.
You learned to play guitar by the early age of 12, what drove your interest in music and specifically in picking up a guitar rather than another instrument?
I’ve always been a huge music enthusiast, spending hours listening to radio stations and buying loads of CDs and cassettes. I was glued to anything that played music, and eventually, I realised that if these musicians could create music, so could I. I started writing songs right away, initially in the form of love letters and poems but soon felt the need to translate those words into music. I even built my first “instrument” out of a biscuit tin, cutting a hole in it and using threads as strings. It didn’t sound great, but it helped me grasp rhythm and sound. When my parents saw how determined I was, they finally bought me an acoustic guitar.
What was the inspiration for the lyrics and the instrumentals for 'Over Signs,' your latest release?
When I wrote this song, I was listening to a lot of shoegaze bands like Washing Machina, Ride, and My Bloody Valentine. The idea was to keep the layers simple, just one or two guitars but have the main guitar drenched in effects and overdrive. Recording it was straightforward; the real challenge was finding the right chords and lyrics. The lyrics come from a deeply personal place, those moments when it feels like someone is holding you back, and you’re struggling to find clarity in a world full of illusions. It’s about keeping going, even when the stairs seem to lead nowhere, and finding hope in fragile moments. I wanted the sound to reflect that mix of vulnerability and persistence.
My favourite track on the EP would be "Pixels in the Dark." I love the moody, atmospheric pace it carries. What's your favourite?
Great choice! That song was a challenge to play and sing. I was experimenting with unusual chords to match the mood and wanted my vocals to push to the edge, almost cracking over the heavy guitars. I worried it might not translate well live, but after rehearsing with just one guitar, bass, and drums, the result was fantastic. I can’t wait to perform it live now. As for my favourite, it’s hard to choose until the album is complete, but there’s a track we’re still recording that features my good friend Eric Haney on trumpet. His contribution completely transformed the song, and I think you’ll enjoy it as much as we do.
You chose The Cure's "Friday, I'm In Love" as a cover for your EP. Why this track in particular?
I’ve always been a huge fan of The Cure, and I wanted to create a cover similar to how Dinosaur Jr. reimagined “Just Like Heaven” or Superchunk did with “In Between Days”, something that fit my style. I searched YouTube to see if anyone had done a version of “Friday, I’m in Love” like the one I envisioned and found none, so I thought, why not make one myself?
If your music was to be put on a film soundtrack, what film would it be?
Probably a dramatic film or some kind of sci-fi story. It’s hard to pinpoint the perfect movie for our music because a soundtrack should fit the film’s vibe. I’d need to watch the movie first and then write music tailored to its mood and visuals. It’s not an easy task, but it would be so much fun. Ged (our drummer) and I have experience with filming and editing for our music videos, where the music is already made. Working in reverse, where the movie comes first, would be an exciting challenge.
If you could time travel back in time to ONE gig. What would it be?
The 1992 Reading Festival in England. That line-up was legendary, featuring Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, and more. That was the pinnacle of the grunge era.
What unconventional location would you most like to play a gig?
With my band, we’ve been scouting locations for a music video, and one place that excites me is a printing press in the town where I was born. There’s something captivating about the rhythmic clatter of the machines, the endless stacks of paper and the tactile nature of the process. In a world that’s becoming increasingly digital, witnessing paper being “tattooed” feels almost mystical. Playing a gig in such a space would be incredible, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we make it happen!
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