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A Projection is a post-punk band based out of Stockholm, Sweden. Their most recent album, ‘Framework was released via Tapete Records at the beginning of 2017 to get everyone’s year started in a macabre way. Over 365 days later and they’re now in the midst of recording their third record. You can find them live this March 24th at the upcoming Dark Spring Festival that Berlin’s Bi Nuu club is featuring.

Framework‘ weaves through dark wave and post-pop, with electronic notes, what is the general zeitgeist of the LP in your own words?

I would say that ‘Framework‘ is essentially post punk, but I agree that it’s spirit is somewhat volatile, spilling over in closely related genres every now and then.

Your debut ‘Exit‘ was more reminiscent of Sisters Of Mercy and a raw Joy Division, whereas on your latest album ‘Transition’ takes on the symphonic sound of ‘Closer‘-era JD/New Order. Such bands are obviously tremendous influences on A Projection. When ‘Framework‘ was still in the womb, if you will, what artists were you listening to in-between recording?

We are many song and text writers in A Projection, so it might be hard to give an accurate picture of what we all have been listening to, although the groups you mentioned are certainly correct. Addressing the difference between ‘Exit‘ and ‘Framework‘, I think it is mostly due to the fact that especially some song writers wanted to explore new sides of their artistic arsenal, especially gothic and electronic ones. The only explicit aim with ‘Framework‘ was to make it a little more electronic than our first album, hence songs like ‘Transition‘.

What is the story behind ‘Transition’?

The style of the song ‘Transition‘ is formed by a willingness to venture into the electronic sound world while remaining post punks. The text is about the painful realization that the adult life is not as gleaming, or stable, as it often appeared to be from the child’s/youth’s perspective, especially as one must take responsibility and make a living, not being able to keep “singing on the dancefloor”.

The classic question: what came first – the chicken or the egg? For A Projection, do the lyrics come first or does the music manifest itself prior?

I think that most of us makes the music first and add lyrics later. Personally, I get hooked by the music before I listen to the lyrics, when I hear new songs, although the lyrics are by no means unimportant. Some of our lyrics exists in their own rights, e.g. as poems, before being added to songs, though.

What do you think the post-punk scene is lacking nowadays? What missing puzzle piece do you fit in, as well?

I wouldn’t say that there is anything lacking in the post punk scene. If there is a niche, however, that we are occupying, then I guess that it is that we have pretty much stayed true to the punk roots within the post-punk genre, while putting a lot of emphasis on creating strong atmospheres. “Honesty” is a word that have guided us to a large extent thus far.

As fans of The Cure I’m going to take that gothic leap and assume you like films such as “The Crow”? What are your thoughts on the upcoming reboot? On a related note, how does filmography influence your music?

Looking forward to the reboot. It will be interesting to see if it can compete with the first film. Personally, I am very influenced by Ingmar Bergman‘s films. If we succeed in reflecting the esthetics from his films, with our music, I am very happy.

You’ll be performing at the Dark Spring Festival on March 24th. How would you describe your live gigs?

Our live shows have been described as atmospheric and danceable. I like that description. Nothing cuts deeper than atmospheres that makes your mind drift across unknown places. The rhythm-body connection is also a vital part of that process. Moreover, the stage is one of the few places where it is legitimate to display feelings such as anger and frustration why a lot of accumulated energy is released on our gigs.

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What differences do you find in touring Germany, Austria, and other countries as opposed to Sweden?

In Sweden there are too many bands and too few people, making it a pretty lousy country to gig in. Even if there are many Swedish post-punk band and a decent percentage of the population listening to post-punk, the total number of listeners isn’t that great. Touring in Germany and Austria is definitely better. We especially think that we have been lucky with the audiences in Germany. They have all been great!

You’re currently working on your third LP, what can you hint at so far?

We will definitely remain a post-punk group on our third album but there will be some surprises in store. We will play some new material on the Dark Spring Festival, so be there if you want to get some live hints!

Photo credits: Lanna Olsson

Sarah Medeiros