The Cardigans' Nina Persson: 'We Do Toy With Making New Music'
In a revealing interview, The Cardigans' frontwoman Nina Persson has opened up about the band's potential future, their iconic covers, and the unique Swedish music scene that shaped their sound. Persson answered fan questions ranging from their famous Black Sabbath cover to whether the beloved 90s band might ever record new material again.
Ozzy Osbourne's 'Creepiest' Compliment
One of the most memorable moments in The Cardigans' career came when they transformed Black Sabbath's heavy metal anthem 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' into a lounge-style interpretation. Persson revealed that Ozzy Osbourne himself attended their Los Angeles show and delivered what she considers the ultimate compliment.
'Ozzy came to see us in Los Angeles and said it was the creepiest thing he'd ever heard,' Persson recalled. 'Which coming from him is the biggest compliment. As a woman, I thought singing a song done by very manly men gave it a wonderfully creepy aspect.'
The band deliberately chose to cover Black Sabbath because they admired the pop sentiment within the heavy band's songwriting, and enjoyed the challenge of stretching far from their natural sound.
The Swedish Music Phenomenon
When asked about the distinctive quality of 90s Swedish music that produced bands like The Cardigans, The Wannadies, and Stina Nordenstam, Persson pointed to several factors unique to Sweden's cultural landscape.
'In Sweden, artistic expression was encouraged and we were helped to be creative,' she explained. 'When you were eight or nine you were given a free recorder and then other instruments on free loans, so a poor child could play the violin without breaking the bank.'
She also noted that Swedish traditional music carries a particular melancholic beauty, and that children's television shows were scored by top jazz musicians, exposing young Swedes to quality music from an early age. This combination created what Persson describes as that characteristically Swedish quality of 'being happy on the surface but darker underneath' – a trait shared with ABBA.
Collaborations and Musical Evolution
Persson reflected on several significant collaborations, including her work with Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous, which she described as both creatively fulfilling and personally meaningful. 'I had a friend crush on him,' she admitted, noting that despite their age and cultural differences, they developed a deep musical connection.
Her collaboration with Manic Street Preachers on 'Your Love Alone Is Not Enough' came about because, as she put it, 'Nicky really liked our song Holy Love – there's a certain recklessness, which may be why they chose me.' She praised the band's tight-knit nature and enjoyed recording in the same room with James Dean Bradfield rather than exchanging digital files.
The band's musical evolution toward Americana on albums like 'Long Gone Before Daylight' came from Persson's growing appreciation for artists like Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, and Dolly Parton. 'After the fun, ironic 90s it was a relief to think: "It's fine. We're human beings,"' she said of embracing more sentimental, raw musical expression.
Health, Hiatus, and Future Possibilities
Persson spoke candidly about how her cancer diagnosis changed her perspective. 'Until I was around 30 I'd hardly ever had a cold, so it was really weird at that age to face something with a possibly deathly outcome,' she shared. While her cancer was operable, the experience made her appreciate art differently and recognize that such challenges can happen to anyone.
Regarding The Cardigans' extended hiatus since 2005's 'Super Extra Gravity,' Persson explained that multiple factors contributed to the pause. 'I started to hesitate ... Throwing myself into another album and tour cycle would make me another two or three years later in trying to start a family,' she said. The band's main songwriter eventually lost patience, while other members remained excited about performing live.
Now, with band members having families and day jobs creating logistical challenges, Persson revealed that the possibility of new music remains alive. 'We do toy with the idea of making new music, whether as the Cardigans or in a different form,' she confirmed. 'We're all capable of making great music and lately it's been inspiring to see people like Suede from the 90s making new material. It's not cringey middle-aged dudes looking hard in leather jackets. It's really good stuff.'
Unexpected Honors and Personal Passions
Persson expressed surprise and delight at being namechecked in The Divine Comedy's song 'Sweden,' noting she wasn't asked or told beforehand but found it 'super flattering' to be included alongside other brilliant figures like Ingmar Bergman.
She also discussed her ice skating skills, which feature prominently on the cover of their album 'Life.' After training with a Malmö skating club recently, she participated in a concert on ice with Swedish band Kite, performing alongside the world-class Helsinki Rockettes. 'It's hard as hell to do and fades really fast,' she admitted of her skating abilities.
As The Cardigans prepare for their upcoming London show at Eventim Apollo on 27 June, Persson's reflections paint a picture of a band that, while currently focused on live performances, hasn't closed the door on creating new music together. Her insights into Swedish music culture, memorable collaborations, and personal growth through health challenges provide a comprehensive look at an artist who continues to evolve while honoring her band's distinctive legacy.
