Swedish songwriting visionary and folk artist, Lars Andreas Backström – known simply as Backstrom – is making waves amidst his comeback in the world of music. A versatile musician with a seasoned history of songwriting, Backstrom’s primary passion lies in storytelling through his lyrics and melodies, often enlisting the help of fellow musicians to enhance his vision.
After playing in a handful of rock bands, Backstrom took a break from music, yet he feels his talents are better suited to songwriting. Years later, he is back with an arsenal of new songs and a collective vision that has shaped his latest independent project.
In his debut solo album, The Carousel, – which dropped January 18th — fans might recognize influences from Johnny Cash to Leonard Cohen to Mark Lanegan among others amidst Backstrom’s varied compositions. An integral part of both the production and development of The Carousel, Bart Topher is the featured vocalist on all the tracks except “Darkness.” Fusing rock with folk and country, the duo’s abilities seamlessly blend these genres into a collection of spellbinding tracks.
The title track, “The Carousel (feat Bart Topher)”, gives an honest look into the human experience of life – a “carousel” that you just can’t get off of no matter how hard you try – and sets the pace for the rest of the album’s flow. Backstrom offers a warning to listeners: “You better hang on / ‘Cause it won’t stop.” As willing (or unwilling) participants in this game of life, we are faced with two choices: “You can either ride it or get burned,” a brutal yet truthful conclusion.
Released as a single this past fall, “The Journey” offers a timeless country-fueled sound and vintage feel. The track opens with an easy-on-the-ears acoustic guitar, electric guitar riff, and bass hook that reels listeners in with its mellow upbeat vibe. The melody and warm vocals form an intricately woven pattern that shifts and melds into streams of harmonious sound, and the layered instrumentation enhances the story with its own unique voice. It adds to “the journey,” one that is full of hope and a keen appreciation for the shared human experience, along with that internal battle that wages inside each of us.
Released as a single earlier this year, “Train Wreck Coming,” certainly feels an ode to The Man in Black. A steady chugging rhythm keeps the melody driving, giving the feel of a train speeding along the tracks. With Backstrom’s deep vocals comes a poignant message whose truth rings especially true in our current climate: “You got to hold on to the faith.” Though preferring to leave all other messages up for interpretation, Backstrom’s lyrics openly encourage optimism and unwavering conviction in the face of opposition.
Also released as a single last year around Christmas, “Animal,” is yet another installment in this foray into the human condition. Exploring those primal animal instincts which live inside us all, this track is unafraid to go beyond the reach of your typical single. Topher’s influence adds layers to Backstrom’s impressive storytelling, and both artists shine alongside one another.
Among other contributors to The Carousel include Francisco Paz, credited with all percussion and drums, Luca Giannotti on guitar and bass for the more folk-heavy compositions, and six of the tracks feature harmonies by Kimberly Faith. Topher and Tommy Jones both contributed lyrics for three songs each.
Though his independent career is just taking off, Backstrom is bringing his years of varied musical experience to his newfound works. Each track on his new album bursts with a dynamic blend of sound, honesty, and dashes of diverse influences. For this Swedish songwriter, his journey on the musical carousel continues.
