Airwaves
Band Story
In the early 2000s, the Swedish pop scene witnessed the emergence of The Airwaves, a band that seamlessly blended classic pop sensibilities with modern influences. Founded by bassist and vocalist Sussi Johansson, guitarist Patrik Arvidsson, and drummer Ludwig Johnson, the trio quickly gained recognition for their melodic tunes and engaging performances.
Their debut single, "Always," released in 2003 under Riverside Records, marked their entry into the music industry. Performing initially as Swedish Whistler, they captivated audiences across Kronoberg and Halland counties, becoming Halmstad's most played local artists. The single received significant airplay on Sveriges Radio P4, reflecting their growing popularity.
In 2004, The Airwaves contributed to a tribute album honoring Syd Barrett, the original member of Pink Floyd. Their rendition of the unreleased track "Vegetable Man" was featured on a vinyl compilation by the Italian label Oggettivolanti. This project garnered attention from national radio and was recommended by Expressen, one of Sweden's leading evening newspapers.
August of the same year saw the band embarking on a mini-tour in Cambridge, Syd Barrett's hometown, including a performance at the Rockinbeerfestival organized by the English pirate radio station Radio Caroline. This international exposure further solidified their reputation as versatile musicians.
Three years after their debut, Riverside Records released their second single, "Games For May," a three-track CD featuring a cover of Syd Barrett's "See Emily Play." By this time, the band had adopted the name The Airwaves. The single's release coincided with their participation in a marathon celebration of 1970s giants Pink Floyd in Brighton at Komedia—a ten-hour concert organized by Neptune Pink Floyd, the UK's largest Pink Floyd fan club.
In 2006, The Airwaves connected with Clive Jones from the occult 70s band Black Widow. Collaborating with friends, Jones had written an ABBA tribute song titled "Hey You Ring Me Tonight" and offered it to The Airwaves, believing their dual female vocals could emulate ABBA's sound. The track was recorded in August 2007 at Golden Cut Studio in Söderköping. An initial version was released on January 24, 2008, available for digital download on the label's website, featuring cover art by Hans Arnold, known for his 1970s ABBA album artwork.
Michael B. Tretow, ABBA's sound engineer, reviewed and assessed the song. A second version, produced by Carl Brolin, was completed and released as the band's third single, "Hey You Ring Me Tonight." Beyond singles, The Airwaves have appeared on various compilation albums released by labels such as Go-Kustom Records (USA), The Beautiful Music (Canada), Windless Air Music (USA), and Oggettivolanti (Italy), showcasing their international appeal and versatility.
Their discography includes the album "Release," issued in 2014, featuring tracks like "Hey You Ring Me Tonight," with contributions from notable musicians such as Andy LaRocque on electric guitar and Paolo "Apollo" Negri on keyboards.
The Airwaves' journey reflects a dedication to musical exploration, paying homage to their influences while crafting a distinctive sound that resonates with audiences both in Sweden and internationally.
Their debut single, "Always," released in 2003 under Riverside Records, marked their entry into the music industry. Performing initially as Swedish Whistler, they captivated audiences across Kronoberg and Halland counties, becoming Halmstad's most played local artists. The single received significant airplay on Sveriges Radio P4, reflecting their growing popularity.
In 2004, The Airwaves contributed to a tribute album honoring Syd Barrett, the original member of Pink Floyd. Their rendition of the unreleased track "Vegetable Man" was featured on a vinyl compilation by the Italian label Oggettivolanti. This project garnered attention from national radio and was recommended by Expressen, one of Sweden's leading evening newspapers.
August of the same year saw the band embarking on a mini-tour in Cambridge, Syd Barrett's hometown, including a performance at the Rockinbeerfestival organized by the English pirate radio station Radio Caroline. This international exposure further solidified their reputation as versatile musicians.
Three years after their debut, Riverside Records released their second single, "Games For May," a three-track CD featuring a cover of Syd Barrett's "See Emily Play." By this time, the band had adopted the name The Airwaves. The single's release coincided with their participation in a marathon celebration of 1970s giants Pink Floyd in Brighton at Komedia—a ten-hour concert organized by Neptune Pink Floyd, the UK's largest Pink Floyd fan club.
In 2006, The Airwaves connected with Clive Jones from the occult 70s band Black Widow. Collaborating with friends, Jones had written an ABBA tribute song titled "Hey You Ring Me Tonight" and offered it to The Airwaves, believing their dual female vocals could emulate ABBA's sound. The track was recorded in August 2007 at Golden Cut Studio in Söderköping. An initial version was released on January 24, 2008, available for digital download on the label's website, featuring cover art by Hans Arnold, known for his 1970s ABBA album artwork.
Michael B. Tretow, ABBA's sound engineer, reviewed and assessed the song. A second version, produced by Carl Brolin, was completed and released as the band's third single, "Hey You Ring Me Tonight." Beyond singles, The Airwaves have appeared on various compilation albums released by labels such as Go-Kustom Records (USA), The Beautiful Music (Canada), Windless Air Music (USA), and Oggettivolanti (Italy), showcasing their international appeal and versatility.
Their discography includes the album "Release," issued in 2014, featuring tracks like "Hey You Ring Me Tonight," with contributions from notable musicians such as Andy LaRocque on electric guitar and Paolo "Apollo" Negri on keyboards.
The Airwaves' journey reflects a dedication to musical exploration, paying homage to their influences while crafting a distinctive sound that resonates with audiences both in Sweden and internationally.
Bandmates:
Location: EUROPE: Sweden
Genre: Pop