The first thing that caught our attention about Midnight Boy was those furry abs and the way he was basically fucking the mic stand. Then we fell in love with his new single ‘Don’t Say No.’ (Although we’d love to know Pete Burns’ thoughts on it…) We can’t wait to hear more from this super-talented Swede so we thought we’d catch up with him and find out more.

Why does Sweden make such good pop music?
I’m not sure why but it’s such a common thing here. There are a lot of songwriters and producers. People start young and work really hard. We’re lucky to live in a country where most things seems possible and I think a lot of Swedes have become big dreamers, especially the younger generations.

Who has influenced you?
Since the 80’s was the decade of the one-hit-wonder it’s hard to cook it down to just a few. But I’m mainly influenced by artists like Prince, Madonna and Depeche Mode. Obviously their music speaks to me but they also have really strong visual expressions, almost like they they created their own cultures.

What drew you to this genre?
It’s just what happens when I write and produce music or when I’m on a stage performing. My natural expression and I don’t think I’d be able to do it differently.

Why the name Midnight Boy?
It’s from a song I wrote some years ago in a time when I wasn’t very happy with myself. Growing up and trying to make it in the music industry carried a lot of disappointments in my life and I felt I had to compromise to fit in. Spiritually I felt like a prostitute and that’s how I came up with Midnight Boy and the whole idea behind it.

You say the 80s was about craziness and lack of boundaries. Can you tell me about that?
I think the world of today needs more of that. We tend to take life so seriously and sometimes that’s good but still… we don’t have that much time so we better make the most out of it and try to have some fun along the way.

Do you feel tied to certain boundaries regarding style/music/sexuality now?
No, I don’t think so but I’m also not interested in going in a different direction right now. Like I said before, this is what I do and it comes very naturally. I’ll always stick to what feels right and if that’s a totally different thing in ten years from now I’ll definitely let myself change.

What was it like filming your video for ‘When You’re Strange’ in the buff?
I came up with the idea as I wrote the lyrics and it became my vision for the song. I wanted to shed light on a taboo topic and in a sense overcome it. It’s not really about the nakedness itself, it’s meant as a symbolic thing for showing one’s true colors and the fact that it always deserves respect.
When it comes to being completely naked, I have no problem with that. Half of the people in this world have got a penis and the rest know exactly what one looks like but it’s still a strange thing to see out on the street or in a music video. I’d say that’s more strange actually.

As well as one hit wonders, the 80s is also remembered for all of its LGBT acts like Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, Jimmy Sommerville, Culture Club, etc. 
I’m not sure it has changed much though. Some people claim we’re all bisexual and I personally believe that’s true, we’re just under the influence of a normative society. It’s easy to get lost in your sexuality, whether it’s about falling in love with a boy or a girl, or what it is that actually turns you on in a relationship. I think you’ll get the most out of it if you’re just open-minded.

What themes will you be singing about on your album?
It’s a great variety of themes actually but to name a few: loneliness, escapism and freedom.

Which current artist would you like to duet with?
They’re so many… I’d usually say Alison Moyet but I’m gonna go for Canadian artist Peaches this time. She’s just wild in every way and it’s been awhile since she released her last album so now would be the perfect time.

Who would you most like to write for?
I’m actually not interested in writing songs for other artists at the moment. I’d rather continue my work with Midnight Boy and keep my focus on that.

What is the goal behind your music?
I’m basically into music because it’s so much fun. My main goal is just to keep it that way. Of course I want people to notice me and my music. I also want to keep hitting music scenes all over the world as that’s the thing I love the most about being an artist.

Who does the styling?
I do it myself. I think it’s a lot of fun and fashion is a big interest of mine. I get to use my creativity and imagination so in a sense it’s very similar to writing music. I’d love to work with a stylist too though. It’s always interesting to collaborate with other creative people who are passionate about their art.

What is your favourite Mariah carey song? 
I have a really strong memory of watching Mariah Carey singing ”Without You” live on TV in the mid 90’s. I was very young but I remember she was wearing a black dress and that it was a killer performance. I later found out that this is a cover but I do prefer her version over the original one.