Photo Credit: Olof Grind
Stockholm-based electronic music extraordinaire Kasbo releases his first new album in four years, The Learning of Urgency. His third studio effort to date, the project is out now via ODESZA’s revered Foreign Family Collective Label and features Shallou, Frida Sundemo, ViVii, and more.
The Learning of Urgency is Kasbo’s most personal work to date, opening a window into the mind of the Swedish artist, who used to bear a heavy burden of acute, self-induced pressure to constantly achieve and do more. This type of mindset unexpectedly led to a rare, stress-affiliated hearing loss issue that almost prematurely ended Kasbo’s career in 2019. Through a major shift in perspective on his work ethic and mental health, Kasbo took his time over the course of the next four years to write the album, which is a statement that rejects the “rise and grind” mentality of today that plagues modern society.
How did the idea for this record come about?
It just sort of developed as I was working on it. I think it’s a lot of doing and seeing what feels right, and then when looking back, you kind of see how it all fits together and all the recurring themes.
How was it working with Frida Sundemo?
She’s incredible and one of my favorite singers ever. This is our third time working with each other, and it’s always been remote, even though we live in the same city. I think we both are very meticulous and like to take our time with what we’re doing, so rather than sitting down with a blocked-off 6-hour window together, I think we just work better on our own where we can take our time. I’d hate to put Frida through listening to a synth sound over and over again for 4 hours.
Does the track sequencing of the album tell a story?
Not necessarily, no. I just really enjoyed the flow of it, but there was no conceptual thought behind placing the songs where they are in the tracklist.
What’s the main message of the record?
The main message is to slow down — and realize that it’s ok to do so.
How have you grown as an artist since your last record?
I think it’s been mainly confidence and realizing that, even though I care deeply about the people who listen to my music, I need to make music for myself. First and foremost, it needs to be exciting and fun for me so that it can, in turn, be something someone else can appreciate.
What’s in store for your future?
A lot of shows and even more new music!
