Pre ATP

Oh my god! We’re leaving today! I can’t believe it! This is so weird! Aaaaaaah!

Summer plans

As summer is slowly getting closer, my plans for summer are slowly taking shape. It looks like this will be a ridiculously wonderful summer. Niklas and I are going to Belgrade (Serbia) in July. We’re leaving on July 7:th. Yup, that’s my birthday. I hope I’ll get to see Niklas’ relatives and of course I hope for lots, I mean lots, of sun. In August we’re going to the festival Way Out West held in Gothenburg. Last year was such a success, we decided to go this year as well. I’m sure this year’s festival will be a thousand times better since Okkervil river are playing. Speaking of festivals, the new set of Bonde do Role will be playing at Popaganda and of course we have to see that. And oh! Let’s not forget about Ice Cube! It’s his first show in Sweden in 15 years! It’ll be amazing. Well, that’s it for now. I have a feeling this will be the best summer ever.

You have killed me

Okkervil river just released a bunch of new UK tour dates, a bunch of dates in November. I can’t explain how grateful I am. I can’t thank the Okkervil guys enough. I feel blessed, truly blessed. I imagine the travelling is tiring, and still they keep touring both sides of the ocean. I’d be the first to understand if they chose to stay at home instead, hiding from the rest of the world. But they don’t and no one is happier than me. I don’t know what keeps them going but I hope it’ll keep them going for a long time to come. As long as they keep going, I’ll keep following them around wherever and whenever I can. What I’ve got planned for now is ATP this weekend, Way Out West in August and UK in November. Yes, I’m blessed.

Meds, meds, meds

While packing for ATP it seems half of my suitcase is filled up with medicines. I don’t like it. I don’t like them. I hardly remember when to take them and how to take them. They make me extremely tired. And what’s worse, they’ve made me gain lots and lots of weight. On the other hand, they’ve worked miracles with my overall wellbeing. And so I’m trying to come to terms with the fact that I’m stuck with these medicines for a very long time to come. As any other self-conscious patient I’d like to think that I’m better off the meds, that it’s all just a misunderstanding, that I’m really fine. But I’ve proved myself wrong too many times. I’m done fucking up. For once, I won’t let vanity stand in the way of my wellbeing.

ATP getting closer

This. Is. Going. To. Be. Fucking. Legendary. And I don’t care if it’s overkill, I’m going to start packing now and freaking out over what to wear and what to bring. Then it’s just one helluva wait, which probably won’t be any trouble in this amazing weather. Life is wonderful.

The Stage names appendix, please come

It’s just a matter of days (11) left until I’m off to ATP. I’ll finally get to see Okkervil river live again. The anticipation is kicking in. I’ve got one word for ya: get stoked!

Us Okkervil river fans are spoiled. We get at least one new release every year. If it’s not an album, it’s an EP, appendix, compilation, mixtape or a single. This year we’ll get The stage names appendix. From what I recall it consists of 8 new songs. The recording is all done and all left to do is wait. When I catched up with the band in London they said it’ll probably be released this summer. Will said it won’t sound much like Einstürzende Neubauten. In case you were wondering. Oh, summer, please come. I could use some new songs…

So fresh, so clean

“It’s days like these I want to watch Withnail & I just to see that there are people who are feeling worse than me.” (-Niklas.)

I’m working hard on my alcoholic image. A few days ago along with Niklas and Tomas. And yesterday along with Björn, Kim and some new acquaintances. Although I’m dead tired and ridiculously hungover, I can’t give in now. We’re having a get together at our place tonight. I have to keep up the work, can’t give in, have to convince everyone I know that all I do is drink, drink, drink. Well, what else.

Hell to the yeah!

Ice Cube is coming to Sweden! July 21, Kägelbanan! See ya there!

Always busy, really busy

For once, my weekend wasn’t planed and booked to the extreme. Therefore, Niklas and I decided to have a calm weekend to ourselves. Therefore, we ended up having anything but a calm weekend.

This Saturday we took the bus to my old hoods in Nacka strand and David LaChapelle’s exhibition at Fotografiska museet. David LaChapelle is one, if not the, best photographers of our time. He’s responsible for some of my favorite portraits (just look at this and this) and lots of them were featured at the exhibition as well as some of his most recent pieces, all on the subject death and the end of the world. While this darker theme made up a part of the exhibition, some of the photos dated back to his earlier works in 1995. Let’s put it this way: it’s definitely worth a visit!

After strolling around watching God knows how many pictures for God knows how long we decided to spend some time looking at clothes instead. We spent a few hours shopping. We found some nice clothes, perfume, books and coffee. Happiness.

At the end of this perfect day, we went to Sture to see I’m not there. You should too, if you appreciate Bob Dylan and/or great movies.

Sunday, yesterday that is, we went to see Einstürzende Neubauten at Berns. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay for long. Niklas wasn’t feeling too well and I was close to collapse due to the lack of oxygen (you’d think that a place like Berns would have some sort of AC, a fan or a door to leave open but obviously not). We stayed for three songs or so, then we had to give in and give up. Yes, we left one of our favorite bands behind. I feel extremely guilty and have a hard time forgiving myself, but that’s life.

All in all, the weekend was fabulous. Not very calm or quiet but exactly what I needed.

Engaged to be married

For once, I’m speechless.