Råttanson, the Swedish Garage/Power Pop band, recently released their 5-song EP, “Trebled Region,” after evolving from a solo project to a four-piece group. With roots in Flen, near Stockholm, their rock’n’roll sound carries a unique charm.

Henrik ‘Råttanson’ Aspeborg, filled with pride for their accomplishments, recently shared the story behind Råttanson’s EP with the Sweet Sweet Music blog.

How did this record come together?

You know, Råttanson started out as a solo project, but just before the COVID pandemic a trio was formed and played a couple of live gigs. While waiting for things to get back to normal we decided to add another member to get that classic four-piece configuration with two guitars, bass and drums. The solo project records were aimed at sounding like a band with four members anyway. In the fall 2022 we were finally able to get into the studio and cut five tracks over a weekend, songs that were written in 2020-2021. Trebled Region is the first release of Råttanson as a four-piece band, and we are very satisfied with the final outcome. I should add that all members originally are from the small town Flen about an hour’s drive from Stockholm, and there is something special about the rock’n’roll coming from that particular little burgh.

What was the moment you knew you were on to something?

We were all excited to do something together. The material was well-rehearsed but you never know if it’s going to work until you press the recording button. However, we had a real good time in the studio. Thanks to Jörgen “Jugglo” Wall the sessions were so much fun and relaxed. We nailed the songs and everything went very smoothly. The music was basically recorded “live” using very few overdubs. I think this captures the energy of the band. The sound is also crisp with crunchy guitars since we and all love treble. I mean, we thrive in the Trebled Region haha.

The meaning of success has changed over the years. What would success look like for the new record?

A success for us I guess would be to reach a wider audience, to be heard all over the world, to be added to playlists, get opportunities to release more records, to be able to get some more gigs. Would be cool to play live in for instance Spain, UK or the US. If we could do that it would be a huge success. Any profit above break-even would be considered a financial success.

Is the best song you ever wrote on this one?

How do you know? The EP contains five great songs that I’m really proud of, but I’m particularly fond of “Fighting the Good Fight”. It is kind of a simple and direct power pop song and it sounds classic in a way. It’s not easy to write those simple ones. As for now I think it is definitely one of the best songs I have written.

How do you decide when a song is finished and ready to be recorded?

New songs are tested by the band. If everyone is happy with how a tune sounds when we rehearse it then it is basically ready. Likely we give the arrangement a final touch before heading to the studio.

How do you balance experimentation with commercial appeal in your music?

I wouldn’t say that we experiment a lot and I don’t think we really have much of a commercial appeal. I wouldn’t mind if I’m wrong about the latter though. Now of course we do try things out but we pay respect to rock’n’roll tradition. That said, we are not about revival. We do our own thing blending different guitar-based genres.

Lyrics are too often taken for granted.  What is the line of text or are the lines of text that you hope listeners will remember?  And why?

I must say that I’m pleased with the title “My Head Is a Troubled Region”. It is worth some attention,   isn’t it?

Cassettes are back. Which 5 five songs would make your first mixtape?

 A few old faves we won’t get tired of.

I Can’t Pretend – THE BARRACUDAS

Baby It’s You – PHIL SEYMOUR

She Does It Right – DR FEELGOOD

Help You Ann – LYRES

Shake Some Action – FLAMIN’ GROOVIES

Suppose you were to introduce your music to new listeners through three songs. Which songs would those be and why?

“Go Where You Feel the Most Alive” – shows the wild in-the-face garage rock side of the band.

“Fighting the Good Fight” – an example of the power pop-style of Råttanson.

“How Many Days Till Summer” – punky surf pop inspired by the Ramones/the Barracudas/the Undertones/the Eastern Dark is also something we enjoy.

What place do you occupy in the music industry?

The Trebled Region.

The record is done, the music is out.  Is the best fun done now or is it just beginning?

Being in the studio is fun, but we also love playing live. One thing for sure, I won’t miss spending so much time on promotion as you have to when you self-release your music. It feels like my head is a troubled region. Pretty soon I hope I can spend that time on writing future hits instead.

What’s up for the next couple of months?

We are entering the great era of Råttanson and we expect a lot of success, but we are also in a desperate need for a new rehearsal space.