Hater’s Måns Leonartsson Shares 9 Songs That Shaped His Musical Journey
Hater, the Swedish indie pop quartet, is back with their fourth LP, “Mosquito,” following their well-received 2022 album, “Sincere.” This new record showcases a blend of hazy shoegaze textures, hints of slacker rock, post-rock, post-punk, a touch of alt-country, and melancholic pop melodies, creating a collection of dreamy lovelorn tracks. Vocalist Caroline Landahl reflects on the surprise of unintentionally creating a compilation of love songs on “Mosquito” that delve into themes of heartache, emptiness, and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with love.
Guitarist Måns Leonartsson discusses the songs that have influenced his musical journey leading up to the release of the new album and upcoming tours in Sweden and the UK. His earliest music memory involves listening to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” cassette at just six years old, leaving a lasting impact on his young mind. Growing up, reggae, and his father’s collection of Jimmy Cliff vinyl records, particularly “The Harder they Come,” played a significant role in shaping his musical tastes.
Recalling his first CD purchase, Leonartsson shares memories of buying The Offspring’s “Americana” and being drawn to their music due to their music videos on Swedish television. As his passion for music developed, he explored a variety of genres, from hip-hop to metal, during his formative teenage years. Live music experiences, particularly seeing bands like Skatalites, Sonic Youth, and Dinosaur Jr., set the stage for his own musical aspirations.
Starting as a guitarist at age 14, Leonartsson’s first band heavily influenced by The Who and Pink Floyd, showed early signs of ambition. Transitioning to Hater from a previous band called Kust, the group’s ease in writing songs laid the foundation for their debut EP and subsequent releases. Drawing inspiration from bands like The Radio Dept., Hater’s music reflects a focus on songwriting, integrity, and creating a heartfelt connection with listeners.
With a new album on the horizon, Hater’s approach to making music has evolved over time, incorporating more individual songwriting and collaborative arrangements due to life’s demands. Their latest work aims to keep the band cohesive while exploring new sonic territories beyond the shoegaze genre. Reflecting on a standout track, “Stinger,” Leonartsson notes the evolution from a country-tinged demo to a raw, distinctive studio version, showcasing the band’s versatility and growth.
“Mosquito” is set for release on March 6th via Fire Records, offering listeners a blend of emotive tracks that speak to the band’s evolution and commitment to their craft. Whether ordering the album on vinyl or CD or streaming it online, Hater invites fans to immerse themselves in their dreamy, introspective soundscapes.