Jesper Lindell shares new cover of Pops Staples’ “Whicha Way Did It Go”
In 2024, 30-year-old Swedish singer and songwriter Jesper Lindell embarked on a musical journey with his band, The Brunnsvik Sounds, to iconic music studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and Memphis, Tennessee. Over four days, they recorded two albums’ worth of material, with the first album, 3614 Jackson Highway, showcasing a soulful collection of songs from Muscle Shoals. Lindell’s latest release, Royal, pays homage to the rich musical history of Memphis.
Upon arriving in Memphis, Lindell and his band were greeted by studio owner and engineer Boo Mitchell at Royal Studios. Stepping into the historic studio, unchanged since its heyday with Hi Records, where legends like Al Green and Otis Clay recorded, Lindell and his band were invigorated by the surrounding musical legacy. With Royal, they reimagined classic songs by iconic artists such as Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, and The Staple Singers, while also honoring lesser-known but influential figures like Margie Joseph and Tony Joe White.
Despite potential skepticism about revisiting timeless songs, Lindell views the experience as invaluable, allowing them to delve deeper into the material and truly connect with the music. Born and raised in Ludvika, Sweden, Lindell’s musical journey began in local bars and rehearsal rooms, where he developed a passion for classic American songwriting and the vintage sounds of the ’60s and ’70s. His EP, Little Less Blue, recorded with members of First Aid Kit, showcased his emotive vocals and knack for blending retro soul with contemporary Americana.
Through subsequent releases like Twilights and Before the Sun, Lindell further established himself as a skilled storyteller, translating personal experiences into immersive, roots-infused soundscapes. Embracing influences from artists like Van Morrison and The Band, Lindell has carved out a distinctive style that merges vintage warmth with contemporary freshness. As a prominent figure in the Scandinavian soul-rock scene, Lindell continues to refine his craft, creating a musical universe uniquely his own.
With a series of upcoming tour dates across Europe, Lindell is set to bring his soulful sound to audiences in Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. From intimate venues to festival stages, Lindell’s captivating performances promise to transport listeners to a world where classic soul meets modern artistry. Through his heartfelt interpretations of timeless songs and original compositions, Jesper Lindell continues to enchant audiences with his soulful voice and authentic musical vision.