Jesper Lindell covers Willie Nelson’s ‘Pretend I Never Happened’

aterial, to actually play and sing the songs instead of just listening to them—that was an invaluable experience for us, one we learned a lot from. I’m grateful I got to do this and proud of the result,” says Lindell.
Hailing from the serene lakeside town of Ludvika in Sweden, Jesper Lindell embarked on a transformative journey in 2024 with his band, The Brunnsvik Sounds, across the vast Atlantic Ocean. Their mission was to delve deep into the roots of Lindell’s beloved music, setting their sights on two iconic studios: Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama and Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. Despite facing a delay of over a day upon arrival at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio due to flight issues, their spirits were undeterred as they dived headfirst into their recording schedule.
In just four days, Lindell and his band managed to create two full albums’ worth of material. The primary focus was on their forthcoming album, “3614 Jackson Highway,” an ode to love and an insightful collection of songs originally recorded at Muscle Shoals. Lindell’s rendition of Willie Nelson’s classic, “Pretend I Never Happened,” particularly stands out as a pivotal track in this musical journey.
Discussing his selection process for the songs recorded during the pilgrimage, Lindell reflects on the extensive research and listening they undertook to curate their repertoire. Nodding to Willie Nelson as a significant influence, Lindell expresses his admiration for the soulful storytelling in “Pretend I Never Happened,” which led him to choose it as their lead single. The realization that this song, along with the entire album “Phases and Stages,” was recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound with The Swampers sealed the deal for Lindell and his band.
Despite the time constraints imposed by their delayed arrival, once they were set up and ready to go, magic unfolded in the studio. Overwhelmed by the history of the studio and the legendary artists who had graced its halls, Lindell and his band found themselves swept up in a whirlwind of creativity fueled by their shared passion for music. The energy of the moment, coupled with jet lag and excitement, gave rise to an unforgettable recording experience.
Acknowledging the audacious task of reinterpreting timeless classics, Lindell emphasizes the value of delving into the music on a personal level. Beyond simply listening to these songs, Lindell and his band found new meaning and appreciation by actively engaging with the music through performance. This hands-on approach not only enriched their musical understanding but also left a lasting impact on their artistic growth and development.
Jesper Lindell’s musical journey, which began in the quaint surroundings of Ludvika, Sweden, has evolved into a soulful exploration of American roots music and retro vibes. With previous works like the emotionally charged EP “Little Less Blue” and the richly orchestrated albums “Twilights” and “Before the Sun,” Lindell has established himself as a master storyteller with a flair for blending vintage soul and contemporary Americana. Rooted in the traditions of classic rock and soul, Lindell’s music pays homage to legends like Van Morrison and The Band while carving out a distinct sound that is uniquely his own.
As Lindell prepares to unleash “3614 Jackson Highway” to the world, fans can expect a soul-stirring journey through the heart of American music, reimagined through the lens of an artist on a quest for musical truth. With a tracklist that includes gems like “Respect Yourself” and “I’ve Got a Thing About You Baby,” Lindell’s latest offering promises to captivate audiences with its timeless allure. Join Jesper Lindell on this musical odyssey as he invites listeners to experience the magic of Muscle Shoals and the transformative power of soulful storytelling.