This past Friday, Stockholm-based pop-rock artist Ginko Bugs released his latest track, "My Eyelash Girl." Filled with infectious guitar melodies and anthemic choruses, the project is the brainchild of musician Erik Åredal, who previously found fame with the Swedish group Ginko Biloba. He now performs under the moniker above, alongside a fictitious backstory of Lieutenant Bo Biloba & Crew.
We sat down with Erik to discuss where he gets his creativity, and what adventurous acts have influenced him the most!
1."Ticket To Ride" - The Beatles
"When I can't quite get a song arrangement, or lyrics, I usually 'ground myself' by listening to this song. Fantastically simple, few and powerful arrangements that radiate a magical attitude combined with a clear textual message in several dimensions."
2. "Ziggy Stardust" - David Bowie
"This song has started many thoughts and feelings in me ever since I started school. You can sing about and make up basically anything as long as it comes with an honest intention from you! You can look the way you want, dare to be yourself, dare to take your place, stand up for who you are, what you do and what you believe in. The rock epic Ziggy is the cornerstone of my musical world."
3. "Do I Wanna Know?" - Arctic Monkeys
"When I was eating in the garden outside a bar in Budapest, the bar staff started this song that echoed between the houses...after 20 seconds I exclaimed 'what the f*….k….this song, who..when,' I had no idea and the notes were absolutely the coolest to reach my ears. I had to walk all the way to the bar and ask the staff. A real lesson in what cool is with multiple dimensions."
4. "Don’t Look Back In Anger" - Oasis
"Only Oasis can perform such a magically beautiful melody with a simultaneously obvious, cocky attitude. The song also teaches me that this can also be combined with a playful and energetic production. Hats off to this amazing creation!"
5. "With Or Without You" - U2
"The perfect love song with heart and pain where Bono's vocals are the most emotional and intense performance I have ever heard. I take it all in and just enjoy, listen, learning to breathe and keep the tension."