I recently reviewed the amazing new tune, Off Limits, by Swedish artist Agenda 109. His music has a proper old school punk vibe, unlike anything I’ve heard recently. If that sounds like your jam, then give the track a listen at the end of this interview!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a track titled Off Limits, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the song?
The single Off Limits from the album Frustrated by Agenda 109 is about unattainable love, but not necessarily about unrequited love. It’s an angry rock song leaning towards punk in its attitude.
The album Frustrated, was released before under the band name Agenda Ambiente. However, my previous digital distribution service changed their orientation and closed down services to their current customers. Therefore, I am re-releasing the album Frustrated, with new cover art and a new song order, but with the same content, this time by Agenda 109.
How has the reception been so far, and where can Off Limits be purchased?
The reviews I’ve received have been very positive.
The song can be purchased (or downloaded for free) on most music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, YouTube Music, iTunes Store and Napster.
You also released a track last month titled Remember. What can you tell us about that track? Am I right in thinking the song has a 9/11 link?
You are right, Remember is about 9/11. This is a song that was released last year, 20 years after 9/11. Then, it was released by Agenda Ambiente. After that, I have moved most rock music from Agenda Ambiente to Agenda 109.
I believe it is still as important today, 21 years after those tragic events. The number 21 is important. Because of what happened on this day, many never reached the age of 21. Many weren’t allowed to see their children turn 21, and many have turned 21 without meeting parents, family and loved ones. I believe we should always remember 9/11.
Do you have any more singles planned for release soon?
Yes I do! I’ve designated November as Metal Month, and Agenda 109 will release not only one but two singles! Moving away (temporarily) from punk galore the two tracks on offer are metal tunes as hard as British steel! The first track will be released on November 4th. It is named This Life Is Killing Me, so a little guesswork is needed to figure out the general mood in this one.
The other single is scheduled to be released on November 18th, named Impending Disaster. It doesn’t need much of an introduction mood-wise either.
Are there any plans to release a full-length album or EP anytime soon?
I have nothing planned for a full-length album or EP. I released two full-length albums earlier this year, so now I will focus on producing singles which will test the boundaries of what Agenda 109 is in terms of musical output. In my EPK, I say that “Agenda 109 is all about rock music, spiced with a touch of pop and a spoonful of punk. Sometimes, a slow dish is provided, at other times, fast food is on the menu. The beat is the basis: this is rock music!”
I want to continue producing a variety of music and have a few things planned for the near future, not least Metal Month.
Has the pandemic hindered your work much?
Not really. I work in my home studio, so no changes there. Of course, in other ways it has had a profound influence in terms of accessibility to music, collaborators and fans.
Your music has a grungy rock sound. What/who influences you most as artists? What have you been listening to recently?
It all started with Black Sabbath, before I diverged deeper into rock and punk music by Rage Against the Machine, Rancid, the Clash, Sex Pistols, Green Day, Entombed, Biohazard and similar (and not so similar!) bands. Of course, the masters of grunge, inter alia Nirvana, also holds a large part of my musical library. As a matter of fact, Smells Like Teen Spirit was the most recent track I enjoyed.
Where are you based? What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
I am from Sweden, but I currently live in Guatemala. The move to Guatemala has been a game changer. Where I come from, it often felt that winter lasted forever. Minus 25C? Not unusual. Here, it’s spring all year around. Plus 25C? More or less always. This does have a positive effect on my output. And expat life in Guatemala provides endless opportunities for diving into music production.
Of course, Guatemala offers a lot of Latin pop music, but punk and rock are very present, so I’m very happy with the wide variety of output available here.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Unfortunately not. The UK will have to wait because of the considerable distance between here and there.
Any last words for the fans?
Do what you love and love what you do. It sounds like a cliché, but clichés have become such for a reason. My point is that we all have something to bring to the table as it were, and gifts of love are the greatest gifts of all.