To keep this thing short we're gonna fast forward in a tempo that puts Speed 2 to shame.
Three girls: Lisa (drums), Maria (guitar) and Victoria (vocals), formed the band in 1995. Guys were added along the line. Many left after just weeks. The girl's working morale left a lot to be desired and they spent most of their time plotting on how to become the perfect band. The clue seemed to be in the clothes, rather than the chords.
Time passed, the girls straightened out so boys would stay longer. (They still dressed nice though). That plan worked. Records were made (see discography). All of a sudden they're an eight-piece band. The girls and then in order of appearance: Per (organ), Martin (bass), Ulrik (trumpet), Daniel (guitar) and Ludvig (saxophone).
Together they tour Sweden. A lot. Then England, play big festivals, tour America, Europe, England again. Etc. And then they find themselves in Jonathan Ross' Green Room, sat next to Halle Berry, waiting to perform their new single On The Radio.
But somewhere along the line the fun had stopped (for all possible reasons, surely you've seen a rock documentary or two). The band and Victoria decide to part ways then and there. It's a hard and sad and a very demanding time.
Once the dust settles the band realise they are madly in love with each other again. The way it was when the band was new and some of them were still teenagers.
They start writing new songs. Lisa has moved to London so songs are sent back and forth via email, it's all very Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks. Once the songs are outlined they meet up in Stockholm and rehearse. The songs are coming together nicely. They hop in a van heading south, to Vallarum – where they recorded their first full-length album some five years back. Jari Haapalainen is in the van too, their long-time friend and collaborator. He's produced most of the band's work from their third EP an onwards (not In Colour, their second album, which was produced by Mike Mogis).
Lisa is doing most of the singing, with invaluable help from Maria. (Lisa is still doing most of the drumming too, but live they're gonna get a drummer in, to steer clear of any Phil Collins jokes). They record album no 3 in a week's time.
They call it 'Hey Trouble'. Partly to show that they're good sports. Partly because that's what their driver in America, Louie, said whenever they stepped on the tour bus. And partly because it sounds fun. And fun is all they want at this point. They reckon they've deserved it.
Stolen instruments. We still miss them. A lot:
Hagstr..m Electric Guitar, Black, seventies, serial number 53954205
Fender Jazzmaster, Sunburst, 1963, serial number L18531
Euphonium JB Besson, serial number 554058