The career of Peter Jöback, one of Sweden’s biggest stars, has seen him work across the world on some of the most recognisable productions in musical theatre from ‘Les Miserables’ to ‘Phantom of the Opera’. His musical career has seen him release thirteen albums and his latest offering ‘Atlas’ sees him collaborate with British pop superstar Sophie Ellis Bextor and Ed Harcourt.
On September 22nd, Peter will be bringing his live show to Bush Hall in London so, ahead of the show, TotalNtertainment chatted to Peter about his career, his life and the new album ‘Atlas’.
1. Thank you for your time Peter. Can you tell us a bit about the story behind your new album ‘Atlas’?
“I wanted it to be very melody driven. It’s inspired to be seventies, classic, timeless music. I’m very inspired by Elton John and David Bowie and those because I was born in the seventies.
The album is also a little bit about the modern man. I think men are very interesting. I think there’s a lot to explore with how men feel and, and how men are brought up with parents saying to man up, don’t cry, whatever. I think all of that, if you carry that inside, one day or another, something will come out, aggressive or something so I think it’s good to talk about it, especially men should start talking to each other. We should be allowed to show all our colors without being questioned or being judged, or feeling any less.
Musically, I wanted to do something organic. I wanted to feel grounded. As I am in my life but still with curiosity. I like getting older. I’m 53 now. So for me, I’ve had a really long journey of acceptance and stuff like that with my, my own story.”
2. As well as music, you have a long history in theatre. Can you tell us about that part of your life?
“I was a child actor. I started off in musicals so I think I used theater to try different sides of me. I picked the roles. The roles I’ve done have been so different because I’ve tried to discover different sides of me. I started off my big break in Sweden was actually with a musical with Bjorn and Benny, the Abba guys. They did a musical called Christina.”
3. What kind of roles have you played?
“I did Christina. Miss Saigon when I was 24. That was my first job in London. I did Drury Lane. I was in the original cast of The Witches of Eastwick. I did Cabaret in Scandinavia. Cameron MacKintosh brought me back to Sweden to play the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera then to Broadway then Andrew Lloyd Weber handpicked me to play the Phantom on the 30th anniversary on Broadway. I’ve also done Les Miserables.”
4. How did the title ‘Atlas’ fit the album?
“I was talking to Kathryn about how, in my personal life, I’ve learned to embrace my life story finally. Both the good and bad. She said ‘that’s like ‘Atlas’, you know, he was carrying the world on his shoulders, but that was with heaviness whereas you are carrying your life and your world on your shoulders with lightness and with proudness.’ I want to get older. I’m not afraid of getting older. I hopefully have fifty more years with plenty to look forward to.”
5. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your life
“I used to say that I want to be personal with my audience, not private. I think the biggest thing that helped me a lot is to ask for help if you’re feeling down and don’t carry it in yourself. Try to be open with my recovery and stuff like that, share with other people.”
6. What do you hope people take away from listening to ‘Atlas’?
“As a writer, I don’t want to tell people what to think. I want people to start thinking for themselves but there are a lot of human feelings on the album. There’s different emotions. Life is a game. It’s like if my kids would say to me, ‘Papa, how am I gonna live my life?’ just jump on board and, if you fail, just start again.”
7. What did you get out of writing ‘Atlas’?
“I feel like I’ve come so far. I’m proud of myself. ‘Atlas’ for me, when I sing that song, it’s almost like I’m crying because it took me so long. That’s why the album is called ‘Atlas’, and then my name, Joback underneath, it’s like a reflection of me.”
8. You talked about your childhood being quite tough. What got you through that?
“When I was a child and my father was hungover and my mum was cleaning up the house she would put me in front of the telly and every weekend in the 70s they showed MGM movies so my best friends and the people who helped me through these moments were Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Judy Garland. They became my babysitters, and my best friends.”
9. You’re coming to London in a few weeks, what can your fans expect from the show?
“This is going to be my first solo gig with my own music in London, and I’m so excited about it because it gives me a chance to show the other side of me for the people that have seen me doing the musicals.”
10. Thanks for your time Peter. Just to finish, what are your hopes for the future?
“I’ve done about 13 albums. I’ve done movies as well. I wrote my own movie a couple of years ago about my upbringing which won a Swedish Oscar here in Sweden. I’m trying to do different things because I’m an artist. I try to express myself through different things. I like to challenge myself.”
To find out more about Peter, his career or to get more information on his exclusive London show next month, head over to his Official Website.
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