Repeat is a really good band and Torbjörn sent me all three records that they have released of which the latest Celebrate will be out in the middle of September. This interview was conducted in August 2025

Tell me a little about how the band started, who are the members if so and and do they have other bands besides and previous bands, please mention the names as well and what they play etc?

-Johan and I (Torbjörn) started Repeat in 2022. We have known each other since we were little and went to school together. Johan played during the 90's in the ska band Liberator, which was on Burning Heart. Repeat was born out of a need to create something loud, fast and melodic. A duo that sounds like a whole band, sometimes reinforced with a bass player.

How did you come up with the name Repeat? In itself an excellent name considering your repetitive style...

-Exactly – our first songs were very repetitive in style, and it felt right to call the band Repeat. Since then, the music has evolved, but the name sticks and works perfectly.

I read somewhere that you play a lot abroad, is that correct? Where is best?

-Yes, we have already played a lot abroad, especially in Germany. The audience there is fantastic – dedicated and curious. It gives a huge energy back.

Haven't you received the same response in Sweden?

-Well, we have received a great response in Sweden as well, both from the audience and the media. But there is something special about meeting an audience in another country that does not know you before.

What are your lyrics about, is it just everyday things, politics or how do you think when you write a text?

-It's a bit mixed. Our song Day After Day, for example, from the upcoming EP, is about the frustration you carry inside, what you try to hide, and the feeling that it never ends. But also about recognizing it – and fighting back. We often write about that kind of tension, between everyday drudgery and a desire to break free.

You would never write a song in Swedish or?

-Not in Repeat. Our thing works best in English. But there are lots of good bands in Sweden that do amazing things in Swedish!

Tell us a little about the following songs …

• Nothing New A discharge of less than three minutes – frustration, melody and anger in one. Our answer to the eternal cycle of lies, facades and repetition.
• Me and Paul Auster A tribute to the author Paul Auster who passed away in 2024. He meant a lot to me. The text is a bit of a chant, absurd, repetitive and existential.
• Rat Race A one-minute instrumental chaos. Quick in, fast out.

You release your records yourself I understand, why did it become on vinyl? Is it important to release physical records?

-Yes, for us it is important that the music is physical. It feels more real then, more permanent. We released Rat Race on cassette as well. Vinyl has a presence that we like, and we know that the audience appreciates it.

No record companies that are interested or is it a choice to do everything yourself?

-We have received some requests, but right now we are completely DIY. We like the control it gives – you control the whole process yourself. But we are not closed to collaborations in the future, if it feels right.

The latest record cover is really nice, where does the picture of Celebrate come from?

-Glad you like it! It's actually an old school picture from fifth grade at Järnåkraskolan in Lund – me and my classmates.

How does Repeat's audience look like, I mean what kind of people do you draw on yours?

-In Sweden it is quite mixed. Abroad it is very classic punk and hardcorepublic, people who really live for the DIY scene.

How do you see on punk, is it only a word or is it a style of music or even a lifestyle?

-For us it is definitely more than a music genre. The whole DIY thing – doing everything yourself, booking gigs, releasing music, arranging tours – is part of punk. It's both a style of music and a lifestyle.

Five favorite records that are going the most right now? Five favorite records all-time that you can't be without?

-Of what is released lately, I listen a lot to Chat Pile, Turnstile, Skinhead and PUP. All the time is much more difficult – the Ramones have to get in there somehow.

Do you buy records yourself yet? Have you noticed the vinyl hype?

-Absolutely, I buy way too many records. The vinyl hype is impossible to miss. In Stockholm there are fantastic shops, both new and used. I buy almost everything in stores, very little online. Love the browsing and the scent.

Tell us a little about the following albums and what you think about it today.

• The first record you bought or got? Some compilation album with rock that I got from my parents. I remember that there was a motorcycle on the front.
• The album that changed your life? Ebba Grön – We're Only in It for the Drugs.
• Last album you bought? A Misfits record.
• The album you're ashamed of? I have some 80's records that are not at the front of the shelf, but I am not ashamed of anything.
• The album that makes Repeat sound like you do? Helmet – Meanwhile.
• The album that always has to be on the tour bus? Something with Slayer.
• The album that you would have liked to have played on? An early Dinosaur Jr. album.

Is there a lot of interviews, is it boring?

-Not at all, I think it's fun. I'd love to do more.

What is the most common and boring question?

-We don't actually get any boring questions. The most common is probably what genre we play, or why we are called Repeat.

What do you think it's like to live in Sweden today? What is the best and the worst?

-I like living in Sweden. I have worked abroad for many years and really appreciate the security here. The best thing is welfare and nature, the worst is when we forget about solidarity.

If you were given the chance to govern Sweden for a week, what was the first thing you would change and push through?

-I would probably dismiss myself immediately, it wouldn't work!

Do you have any nice story that has happened during a live gig with this band or with one of your old bands, something really funny that has happened?

-We have had many odd situations. Once when we were the opening act for The Godfathers, we weren't allowed to be in the dressing room, but had to change in the toilet, and all our stuff was next to the stage. It was almost comical, but the gig was awesome anyway.

How do you listen to music yourself, is it vinyl, CD, Spotify that applies or how is it?

-Mainly vinyl. Streaming on the go.

Is there any really good bands that you can recommend from your hometown (whatever it is) or from Sweden in general?

-There are lots of good bands in Sweden right now. Viagra Boys from Stockholm must be mentioned, they have really made an impression.

Your music can be a little difficult to put in a special box, what types of bands do you play with most often?

-Mostly other punk bands and hardcore bands, but it always gets a little mixed.

What is the strangest band musically that you have shared the stage with?

-We don't think any band has been really weird, but to play with The Godfathers was special. Different worlds that met.

Do you think music can change someone's life, I mean lyrics etc? Do you have any song that has made you change your mindset?

-Absolute. For me, it was Ebba Grön's first album that really changed the way I looked at the world.

Playing music, is it a good way to get out frustration and become an even better person?

-Yes, one hundred percent. It's therapy, energy outlet and creativity at the same time.

Futureplans with the band?

-New EP in September, then lots of gigs in autumn and spring. A lot of roads, small stages and dancing. We will do our first gigs in Finland and Holland.

Future plans with your life otherwise?

-Get better at cooking, and continue the hunt for the ultimate fuzz pedal.

Words of wisdom?

-Never forget earplugs and plectrums!

Something to add?

-Thank you for wanting to talk to us!