Photo : Cicely Irvine and Malin Wättring

Rome is not a Town is a band which sounds different in some way, has a different name etc etc. The day before Christmas Eve 2025, this rather short interview is published. Check out their old records plus they will come with a new one in February 2026.

Tell us the short story of why you started playing together and why and when?

-Our history goes back quite a long way. We played in a few different constellations back in the days and met each other a little now and then in such contexts. I think we were at Way out West together for a year or so and saw a gig, maybe it was Refused, and there we met in some kind of common energy and longing to be free on stage and in expression. Then we just started! And that's :)

Today's members, have there been many member changes over the years.., and do you have any other bands besides RINAT?

-Nope, just a member change. Everyone has or has had different bands on the side. Vännäs casino, Top 10 babies, Dog solution, Hunt, Killers walk among us, Pfemme records, Ane Brun etc. 

I read on Discogs that what you play is indie rock/noise, do you agree with that label?

-Labels are not a favorite but sure! If you want to :)

I also read the following..." "They're a young band of women and I heard about them because my daughter did some sleeve-work for them. It's sorta post-Riot grrrl, post-No Wave, experimental music and completely engaging from beginning to end." Thurston Moore" ....tell me what this is about?

-Coco Gordon Moore did the cover of our first single and she must have introduced our music to her dad. This was something he talked about in NME. 

What is the opinion about punk, is it only a word, a lifestyle or is it just a style of music?

-Punk is a way of attacking the world, a way of living with. A power type. A context that makes it possible to point the finger at all those ranks we are forced into. Or the internalized expectations that have crept up behind your heart. Simply a "fuck it, I'll do it my way".

Your name is quite long and you have probably explained many times why you are called like this... But I haven't heard the story about the name so please tell me?

-Rome is not a town... This is not a pipe. It seems to be a contradiction, but in reality it is a truth. Yes. Because Rome is not a city... or? Depending on whose direction you are looking from? How often do you think about the Roman Empire? Kajsa does it twice a week anyway.

You have released your records on Startracks before, how will it be this time, because it will be a physical record now too?

-Yes! Definitely a physical record! We do everything ourselves this time. Releases on our own record label Spirit spirit. 

How do you think you have developed on the new record, have you changed your style, become calmer, tougher....tell me?

 -We have probably matured. The last few years have consisted of burnout, depression, therapy, children being born, moving and new directions. With all that, new thoughts and feelings have come and this time we want to say something with a more vulnerable heart. And it's tougher than everything else, isn't it?

The new album is called Echoes of Love? Something special thought with the title....

-It is related to the previous question. It's not trying to be tough, but maybe rather ask a question, maybe the question that we also ask ourselves. It's a heartfelt and scary title at the same time. Like, what if the finest thing we have in the world just remains as an echo. But the thing is that it's still an issue, so we still hope.

Politics in the lyrics, is that something for you?

-Yes, of course. It's all really politics. 

Which is the biggest band you have played with?

-Boytoy'

What's the best thing about playing live?

-The very best thing about playing live is that completely sick feeling of presence that reaches you sometimes. When you manage to be right in the moment and just go along. Completely be in the music. And when we get there together, it's total magic. There's nothing better. 

What kind of people do you attract to your concerts, what does the average fan look like? Is there any type of people that you miss?

-A lot of men in their 40-50s. They are (usually) great but we would love to see more queers in the audience!

Do you understand that people call a band with only girls a girl band or do you get most angry when people say that?

-You do you. If it makes you happy to say that you listen to a girl band then sure, but we are not a girl band so it will be a little strange.

Was it important to get the new record out, physically, to only release digitally was not for you?

 -Yes the physical record is important. The only way to truly support a band or artist is to buy their physical records or t-shirts. Streaming doesn't work and it never has worked. It simply doesn't give anything back to those who actually create the music. Spotify is a disgusting company in many different ways, but that's where you have to be to exist as a smaller band today. Now it feels like there are many who practice getting through an entire album instead of clicking through single after single like some kind of AI bot. It's that commitment that gives the music a value as well. The winds of change are blowing!

How do you listen to music yourself, is it physical or is it via Spotify etc?

 -A combo - dare to refuse Spotify

Future plans with music?

-Moments of happiness play a lot.

For yourself?

-Perseverance and moments of happiness.

Words of wisdom?

-Always open doors that close, take it step by step, and you will see that I can row ashore.