Im Anschluss an unsere ausführliche Review zum neuen Kaleo-Album „Mixed Emotions“ hatten wir die Gelegenheit, mit Frontmann JJ Julius Son über die Entstehung des Albums zu sprechen. In einem ruhigen und offenen Gespräch erzählt JJ, wie schwer es fällt, ein Herzensprojekt nach Jahren der Arbeit loszulassen, welche Rolle seine isländischen Wurzeln in seiner Musik spielen und warum Kontraste und Verletzlichkeit den Kern des Kaleo-Sounds ausmachen. Er spricht über cineastisches Songwriting, gesellschaftliche Themen und emotionale Tiefe – und darüber, was „Mixed Emotions“ bei Hörer*innen auslösen soll, wenn der letzte Ton verklungen ist.
Frontstage Magazine: Hi JJ, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us today. It’s great to have you! First of all – congratulations on your new album “Mixed Emotions”. It’s a powerful and diverse piece of work that feels incredibly honest and cinematic. How are you feeling just a few days before the release?
JJ: Hey, thank you – it’s great to be here. I really appreciate it.
Frontstage Magazine: Let’s dive right in. When you think back to the moment “Mixed Emotions” was finally finished – what was your very first thought or feeling?
JJ: It’s always a strange feeling. Finishing an album is never easy, because there’s always something you could still work on, tweak or improve. Letting go can be hard. At some point, though, you have to say: this is it – and release it into the world. That’s a good feeling, but also a weird one, because part of you always wants to keep going.
Frontstage Magazine: You’ve called this your most ambitious album so far. What did it demand from you emotionally to create it the way you envisioned?
JJ: Every album is a lot of work and takes a lot out of you. You pour so much of yourself into every single song. Sometimes it takes a long time to find the right sonic direction for a song. It’s like a journey that can take years. But I’m really proud of the album and really excited for people to finally hear it on Friday.
Frontstage Magazine: Have you received any feedback so far?
JJ: A little, yes – but since the album isn’t officially out until Friday, I’m still waiting to see how people react. We’ve released a few songs in advance, and the feedback has been amazing. We also played some of these songs live, which has been really special.
Frontstage Magazine: “Mixed Emotions” feels like a cinematic journey – full of contrasts and mood shifts. Did you have a certain image, feeling, or rhythm in your head while writing it?
JJ: Not exactly, but you’re right – it’s definitely full of mood swings. That’s something I enjoy creating. Like in a live show, I want to take listeners on a journey. I love the dynamics – being able to go from a quiet, acoustic ballad to a full uptempo rock song. That contrast is important to me, both on the album and on stage.
Frontstage Magazine: When did you start writing the album? How long did the process take?
JJ: I’d say the whole process took around three years. Some of the songs are older – we’ve been playing them live for a while – and others are brand new. It’s a mix, which made the whole process especially enjoyable.
Frontstage Magazine: One of the songs, “USA Today”, touches on gun violence. How do you approach such heavy topics without sounding preachy?
JJ: It depends on the song. Some are more like daydreams or mini movies in your head – take “Lonely Cowboy”, for example. It’s like a western movie. Other songs are more straightforward in their message. “USA Today” is one of those. Coming from Iceland and seeing these shootings happen regularly while living in the U.S. – it really struck me. It’s a topic I find incredibly tragic, and that’s what inspired the song.
Frontstage Magazine: You worked with Eddie Spear and Shawn Everett – both known for their unique sonic styles. How did they influence your vision?
JJ: I’ve worked closely with Eddie for a long time. He’s not only an amazing producer, but also a great friend. We’ve spent so much time in the studio that we kind of have an unspoken language now. It’s fun – we’re always challenging each other creatively and pushing the limits sonically. He’s been incredibly supportive of my vision, always helping me search for and refine the sound I’m after.
Frontstage Magazine: Your music has always felt like more than just “Icelandic”. Still – how much of your homeland lives in your work?
JJ: That’s a great question. It’s hard to say, because I’m probably a bit blindsided. But I think it’s always there. Iceland is part of me. I still like to write when I’m back home, and the final track on this album is in Icelandic – it’s a traditional lullaby my mother used to sing to me. That song is very personal, and I think it shows that my roots are still present in the music.
Frontstage Magazine: What do you hope stays with someone after listening to “Mixed Emotions” – maybe late at night, with headphones on?
JJ: I hope the music makes them feel something. That’s what music has always done for me – it creates a connection, an emotion. Especially today, when we’re so surrounded by technology and sometimes feel disconnected from nature or even from our own feelings. If someone listens and feels a personal connection – that would mean a lot.
Frontstage Magazine: If you could gift “Mixed Emotions” to your future self – what would you hope he hears in it?
JJ: Hopefully the same thing – that it still makes me feel something. But also, that he appreciates the songwriting, the craftsmanship, and the work that went into the recordings. There are a lot of instruments and details in there. So yeah, I hope he listens back and thinks: “You did a good job.”
Frontstage Magazine: You absolutely did. Thank you so much for this open, thoughtful conversation, JJ – and all the best for the release!
JJ: Thank you. I really appreciate it.
Fotocredit: Warner Music
