Pigeon Spins Featuring an Interview with John Daniel

STORDÅD is a Swedish power-pop song about boyhood dreams, playfulness, and doing what you love. Its largely animated music video flirts with classic video games. This is the second single from the upcoming album Extraliv.

Born and raised in Norrköping, John Daniel has established himself as a powerful voice in Swedish pop. With three albums and two EPs under his belt, he is known for his ability to blend catchy melodies with lyrics that are both playful and thoughtful. His music moves between the grand and the intimate – the naïve and the sincere.

Interview with John Daniel

º)> What’s the story behind your new single “STORDÅD”?

It´s about staying true to yourself, keeping the dream alive, and embracing your inner child.

º)> The track is playful and video game-inspired. What made you go in that direction?

It was director Daniel Gual and I who wanted the video to have a childlike, playful touch. And since the song is about boyhood dreams, classic video games and retro graphics became a symbol of that.

º)> How does “STORDÅD” fit into your upcoming album Extraliv?

The entire album Extraliv, set for release in spring 2026, revolves around themes of dreams, doing what you love, and giving energy to what feels right deep in the soul. At the same time, the album also carries a sense of farewell to dreams — letting go and moving on from performance toward harmony.

º)> Your music blends catchy pop melodies with thoughtful lyrics. How do you strike that balance?

Thanks for taking the time to look through it. I love exploring ideas in my lyrics and writing with a bit of wit, but I also have a very naive and sincere side. I grew up on chart-topping hits and have always been drawn to big, beautiful melodies.

º)> Can you share a memory from your childhood that influenced this song?

I remember, among other things, my old Czech piano teacher praising me when I was 10 years old, saying I reminded him of Mozart and wanting to send me out into the big wide world to play. Beautiful in a way.

º)> What’s your songwriting process like. Do you start with lyrics, melody, or something else?

Most often, the music comes first. I love melodies and beautiful chords. At the same time, I’ve collected catchy phrases that fit well for choruses. After that, I tie it all together with the rest of the lyrics. Sometimes I dig deep into the heart, and sometimes I let the melodies do the work.

º)> Growing up in Norrköping, how did your hometown shape your musical style?

I’m not sure if Norrköping has shaped my music. But this is where I have most of my memories and connections, so in some way the city does matter. And of course, I like the Swedish melancholy, but that has more to do with the country than the city.

º)> How do you hope listeners will feel when they hear “STORDÅD”?

I hope people feel a sense of playfulness and energy, but behind that playful façade there’s also a melancholy that I hope comes through. And I also hope for a little smile.

º)> Will you be performing this track live soon, and how will you bring its energy to the stage?

I’m planning for live shows and hopefully a tour in connection with the album and summer 2026. I already have a fantastic live band, the same musicians who play with me on the recordings. So I’m really looking forward to performing it in front of a live audience

º)> Looking ahead, what themes or sounds are you excited to explore next in your music?

Hmm… good question. I like old synth wave with a bit of extra guitar. Maybe that’s the kind of sound I’ll be exploring going forward. But of course, it all depends on the song.

(•)> That's all, Folks! Check out John Daniel on the Pigeon Spins Playlist