Interview: Ace of Base

We’re going to make a bold statement here: the music of Ace of Base would make a far better musical than Abba’s Mamma Mia. From the upbeat reggae-inspired beats of ‘Happy Nation’ to the danceable melancholy of ‘Beautiful Life’, it’s little wonder that they’ve managed to sell in excess of 30 million records. What’s sometimes hard to remember is just how huge Ace of Base-mania was in the mid-Nineties – they had three number one singles in the US and their debut album was certified nine times platinum over there.

What few in the UK know about Ace of Base is that behind the jolliness lay a rather grumbly feud. After a hiatus in 2002 with Linn, one of the members leaving, it looked like Ulf, Jonas and Jenny would be reuniting in 2007. But things took a turn for the worse when Jenny left under a cloud and was replaced by two new, young female members. Suddenly fans were finding themselves torn between ‘original AoB’ and ‘this new lot’, which was a real shame, as the new album, The Golden Ratio, released in parts of Europe towards the end of 2010 was a sadly overlooked pop gem. But now, according to the band’s Ulf Eckberg, things are all patched up between bandmates old and new and they have big ambitions, as he tells So So Gay…

SSG: Abba, BWO, Alphabeat and of course Ace of Base to name but a few – why do you think Scandinavia has such a history of wonderful pop music?

Ulf Eckberg: Firstly, Scandinavian languages themselves are very melodic. Going back to folk music, we have a tradition of very strong choruses and melodies. Schlager and pop have definitely been united after hundreds of years. Also, in Scandinavia subtitled American films are very influential. It’s not like in France where you can only have 20 per cent English-language music in the charts, and the rest has to be French. You can be huge in France but not anywhere else. In Sweden, English is the universal language, which results in uncomplicated lyrics. We keep it simple so international audiences can understand it and we are more creative in our interpretation of basic words.

Within Swedish society we have always been supported by our governments to study music, so we can buy instruments and start bands both in schools and outside. When Abba broke through internationally it was a case of ‘We can too!’ for everyone else. If you only aim for the trees you won’t go any higher. The sky is the limit with music. It’s good for other artists to come over here and see our attitude.

Where does the new album’s title The Golden Ratio come from?

Normally artists come up with an album title after completion. We thought it was one of the more clever lyrics from one of our new songs. It also took us three years to make the album and to put everything into it; all of our knowledge and talents in songwriting. That’s what our golden ratio is.

Do you have any plans to release it soon in the United Kingdom?

We definitely want to and we’re in talks with several labels. The UK’s market is very individual compared to other markets. We’re currently focusing on Central and Eastern Europe. It will happen, but other territories first. Hopefully during the summer.

Who in current Scandinavian pop music do you admire?

Robyn is brilliant for many different reasons – she’s the biggest fighter of all time. She’s encouraging and the perfect role model for women and men. If you really believe in something enough it will happen. She’s entirely self-produced. Her styling is brilliant as well as having a wonderful personality – the whole package!

Lady Gaga’s single, ‘Alejandro’ was obviously very much inspired by some of your songs such as ‘Don’t Turn Around’ and ‘Living In Danger’ – how does it feel to have such a legacy and influence on successful newer artists?

It’s incredibly flattering. We are very honoured by her. American pop is full of Swedes these days; Max Martin – who worked with us from the early days, RedOne and GaGa’s video director Jonas Akerlund is a good friend of Ace of Base. She’s more Swedish than anything else!

How did you recruit your new members Julia and Clara?

The guy who discovered N-Sync, Britney and The Backstreet Boys first signed Julia. Her voice is a lot like Linn’s voice: very innocent, crisp and special. He came to us and said ‘If you ever want to reunite, here she is.’ When the opportunity came, we recruited Julia first. It didn’t work with Jenny and Julia, so we decided to work with someone else new. I was on the jury for Swedish Idol when I first came across Clara. She had most amazing voice I’d ever heard in Sweden. I secretly hoped that she might not win despite being brilliant so I could use her for Ace of Base! Our prayers were answered, as we’d tried loads of singers in secret. It took two years to find both of our new members.

What would you say is the secret to a pop band successfully moving on with a change in members, unlike the Sugababes for example?

The Sugababes are from day one cast and recast and not so artistically involved. We’re similar to a rock band rather than a pop group. We write and produce everything – we’re the spirit. There are different traditional pop bands that are producer-managed and then there are solo artists. There aren’t that many real pop bands like us – and Spandau Ballet; with actual band members who have genuine soul in the band. We’ve always contributed; it’s the key. We never had the coolest styling, videos or tours – it’s been the music. Jonas and I have always been careful: we have to start almost from scratch again. It’s just been me and Jonas again – we even got rid of our old manager. Restarting will take time but we’re here for the long haul.

You were recently in the UK visiting a studio. Can you tell us what the purpose of your trip was?

Firstly, we’re doing music for a big upcoming film. We’ve been involved for one and a half years. Filming will start after the summer and it’ll be released in 2012 at the earliest. Secondly, we’ve been collaborating with other songwriters for other artists. We also met with a couple of producers for The Golden Ratio, as we’ll perhaps write new UK edits or future material.

Some of your older songs like ‘Happy Nation’ can be interpreted as political. Could you see yourselves moving in that direction again?

Yes, I can. It’s all about what we do in this world; polluting the world, destroying the world, what the fuck are we doing in this world? We’ve gone too far! We led the way in the early Nineties. We could do a different angle for an environmental wake-up song nowadays. We did discuss it a few weeks ago with one of the biggest environmental organisations: to update ‘Happy Nation’ in collaboration with another artist. I want to do more than look good and do nothing, more than photo shoots and holding kids’ hands. No PR stunts taking advantage of horrible situations. We want to remain properly engaged with things.

Although there was some negativity when the new line-up was announced, would you say that you are now on friendly terms with Jenny and Linn today?

With Linn we never had a problem; we’ve always had a great relationship. We speak every day. As for Jenny, it was Jenny’s wish to carry on with her solo career and that was very hard for the fans to understand. It was sad to see Ace of Base fans being torn between two camps: we had to tell them to be calm and remind them that it’s just music. When our album came out they also got a solo album from Jenny, which was double what they asked for. Ninety nine per cent of the fans who were angry have now calmed down and are supporting Jenny too. Negativity doesn’t achieve anything. As for those still angry, I want to give them a hug and tell them to move on! Jenny and I are supporting each other equally nowadays. I really like her album. She’s happy with what she’s doing now; engaged with the church and her kids and husband.

Would you ever consider entering Ace of Base as a competitor for Melodifestivalen?

Put it this way: ten years ago the answer would be absolutely no way! But it’s got so much better over the years. I’ll never say never…

The Golden Ratio is currently available to import via Amazon.co.uk. For up-to-date information visit their website and Facebook page