music
February 5, 2026
The Cardigans’ Nina Persson: ‘Ozzy said our Black Sabbath cover was the creepiest thing he’d ever heard’
The Swedish band’s frontwoman answers your questions on ‘sweet and curious’ Tom Jones, being changed by cancer and whether the Cardigans will ever make new music
TL;DR
- The band's name and early sound were influenced by British music and a romanticized 'woolly' aesthetic.
- Covering Ozzy Osbourne's songs was seen as a way to add a creepy aspect to their sound.
- Swedish culture encouraged artistic expression, providing access to instruments and quality music education from a young age.
- The band found their distinct sound while working with producer Tore Johansson, moving away from perceived 'whiny qualities'.
- A deep personal connection was formed with a fellow musician, leading to friendship and artistic collaboration, despite significant age and cultural differences.
- The loss of this friend, Mark, occurred shortly before the artist's pregnancy, creating a dual experience of profound win and loss.
- The band's musical direction evolved towards Americana, influenced by artists like Fleetwood Mac, The Band, Neil Young, and Dolly Parton.
- Collaboration on the song 'Your Love Alone Is Not Enough' with James Dean Bradfield involved recording together in person.
- The artist discusses their experience with cancer, emphasizing the appreciation for art and life that follows suffering, and acknowledges the possibility of recurrence.
- A decision was made to take time off from music to focus on starting a family, which, combined with health issues, delayed further projects.
- Despite logistical challenges, there is an ongoing consideration of creating new music, either as The Cardigans or in a different format.
- The artist trained in figure skating, participating in a show with the Helsinki Rockettes.
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