Meet Malin Osth and Jonas Tancred – the names behind the amazing Bara Jonson and Free.
They call their music Crockpop (Country/Rock/Pop).
This dynamic duo is the epitome of talent, passion and dedication to their craft beyond just being artists. Over the years, BjF has evolved from singer/songwriters, main stage performers, globally recognized artists, and the creators and producers of the now established Lilla By Festivalen, a much cherished family festival in Rinkaby, Sweden and loved by Canadians.
A testimony to the lyrics of one of their earlier songs, Bara Jonson and Free are living proof that the “Sky is the Limit”. With numerous single and album releases, and incredibly creative videos, BjF are back with a new release, Breaking Dawn, this new single is refreshing and different than their usual sound.
“Breaking Dawn was inspired by a true story close to our family, but its message reaches far beyond that story.”
“It’s about those moments in life when everything changes. It could be surviving a life-threatening illness, finding the strength to leave an abusive relationship, or overcoming any challenge that once seemed impossible. The song celebrates the overwhelming joy that can come from simply being alive, that feeling of seeing the world with new eyes after you’ve made it through the darkness.”
We caught up with Malin Osth and Jonas Tancred from their homeland in Rinkaby, Sweden for an up close and personal interview:
What is the key to keeping a duo together after all these years?
“I’ve got your back, and you’ve got mine.”
“That’s actually a line from one of our songs. The music business can be a tough place, with plenty of highs and lows. What has kept us together is trust. We found someone we could truly rely on in each other.”
How has it changed over the years in the way you release your music?
“When we started, you needed record labels, distributors and gatekeepers. Today we can release music ourselves and connect directly with listeners around the world. The opportunities are greater than ever, but it’s also much harder to stand out.”
Apple: https://music.apple.com/se/album/breaking-dawn-single/6768799845
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/album/981185561
How do you feel about the current state of using AI for music creation?
RPP – Real People Play!
“We use modern technology, but our songs still come from real people, real experiences and real emotions. Technology can be a great tool, but the heart of our music is always human.”
Listen on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/track/1UniwLjCShNlfnKJwXzp7Q
Where do the inspirations come from for you when you write songs?
“From life. Sometimes from our own experiences, sometimes from people we meet, stories we hear or events that touch us deeply. Inspiration can come from almost anywhere if you’re paying attention.”
Do you write together? or come with ideas that you created on your own and merged them?
“Both. Sometimes one of us brings a nearly finished idea, sometimes it starts with a title, a melody or a conversation. The best songs usually end up somewhere neither of us expected when we started.”
What singers and/or songwriters have inspired you over the years?
Malin: Queen, TOTO, Louise Hoffsten (Sweden), Supertramp and Simon & Garfunkel
Jonas: Gasolin’ (Denmark), Zal C Riders (Sweden), Sailor (Germany), Supertramp and Sparks.
A special mention goes out to Ted Gärdestad and ABBA who have been a major part of all swede’s lives.
What keeps you wanting to write, release and play live?
“Curiosity. There are always new stories to tell, new songs to write and new audiences to meet. Seeing a song come alive in front of people is still one of the most rewarding experiences we know.”
What advice would you give new up and coming artists?
Stay true to yourself.
“Don’t do anything you can’t stand for.”
“The music industry will always be full of trends, expectations and people telling you what you should do. Draw inspiration from others, but don’t try to become them. Write about things that matter to you. Sing in your own voice. Create music that reflects who you are and that you can still be proud of years from now. Trends come and go, but authenticity lasts. The most valuable thing you’ll ever have as an artist is your own voice.”
Bara Jonson and Free have performed on the many live stages in Europe from showcase festivals in Sweden, to touring in Canada and also appearing at the prestigious MIDEM festival in Cannes, France 2019, on a featured Showcase Stage. That year also garnered them a featured showcase appearance at Indie Week in Toronto, Canada at which they were nominated as ‘Best Emerging Artist – International’ at Indie Week Showcase Festival in Toronto, Canada (2019), then selected and announced INES#Talent 2020-21.
Bara Jonson and Free have performed on the Canadian Stage at Spike Festival in Plovdiv, Bulgaria and on the Uline Warehouse stage at the world’s biggest music festival, Summerfest in Milwaukee, USA. They have also toured Denmark, Holland, Germany, and the UK.
For more about BjF visit:
barajonsonfree.com/
instagram.com/barajonsonandfree/
facebook.com/barajonsonfree
lillabyfestivalen.se/
Editor’s Note: Malin Osth and Jonas Tancred (BjF) are also the owners and producers of the Lilla By Festivalen in Rinkaby, Sweden, where, every year, the festival welcomes Canadian artists to perform alongside Swedish talent, proving music has no borders. With strong ties to Canada, BjF also formed a fan base in Burin Peninsula, Newfoundland, and officially became Newfies by Kissing the Cod as well as fans in Toronto, Ontario. We call them honourary Canadians.
