http://www.jenslekman.com

Jens Lekman is Swedens premier singer songwriter. His work is slowly but surely establishing a large worldwide following. Lyrically and musically he must be one of the best there is right now. With a string of acerbic, sharp, world weary songs surrounded by a blanket of wonderful instrumental arrangements Lekman for a 25 year old already has an impressive back catalogue. The jaunty Black Cabs is irresistibly witty ('You don't know anything so please don't ask me any questions, just turn the music up and keep you're mouth shut') likewise Pocketful of Money ('I would say you are pretty but that would make me a liar') and the overnight success of Maple Leaves is understandable. We caught up with Jens recently and he had this to say.

HOLV: Mr Lekman how are things?

JL: They're ok I guess. Just a little pissed off at the sample laws as usual.

HOLV: Copyright is indeed a bastard. Anyway Oh You're So Silent Jens went down quite well with everyone. Has the critical acclaim led to many noticeable changes for you?

JL: Getting into Pitchforks "8,0 and above" club was definitely a good step for my career. I like Pitchfork but sometimes it scares me how much influence they have over everyone. Distributors, venues, festivals, other publications, people in general. As soon as that record got 8,6 I was flying first class. Or my definition of first class: I don't have to fly Ryanair to Stansted, take the Stansted Express, take the tube to Heathrow, wait for 12 hours, then take Air India to New York. That's glamorous to me.

HOLV: Ha ha! Much of what has been written about you're music compares you with Stephen Merritt. Has he been a major influence or is this a case of lazy journalism?

JL: No, he was never an influence but I don't mind the lazy journalists. I'll just keep ripping off Jonathan Richman and the Avalanches and no one will ever know. Ha ha.

HOLV: Over in the UK there have been rumours that Morrissey and Jarvis Cocker are interested in Eurovision (though I think recently Morrissey said he'd perhaps write but not perform). Is a serious Eurovision something you would be interested in entering?!

JL: Eurovision is really big in Sweden. Like super big. So is Morrissey. Much bigger than in the UK. I'm not a fan of either, but I kinda like Jarvis, or at least I liked that 'Cunts are still running the world' song. I hope Jarvis isn't gonna perform in Eurovision. Unless he does 'Cunts are Still Running the World'. That would've been something. I would vote for that. Jarvis Cocker... douze points.

HOLV: Black Cabs, any particular bad experience you want to share?

JL: Not British Black cabs. Except for the fact that they take all your money. In Sweden a Black Cab is an unlicensed cab, just a regular guy who will drive you where you want to go but a little cheaper. Or somewhere you don't wanna go if you're unlucky.

HOLV: Lastly when can readers expect a new release? JL Someday when the sample laws and copyright laws have become a bit less insane. Do me a favour, if you know someone who works in this business with tracking down artists and making up laws that are so fucking retarded , please throw a bag of human faeces in their direction for me. Thank you

Interviewed By Hammond