Imagine you are dancing in the forest. A towering sound system woven between moss and pine, basslines reverberating through the trees. Techno pulses through the undergrowth, moving bodies into an organic flow. Time loosens its grip. Edges blur. At raves, space and self have a way of dissolving, inviting us to transcend the moment.
Somewhere in the crowd, you might find Stockholm-based DJ Jessie Granqvist. Not separate from the scene, but inside it, absorbing the details: light cutting through branches, the emotional temperature, the subtle shifts in energy. These fragments become part of the journey she shapes behind the decks, guiding people from one feeling to another, from one memory or imagined place to the next.

“As obvious as it may sound, we need spaces where we can truly be ourselves. Where we can enter our different flows, hang out, and experience what life feels like when it’s driven by joy and love and community, not rules and systems. It’s in free spaces that free thoughts are born, and where life’s most meaningful encounters take place,” she says.
For Jessie, those free spaces have been formative. DJing for over fifteen years around the world and curating club nights in southern Stockholm, she grew up in the underground rave scene that would later define her career. As a teenager, she remembers being glued to the stereo at house parties, bringing her own CD case to take charge of the soundtrack.

“When I turned 18, becoming a club kid was just natural. The first time someone lent me a pair of CDJs and a mixer, I was completely hooked. I experienced my first rave and totally immersed myself in the beautiful world of underground parties.”

Forest raves, in particular, hold a special place in her heart. They are never just about the music. “It’s more of a mission,” she says, laughing, describing the ritual of it all: finding the location, dressing for the weather, packing bananas for sustenance. “I’ve had many magic moments in the forest by just trying to find somewhere to pee. It’s about people taking care of each other and their surroundings in a respectful way that makes it beautiful, and who doesn’t love the aesthetics of a beautiful sound system next to the trees?”
There is something about the wild that calms the human nervous system. For Jessie, nature is not an escape from nightlife but rather its counterpart. “When I think of parties or spaces where I feel most secure playing at, it always comes back to the Swedish forest. Nature overall brings me balance, and when I need to reset my brain, I usually take walks in nature. It helps both mentally and creatively.”

That balance, between intensity and grounding, pulse and pause, has shaped her sound. It is also a balance that chef Filip Jansson has eloquently translated into a white pizza titled Skogen, the Swedish word for forest, for an exclusive Asahi Session evening featuring Jessie.

Each bite is like a step closer to nature; the crisp crust is a perfect base for Swedish spruce bark cheese, drizzled with spruce needle oil, delicately shaved wild forest mushrooms layered with agretti, a fresh, grassy Italian herb, on top. The finishing touch, a dusting of dried black trumpet mushroom powder, creates just the right amount of woody umami. Like her sets, it is less about spectacle than sensation, less about excess than intention. The forest lingers in flavor, in rhythm, in repetition.

It’s this ability to translate place into feeling that defines Jessie’s artistry. Moving seamlessly between sources of inspiration, she extends beyond the confines of genre. “I try my best to affect the scene positively and for it to thrive. For me, transcendence in my artistry comes through storytelling. A great set isn’t just a sequence of tracks. It’s a story shaped by my history, emotions, memories, and the atmosphere of the moment.”
And perhaps that is where the forest rave becomes more than a party. A reminder that when sound, nature, and community converge, we can step beyond the rigid systems of everyday life, if only for a few hours, into something freer and more alive.

Talent: Jessie Granqvist

Team Credits:

Photography by Jakob Möller
Styling by Josef Forselius
Hair and Make-up by Petra Stenhammar
Hair colorist: Sara Dahlgren
Styling Assistants: Vanja Filipovic and Ishi Okenmor
Special Thanks to Studio Turbo, Neo & Mia Wallenius

Fashion Credits:

1 & 10) Dress by J.Simone. Socks: stylist’s own. Shoes by Rombaut. Earrings by All Blues.
2) Knitted hat by Imaskopi. Knitted crop top by V4K. Leather top by KRIBA. Track suit pants by Adidas. Slippers by Crocs. Rings by Laôma Atelier and Arto. Necklace by Arto. Bracelet by All Blues.
3) Top by Tommy Hilfiger. Skirt by Ono Ateliers. Knee socks by Swedish Stockings. Boots by Rombaut. Rings by All Blues.
4) Top and skirt by Ono Ateliers. Knee socks by Swedish Stockings. Mules by Humana. Bracelet by All Blues. Rings by Arto.
5) Jacket and jeans by K16ch1. Sandals by Humana. Rings by Laôma Atelier and Arto. Necklace by Arto.
6) Pink and black knitted tops by V4K. Denim skirt by KRIBA. Rings by Laôma Atelier and Arto. Earrings by All Blues. Hat by Ono Ateliers.
7) Dress by Keta Gutmane. Sunglasses by Chimi. Earrings by All Blues. Sling Back Sandals by Rombaut.
8) Tracksuit jacket and skirt by Aniele Stroz. Boots by Rombaut. Belt by Inan. Rings by Arto. Earrings by All Blues.
9) Dress by KRIBA. Gloves by Trashy Clothing. Socks: stylist’s own. Earrings by All Blues.
11) Dress by Keta Gutmane. Bag by Naff. Earrings by All Blues. Rings by Arto.

Team Credits:
Photography by Ina Nederdal
Styling by Elin Nyman
Make-up and Hair by Josefine Westerlund
Styling Assistant: Vendela Collijn
Models: Senja M & Lill L at MIKAs Stockholm

Fashion Credits:
1) Top, Vintage, by Humana. Stockings by Swedish Stockings. Skirt by ALIDA BARD. Shoes by NEWD.Tamaris.
2) Polo, Vintage, by Humana. Trousers by Felicia Åström. Shoes by Tamaris.
3) Polo, Vintage, by Humana. Dress by ALIDA BARD. Earrings by AKIND. Shoes by Tamaris.
4), 8) & Featured Image) Dress by Felicia Åström. Stockings by Swedish Stockings. Necklace and Earrings by AKIND. Shoes by TIAMO at Scorett.
5) Dress by Felicia Åström. Jumpsuit, Vintage by Humana. Earrings by AKIND. Shoes by NEWD.Tamaris
6) All Clothing, Vintage, by Humana. Necklace by AKIND.
7) Jumper by ALIDA BARD. Dress, Stylist’s own. Trousers, Vintage, by Humana. Socks by Swedish Stockings. Shoes by K.Cobler at Scorett.
9) Dress by ALIDA BARD. Stockings and Leg Warmers by Swedish Stockings. Tank Top, Vintage, by Humana. Shoes by K.Cobler at Scorett.
10) All Clothing, Vintage, by Humana. Shoes by Tamaris.
11) Polo, Vintage, by Humana. Trousers by Felicia Åström.

“I do think love is the greatest thing in life,” says Swedish pop phenomenon Zara Larsson, claiming that all she sings and writes about is love, adding the self-explanatory statement: “To me, the meaning of life is to feel love”. As Larsson, at the age of 22, has already had a career spanning more than a decade, one could say that this international sensation has spent half her life celebrating and revering what she finds most important. Seeing that she has the entire world of pop eagerly listening to every word she sings, and says,the message of love’s greatness has found an equally great medium. What the world needs now – if not always – is, undeniably, love.

Speaking of the world of pop, Zara has described herself as both a “prisoner of pop” and a firm believer in “the power of pop”. When asked about her personal definition of this wide but not so easily explained power, the conversation returns to the lovely message encompassing not only her musical effort but evidently also her whole life. “Pop music has always been a way for me
to step into a world that is entirely my own, ever since I was singing in front of the mirror in my childhood room,” Zara reminisces. “I love how pop music can be allowed to be simple, and accessible to anyone.” Considering the fact that she is of the opinion that love exceeds all else, her view on the visceral influence of pop music can easily be translated into a belief in that the significance of love is best preached to one, and all, simultaneously. The simplicity of pop carries within it the possibility of individual and collective change, and love is simply an excellent way to change the world in reverence of life. “Even though there aren’t any clear political statements in my music, I believe I can change lives just by making pop,” Zara says, with her voice enveloped in an invigorating hopefulness.

Apart from the lives she has probably changed, her own has definitely changed because of pop music. Starting her musical journey in the public eye at the age of ten, she has now become one of the foremost poster girls for gender equality in the pop world. Fittingly enough, her upcoming, third full-length studio album is entitled Poster Girl, expected to be released in early 2021. Asked once again for her personal definition, this time of the phrase chosen for the record’s title, Zara gives a straight answer, however open to interpretation: “The title track is really about weed, another love song so to speak, as I don’t want to be the poster girl for it, but I do love it. The album title itself refers to me wanting to be the poster girl for many things, while also being a private person my Instagram followers don’t actually know. There is a complexity to a person that cannot be printed onto a poster, but then again it’s not up to me whether I’m a poster girl or not.”

On the subject of Poster Girl, her first release since 2017 hit-filled album So Good (not counting the numerous successful singles put out over the past three years), Zara gives a reassuring description of the album’s musical direction: “If you like what I have released before,” she says with characteristic confidence, “you will also enjoy Poster Girl. I have given this album a lot of thought, and now I finally feel ready to release it. Poster Girl has highs and lows, just like life, and I have written it with people whom I really love.” Not only does Zara Larsson’s music itself forward the message of love, but the actual creation of her work leaves traces of it.

Getting back to the term “prisoner of pop”, Zara doesn’t see such an imprisonment as the limitation one might think it would mean. “I listen to all kinds of music, but I love to sing pop because it is such a versatile genre. It changes all of the time, which is fun for me, seeing as I usually collaborate with other artists and DJs – in that way I can do almost anything.” Saying that Zara has worked with some of the most popular performers of her time is almost an understatement, and keeping her bar high, she lists a few of her dream collaborators, rapidly and enthusiastically naming great names as if they were her next-door neighbours: “Ariana Grande would be fun. I would really like to work with Kehlani, and Snoh Aalegra, and maybe PARTYNEXTDOOR. I like testing the waters, making different types of pop music.” Obviously, she is as committed a fan of her beloved pop music as she is a purveyor of it.

Rightfully sporting high hopes, Zara has always thought of success as a final goal for her career, ever since those childhood times of singing in front of the mirror. “Before even understanding what it meant, I knew I wanted to be the best, the biggest,” she remembers. “That’s just my personality, I want to be number one. I’m very competitive, but as I get older I realise what is really important. Success to me is feeling pride and being happy about my music, which I do more and more through becoming more involved in it. ”Certainly, success has many faces, but it seems that Zara Larsson has found her own path to a very personal sense of what success means. and guided by love, success is always near.

zaralarssonofficial.com; @zaralarsson

Team credits:
Words by Filip Lindström
Photography by John Scarisbrick
Styling by Fernando Torres
Make-Up by Elvira Brandt
Hair by Catherine Lethonen
Fashion assistant: Katija Hirsch

Fashion credits:
#1 Jacket by Acne Studios, Earrings stylist’s own
#2 Zara Larsson wears Blouse by Saint Laurent @ Nordiska Kompaniet, Vintage Leather Vest
by Katharine Hamnett London, Shorts by Ganni, Shoes by Balenciaga @ Natalie Schuterman
#3 Zara Larsson wears Bodysuit by Calvin Klein, Sweater by Jacquemus @ Natalie Schuterman, Shoes by Christian Dior @ Natalie Schuterman
#4 Coat and Vest by Burberry @ Nordiska Kompaniet, Turtleneck by Weekday, Tights by Swedish Stockings, Earrings stylist’s own, Shoes by Malene Birger
#5 Zara Larsson wears Jacket and Pants by Matilda Åberg, Shoes by Acne Studios
#6 Top and Pants by Jade Cropper, Earrings by Jade Cropper @ The Forumist Shop,
Gloves by Humana

“It’s all gonna change”, sang the lo-fi- emperor Casiotone For the Painfully Alone back in 2003. We have to realise that change is both needed and inevitable. Either in order to prevent future pandemics or due to the galloping climate change. Business, as usual, cannot be usual anymore. We are all in the midst of realising that we need a new way of living. Well, some of us at least, and maybe today’s social situation is a taste of what the future might bring. The coronavirus has been a blow to more or less all businesses all over the world. But for the music business, largely depending on live shows, the blow has been sudden, unforeseen and enormous. We gathered a gang of artists, both battle-scarred and newcomers, each on their own location, to find out what this exceptional situation has meant for them?

The South Africa-born and Sweden-raised artist, Nea (Linnea Södahl), is far from a newcomer to the music business. She has written songs for the likes of Zara Larsson, Tove Styrke, and Axwell. The last of these collaborations earned Nea a nomination for Composer of the Year at the Swedish Grammy Awards. The step into the limelight wasn’t an obvious choice for the well-renowned songwriter. “The trigger to actually take the step was when my dear friends and colleagues, Petter Eriksson and Linn Wexell at Milkshake Label, asked me if they could sign me. The butterflies that filled up my tummy in that conversation simply wouldn’t let me go – so I guess that says something about personal realisation.” For those who know their bangers from around the turn of the millennium, the melody in the chorus of the widely streamed debut single will be instantly recognisable. “I wrote ‘Some Say’ with friends in Berlin and the whole idea actually started out as a joke where one of the guys was humming the old 90s hit ‘Blue (Da Ba Dee)’ by Eiffel 65.” ‘Some Say’ has become one of the most Shazamed songs in Europe, while, in the meantime, Nea’s debut EP is up for release in June. “It’s so crazy! Honestly, it’s really hard to take in how well it’s been received throughout Europe. I try to just catch the momentum – which is a bit hard in these times, I was supposed to be on a radio promo tour right now, but that obviously got cancelled due to the coronavirus – enjoy the adventure and work hard to see how far we can take it!”

Time for self-reflection
The acclaimed twin-brother duo Bennett released their debut album Och du heter? (And Your Name Is?) in the beginning of May. A vibrant album filled with diverse music genres and features from the crème de la crème of Swedish hip-hop. The second single released from the album was ‘Flyger Högt’ (Flying High). “What I like about that song in particular is that the melodies and rap blend so nice together,” says Sammy Bennett. We always strive to be more versatile in our songs and I feel like ‘Flyger Högt’ has a lot of different flavours to it.” Johnny reflects on the pandemic and the current social situation: “I think you first have to figure out how to minimize the financial blow this whole situation will have on you and your family. When you got that figured out, there’s actually a lot of time for self-reflection while the world’s on pause. Just have fun, educate yourself and pick up new ways to create. This quarantine lifestyle feels like bonus time in a weird way, and I just try to treat it as such.”

If the mountain won’t come to Muhammad…
…then Muhammad must go to the mountain. Quarantine-style festivals have already become a thing. Daniela Rathana has sung backing vocals for artists like Zara Larsson, Seinabo Sey and Kent. She released her debut EP Halva vägen fri (which roughly translates as Halfway Free) in late January and has already headlined a ‘quarantine festival’. “I’ve sung on stage countless times, but not fronting the show as the main artist, so that was a weird experience, since just weeks before I had my first ever gig with ‘my own’ crowd. Performing without any vibe or interaction from a live audience in a room was definitely a new experience. Now I really understand how important it is with the exchange between the audience and the band. I also felt quite guilty to be honest, because I was on a stage, living my life, while people are suffering, dealing with the pandemic. I had to remind myself of how important it is with music in these times and that my mission is to entertain.”

To entertain is also something Fiona FitzPatrick, of the duo Rebecca & Fiona, wants to continue to do. “I really hope we will age with dignity musically and personally,” she says, “So we can keep entertaining.” It’s almost ten years ago since the duo had their breakthrough with the debut single ‘Luminary Ones’ and their own docudrama on Swedish Television. Fiona is optimistic, despite the pandemic. “I think the power of interests is very strong and in focus now. Hopefully you can indulge in your interests. We can make so much music without interruption, like meetings, which we hate. The perfect day is a great breakfast and Swedish Radio P1, to make music in bed, and then get out into the Swedish spring. Spring in Sweden is an incredible luxury.”

The singer Janice has been in the studio since the beginning of the year, working on her sophomore album together with Fibes, Oh Fibes!-singer and solo artist Christian Olsson. “Gigs and other projects have been cancelled which has affected my economy. I had also gotten into a flow in the studio that came to a halt for a couple of weeks, which made me feel down and stressed. I didn’t feel any inspiration after two weeks of voluntary quarantine. Now I’m two days a week in the studio and I’m slowly getting back to the flow.” Janice releases her new song ‘Rain Brings Out the Sun’ on the 20 May.

Credits:
Words by EMIL VIKSELL
Photography by BEATA CERVIN at ACNE Photography
Styling and Art Direction by FERNANDO TORRES
Makeup by ELVIRA BRANDT and LOVISA LUNNERBORG
Hair by ANNE ANKERVIK
Stylist assistant: VIXON BERISAJ

Fashion Credits:
1& 2# (Nea) Leather coat by Humana Sweden, Harness by Antonia Pihl and Shoes by Eytys
3 & 4# (Bennet) Jacket by Erik Olsson, Trousers by Eytys, Vest and Shirt by Acne Studios
3 & 5# (Bennet) Shirt and Trousers by Göran Sundberg, Vest by Diemonde
6# (Daniela Rathana) Vest by Acne Studios, Top and Jacket by Eytys
7, 8 & 9# (Rebecca & Fiona) Full look by Humana Sweden, Shoes artist’s own and Earrings stylist’s own
10 & 11# (Janice) Top by Weekday and Skirt by Liselotte Bramstång

Nea: @neasongs, Spotify
Bennet: @bennett.vv, Spotify
Daniela Rathana: @danielarathana, Spotify
Rebecca & Fiona: @rebeccafiona, rebeccafiona.com, Spotify
Janice: @janice.this, janicethis.com, Spotify

Atlanta indie hip-hop artists Olu and WowGr8 met on the first day of school. Bonding over a mutual love for music that does not follow the rules, they have remained friends long after the school burnt down. (True story.) Now, and together as EarthGang, they have toured the world supporting headlining acts such as Billie Eilish and Jaden Smith. Having signed to J. Cole’s Interscope imprint Dreamville in 2017, they have released three EPs and now they have just released their first major-label album, Mirrorland.
So, first things first – what do they see when they look in the mirror? “God, generations of ancestors and a good time,” says WowGr8 (aka Doctur Dot). “A perfect work in progress,” claims Olu (aka Johnny Venus). “I think the more we are compassionate about the things we are afraid or ashamed of in ourselves, the more we learn about humanity and life in general. I see a person who is trying to be better every day and that is all that really matters. A while back I had a crisis moment where I had to decide to start living life in an aware state. I used to just be on autopilot and try to follow the crowd. But deciding to be my true self has revealed so much more. In the future I hope to see more of what I see today: more patience, more goal setting, more truth. Greatness is built one day at a time.”

Digital living
The digital world has had a profound impact on both of them. “My whole life I have always been a student of the internet,” says WowGr8. “It has grown and evolved as I have done through the phases of my existence. The digital has had a major influence on my life and my art, from the type of music absorbed and all the way to the different foods I am willing to try and everything in between. Even the way that I understand the consumption of art is strongly influenced by the digital world because it is a world that has a rippling impact through modern human life as a whole.”
For Olu, the digital world has opened up the actual world to him. “With the creation of downloading, sharing, streaming, social media, posting, and so on, I have been able to see places and people and listen to cultures in a way that was just not possible before. We can literally connect with people across the world and give them our story and find common ground. Then we can actually travel to these places and further cement these bonds. It’s beautiful! At the end of this year I will have visited four continents and countless countries. Next year we are going to Asia! That is all possible because of the speed of the digital world. The real beauty is people get to tell the truths about their home. I have seen Africa in ways that I never thought possible simply from knowing someone or following someone’s page.”

Travels in time
If they had a time machine, WowGr8 says that he would like to go back to the time just before Europeans decided to attempt colonising the planet, stop that whole process and come back and see if the world is better or worse today. Similarly, Olu would go to any time where people of colour and women were not oppressed. “We tend to think our world has always existed like this because this is all we see. But I know there was a time when those of us who have been overlooked and hated for our cultural knowledge, gifts and customs were once respected and lauded for the same thing. I believe that time was beautiful and prosperous for humanity as a whole. I would love to go there.”
On a slightly different note, speaking of which musical trends they are into at the moment, Olu continues, “African music is coming to the forefront now. When I say African music I am talking about a vast array of music from Ethiopian jazz, to Afrobeat, to South African rhythms, to choral singing. So much of this music has travelled across the world to Brazil, Colombia, Jamaica, London, Toronto, Mexico, etc via slave trade and migration. It is beautiful that despite everything we are still connecting people of all backgrounds and inspiring everyone to move and dance and celebrate.”

Going viral
“Going viral in today’s market is often seen as the best free promotion for a product,” says WowGr8. “We live in an age where we have seen viral videos translate to short and long term success. It is really all about what you do with it.” So does something happen with the performance when it takes on a life of its own online? Hell to the yes! At least according to Olu, who regards it as a seed being planted. “The viral aspect is just the root taking form and the branches spreading out to feed people. Take our performance on Colors [the global new music platform] on YouTube, for example; our goal was perform an unreleased song in its purest sense and to express our truth. Our supporters and fans sharing the video took it to the next dimension. The beauty of it was that our essence was spread across the world and people got a chance to see us in one of our most divine states.”
However, the benefits and the dangers of any new technology are two sides of the same coin. “You have the potential to reach billions of people with everything you create,” says WowGr8. “It is all about your message. The energy you put out directs your path.” Olu also sees some of its dangers: “Falsehood, hoaxes, scams, cap, any form of deception that used the internet as veil. A person can be an influencer or any other title that comes with a significant degree of internet power that does not necessarily translate to financial power, talent or even work ethic.”
So, is there anything we can do in order to not become slaves to our smartphones? WowGr8 might just have the perfect solution. “Put your phone down. Or just throw it away.”

Team Credits:
Words by Jonathan Södergren
Photography by Chris Rinke
Styling by Fernando Torres
Make Up and Hair by Carla Curione
Photography Assistant: Luca Trelancia
Talent: Olu and WowGr8 of Earthgang @earthgang; dreamville.com

Fashion Credits:
#1, 2 & 5 WowGr8 wears Top by J Lindeberg, Glasses by Ambush, All jewellery artist’s own
#2 WowGr8 wears Boiler suit Stylist’s own, Glasses by Ambush, All jewellery artist’s own, Olu wears Top by Humana, All Jewellery artist’s own, Bag by L’homme Rouge, Glasses by Gucci, Trousers by Fila
#3 Tracksuit by Adidas, Glasses by Ambush, All jewelery artist’s own, Shoes by Off white
#4 Coat by 032c, Trousers by Whyred, Glasses by Gentlemonster x Fendi, Necklace by L’homme Rouge, Shoes by Comme des GarÇons x Nike
#6 Top by Humana, Trousers Artist’s own, Glasses by Gentlemonster x Fendi, All jewellery artist’s own