Hey Oskar Ekman, where are you based?
I’m based in Stockholm since 2001.
What are you listening to?
Right now I’m listening to other people beating up their Macbook keyboards. Ever noticed the new Macbooks are so fucking LOUD?
Other than that I’ve been listening to a lot of 90’s stuff and early 00s hip-hop lately. It’s nice to look back and revisit old records sometimes.
How do you find new music?
After the record store/fanzine years I used to scour blogs, feeds, Myspace and Soundcloud. Nowadays I mostly get music sent to me by friends and co-workers or I find stuff in a few select playlists that I follow: YEAR0001 – Sounds, Warp Selections, True Panther Banter and Pollen.
What formats do you usually listen to? LP, CD, Cassette, Digital, Streaming Service and why?
Since streaming came (very early in Sweden obviously) I barely haven’t bought anything physical. Streaming is just too convenient. But I think it also has to do with the fact that I enjoy not having to much “stuff” around in life.
Where do you do most of your music listening?
That would be at work. I’m at my office between 9 to 12 hours a day right now and when I get home, usually the last thing I want to do is listen to music. I don’t even have a stereo system at home anymore. Kind of sad when I think about it.
How do find and listen to pre-release music?
I listen to unreleased music daily because my office is also a music studio. I’m a very active A&R with my artists and usually a part of the process from start to finish.
What are your frustrations with listening to music digitally? Any benefits?
Loading times. Data. No reception. Bluetooth. Constantly having a cell phone in your hand.
How do you keep track of everything you are listening to?
I don’t. But if I’m listening to Spotify I have like 3-4 playlists that I dump stuff into.
Do you tip other people off to new music? How?
Lots of ways. I have email circles, message threads, and playlists. My close friends and people can be sent unreleased music via Byta for quick feedback.
Anything you want to “promote”?
I can’t wait for the world to hear this new Thaiboy Digital album we’re putting out this year. The title is “Legendary Member” and in my opinion, it sounds like absolutely nothing else ever made.
