Björn Yttling

Producer, songwriter and one third of Peter Bjorn and John – Björn Yttling has shaped Swedish music across decades. From indie pop landmarks to cinematic jazz, he continues to explore sound with curiosity and style. We sat down with Björn to talk about inspiration, process and why freedom always starts with a great melody.

A Lifelong Rhythm

Few artists have had as profound an impact on Swedish music as Björn Yttling. His journey began long before global hits and studio sessions — back in the 1980s, on a friend’s dad’s dance-band tour bus.

“Hard to nail one moment,” Björn laughs. “But I think riding in my friend’s dad’s dansband tour bus in the eighties made a big impression.”

That early spark grew into decades of creating, producing and redefining sound — always with curiosity at the core.

The Indie Era

With Peter Bjorn and John, Yttling helped define a generation of Swedish indie pop. Their chemistry was both instinctive and diverse.

“The three of us had a lot in common music-wise,” he says, “but also a lot of influences we didn’t share. Maybe those put together made something unique.”

Their breakout single “Young Folks” became a worldwide phenomenon — an anthem of its time.

“Young Folks still sounds incredible to me,” he smiles. “I think it’s great. And of course it opened a lot of doors and defined us - and me, musically big time.”

The Art of Producing

As a producer and songwriter, Björn has worked with countless artists, each collaboration revealing something new about his own craft.

“I’ve learned that people can do things in a lot of different ways,” he reflects. “But in the end we’re all looking for the same thing – a great piece of music that we can stand behind, and that hopefully resonates with others.”

This philosophy of openness led to one of Stockholm’s most creative initiatives: INGRID, the collective he co-founded.

“When we created INGRID, it was to make Stockholm more fun and interesting for us artists and producers,” he explains. “There’s so much great talent here that we tried to get together for fun and good energy.”

"When we created INGRID, it was to make Stockholm more fun and interesting for us artists and producers.”

Björn on the birth of INGRID studio.

Yttling Jazz and the Joy of Sound

Recently, Björn returned to one of his earliest loves with the project Yttling Jazz and the album “Illegal Hit.”

“I wanted to work more with instrumental music and a classic jazz sound,” he says. “But also use my taste for film music in a way that’s easier without vocals. The melodies can be more free when played on, for example, a saxophone.”

It’s not entirely a new chapter for him — more of a continuation.

“I made a jazz album already in 2005,” he recalls. “Honestly, it doesn’t sound so different from this new one. I guess I’ve always kept this sound in me but just haven’t recorded it that much.”

Freedom vs. Structure

What draws him to jazz’s freedom compared to pop’s precision?

“You need good players to both play very freely and to play very minimalistic,” Björn says. “Same, same but different, I guess.”

His process, though evolved, remains grounded in intuition.

“I usually start with an idea of a vibe or a little piece of music I’ve written,” he explains. “Sound and structure come later. I think I’m faster now, but basically I’m doing the same thing.”

“Sound and structure come later. I think I’m faster now, but basically I’m doing the same thing.”

Björn on his music process.

Staying Curious

After decades in music, his enthusiasm remains untouched.

“Can’t escape being inspired really,” he laughs. “There’s always a new idea or a cool new song you hear somewhere.”

That drive continues to push him forward — especially with upcoming live shows.

“I’m looking forward to going on tour with Yttling Jazz,” he says. “There’ll be some new musicians involved that I really dig. We’re going to play more in Sweden, but also Mexico and the Netherlands.”

Style, Vision and Identity

Björn’s creativity extends beyond music — into visuals, expression and style.

“It’s so much fun working with the visual thing – getting something that feels fresh and beautiful at the same time,” he says. “Of course, it makes an impression and adds to the musical experience.”

He even connects his eyewear to his latest musical era.

“I picked out Vasuma in the glasses store and was really happy when I realized they were located in Stockholm,” Björn says. “Since I never needed glasses before this album, I feel they’re somehow connected to the process and recording of Illegal Hit - haha.”