Swarm: Does it sound like swarmgaze?

In 2020 Panu Willman had a riff and an idea. He wanted a woman's voice on it. He thought of Hilja Vedenpää, an acquaintance through mutual friends, who had never fronted a band because she was too shy to try. He called her anyway.

The song became "Frail." The band became Swarm.

Since then the Finnish band from Lahti and Helsinki have released an EP, found their lineup almost by accident (the drummer did not really know he was in the band), and made their debut album Air.

We talk about the four years between EP and album, and what "we are adults" actually means when you're trying to finish a record. Writing lyrics from a feeling instead of a plan. Why sadness sounds good, and whether that's a Finnish thing. Why the band is called Swarm and who a song belongs to once it leaves the room.

Swarm play Encore Music Club in Sundbyberg on 3 September 2026 together with A.D. Melora. First night of their Swedish run.

First the talk. Then the music.