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Mack Johansson

Ystad, Skåne, Sweden | INDIE

Band Americana Singer/Songwriter

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Press

"Mack Johansson"

"Today's new mp3 comes from hyacinth house, a dark country-flavored act from Sweden. This track comes from what I believe will be the band's debut self-titled full-length that's due out in September on the band's own True Music Production label. The band's got true DIY spirit - they're even recording it themselves, though you'd probably never guess otherwise 'cuz the material sounds absolutely stellar. Listen to those subtlely layered strings and that amazing picking on the banjo and you'll hear what I mean. For such a big band (they list six full-time members), they sure do an outstanding job on making sure all the arrangements are balanced and dynamic, too. They say they're a new band, but they don't sound like one to my ears. There's no ambivalence here, no hesitation - they know what they want to do and they're gonna make it happen regardless of what anyone else says. Gotta respect that, especially when it turns out so well. Definitely looking forward to hearing the complete album when it's done."

- www.itsatrap.com - www.itsatrap.com

"Uncut Magazine 2009"

4 out of 5 September 2009

Roaring psych-country from Scandinavia

Sweden has thrown up more than a few US-learning folk/country types recently, though Hyacinth House are a different proposition. Sure, the path around Dylan’s country songbook is well-beaten, but the spirited mountain rags and brusque vocals of Mack Johansson have more in common with the pulsing attack of Sixteen Horsepower. Better still, in more expansive moments, they suggest shared DNA with Canadian mystics Black Mountain.

- www.uncut.com

"Real Roots Café HOT 10"

Real Roots Café “HOT 10” Februari 2006

1. Hyacinth House - Hyacinth House - Independent
2. Graham Lindsey - Hell Under The Skullbones
Sonic Rendezvous
3. Joe Purdy - Julie Blue - Independent
4. Heidi McCurdy - Fickle Mind - Independent
5. David Childers And The Modern Don Juans
Jailhouse Religion - Lucky Dice Music
6. Tandy - Did you Think I Was Gone
Yellow Slippers Recordings
7. Harry Manx - Mantras For Madmen - Dog My Cat
8. Smith B - From One Heartache To The Next - MonkeyMan
9. Will Webb - Room To Room - Independent
10. John Hiatt - Live From Austin Texas - New West Records
- Real roots Café

"Musik Landet"

"Darkened folkrock and delicat pop, take two pinches of David Eugene Edwards, add equal parts Ryan Adams, Grant Lee Buffalo, Mercury Rev and Jeff Buckley. I'm really impressed.

- Musiklandet www.musiklandet.se
- www.musiklandet.se

"Real Roots Café HOT 10"

"Radio"

"...it's been a long time since I've heard such passionate singing..."

- P3 Lab (Swedish National radio) - P3 lab

"Radio"

"...it's been a long time since I've heard such passionate singing..."

- P3 Lab (Swedish National radio) - P3 lab

Discography

Photos

Bio

One of the best unknown voices of Scandinavia? Or maybe more fitting; the king of obscure genre Scandicana? No matter, Somehow Mack has been past over for a long time. Despite tremendous efforts to draw attention to his Scandicana DIY project, Hyacinth House, nothing much really happened, at least not in mainstream pop orientated Sweden. The Dutch caught on though and Hyacinth House toured the Netherlands frequently for a couple of years. The band managed two full albums; both highly acclaimed by critics, but despite that the band came to an end - inspiration and driving initiative was lost. For Mack the bubble burst. Hed lived for music solely, dreaming the teenagers dream of fame and glory and the waking up was not gentle. Moreover, hed got himself addicted to cannabis
But it all began in 1980 when Mack Johansson was born in Swedish small-town Västervik. Marcus early found his release in music, much due to his parents unhappy relation. By the age of thirteen he started out as a punk drummer, then he continued to guitar but the real revelation was when he found out that he had a voice that could seriously move people. The first time I sang in public, I knew this was my calling in life, he later stated. It was my way, I chanted and sang, bringing the subconscious mind and emotions to the surface. It gave me inner peace and I felt love. For me the voice is a soul searching tool, that leads the way to all people
The years continued through music and temporary bands until Mack decided he needed new influences, knowledge and means to take his music to the next level. Consequently he moved to Växjö in order to study music production. Here he connected with Andreas Berg, who became guitarist in Hyacinth House, and soon his older brother Fredrik Johansson (banjo, dobro, harmonica) joined the duo. Together they formed the creative force of Hyacinth House. During this time Mack also met musician and fellow music production student Fredrik Andersson, a friendship that would prove to be most essential for the continuance of Marcus musical development and career
By summer 2009 Macks crisis was past its climax. He was drug free, a lot thinner, hollow cheeked and essentially well, but in the wake disillusionment followed. He had made a huge effort; he had gone for the dream but ended up nowhere. What now? Could he still sing, did he still have the gift? Maybe it was time to give it all up? Trade in for something new? Luckily Mack at this stage crossed path with Fredrik Andersson once again, now a most prodigious and successful producer and composer with national as well as international chart hits. In addition Fredrik had just finished his state of the art studio, the cardiac Indeed, life moves in circles and what goes around comes around. By the fall of 2008 the two companions from Växjö University began their collaboration. What Marcus had lost in confidence and self-belief Fredrik easily restored, knowing what a talent he was fortunate to work with. In any case, Mack always was too good a singer, too creative and original a songwriter, not to hit the major league. Hes no longer passed over - this time hes passing over his message to you.

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