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Jan 30, 2014 By Under the Radar Staff Nina Persson

For Under the Radar‘s 11th annual Artist Survey we emailed some of our favorite artists a few questions relating to the important issues of the last year, as well as some quirkier subjects. Check out our next print issue and digital issue for surveys from My Morning Jacket, Foals, Amanda Palmer, Local Natives, Wild Nothing, These New Puritans, Lanterns on the Lake, Xiu Xiu, and Summer Camp.

Here are answers from Nina Persson. The frontwoman for The Cardigans and A Camp is releasing her debut solo album, Animal Heart, via The End on February 11.

What was the highlight of 2013, either for you personally or for the band?

The making and finishing [of] my record was wonderful!

What was the low point of 2013 for you?

Getting started with the making of the record-before I found the direction…

What are your hopes and plans for 2014?

To tour and work with my record, and enjoy it!

What are your thoughts on the passing of Lou Reed? Did his music influence you at all and in what way?

It hit me a few days after he died that I actually felt sad about it. Last summer I was part (doing all Nico songs) of a Velvet Underground tribute concert in Stockholm, so his music was quite current to me. I think for me and for many songwriters, the darkness that he introduced in rock music is inspiring.

What are your thoughts on Obamacare, now that it’s being implemented?

Since I’m a Swede living in the U.S., I have high hopes for it. The healthcare situation here is one of the biggest bummers about this country and I’m raised with the value that health is a human right. Disappointing that the launch of it bombed like it did, but we need to be patient-Rome wasn’t built in a day.

What is your opinion on the extensive government spying on the world’s Internet/phone usage? Is Edward Snowden a patriot or traitor?

I don’t really like the word patriot, and I don’t know if he’s a hero, but people like him are crucial to keep things balanced.

What are your thoughts on music streaming services such as Spotify and Rdio? Are they good or bad for musicians?

They are good in themselves, but it’s terrible that the big record companies own Spotify. The royalty rates that the record companies pay the artists should be a 50-50 split because those services are licensing, not a sale.

Do bad reviews bother you and which negative review has affected you the most?

Bad reviews are hurtful when they don’t only criticize the music, but when they hit at your person or your whole career somehow.

What moment in history do you most wish you could’ve witnessed in person?

I would have loved to visit NYC in the early ‘80s. For the art, the dirt, and the music.

People filming gigs with their phones: yes or no? If no, what’s the best way to prevent it?

Lately I’ve noticed that the sea of iPhones in the crowd now is turning into a sea of iPads, and that’s starting to be a bit disturbing-if they get to look at me all they want for two hours, I want the right to see their handsome faces as well!

What event in your life do you feel the most guilt over?

I sometimes feel sad about not having enjoyed things more…

What was your greatest triumph as a child?

Quitting lying at the age of eight.

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