With its layered, dreamy sounds, Summer Heart could easily be mistaken for that of a full band. But in reality, it's all the work of one Swedish artist: David Alexander, a multi-instrumentalist with a DIY musical aesthetic. The solo project embodies everything we love about the sun-soaked season, recalling images and echoes of hazy nights, and crashing waves on wet sand. The sounds are bright, but carry bittersweet, nostalgic undertones—the kind you get when you remember sitting by a glittering lake at camp. As the freeze of this winter slowly thaws, Summer Heart's songs provide a hopeful soundtrack to transport you to your warmest dreams. Read on as we learn more about Summer Heart and the man behind all the music.
How did your career get started?
I was living with my dad. He’s a musician and got plenty of musical equipment lying around everywhere so I borrowed some old synths and pretty much just started playing around, improvising and recording random stuff with them. After a while, I managed to make sense of it all and shared the songs with a couple of friends who really liked them. My dear friend Hendrik, who runs Poule d’Or, shared them with his audience and after that, things just started to happen.
Where do you hope to be professionally in 5 years?
Ideally I would love touring the world every other year, and writing and recording new music when I am not on tour. That is definitely my dream life.
What’s your next project?
I am releasing an EP in April, and an album later on this year. Really satisfied with my album so I can’t wait to get it out there. Other than that, I am playing lots of live shows, which is always great.
What famous person dead or living do most wish you could have as a roommate?
I would love to have a flatshare with Sharin and Sune of The Raveonettes. I love their music and from what I understand they have a very sensible way of making music that I would love to hear more about.
What is your favorite driving music?
It depends. For a late night drive I think The Knife’s Silent Shout is perfect. During a sunny day on the road I like to listen to lots of 60s music from bands like The Hollies, The Byrds and The Beach Boys. Yeah, perfect for a sunny drive.
If you had to live in a past time, what do you think would be the most fun era and why?
I would like to live in either California or London in the mid and late '60s, mostly because I love the music and the fashion from that era—very cool and very stylish.
How do you wind down before bed?
Actually, I am having some trouble with winding down before going to bed. Especially when I am in my creative mode, then it feels like the days’ have way too few hours. But usually I am reading before trying to sleep. Right now I am reading Sunset Park by Paul Auster. I can recommend it!
What kind of person were you in high school?
If you ask my friends I think they’ll say I was an artsy and friendly person that liked to talk a bit too much. I definitely had trouble being quiet. But actually, when I was in school I think I was mostly there physically so to say, my mind was elsewhere. But the best thing back then was when my friend Jimmy and I skipped school and spent time playing our favourite Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins songs on guitar, which eventually lead to us starting our first band.
What’s a serious side of you that people are unlikely to know about? Either in terms of interests, hobbies, or personality?
I am manic and I have an addictive personality. I guess that has helped me get to where I am today cause I can’t stop making new ideas for where to take Summer Heart next.
What are some new hobbies you would like to take on?
I really love photography and would love to become a better photographer. I have a camera that I am bringing everywhere and I take tons of photos, I just wish I had time to do something fun with them one day. Other than that I dream of writing a book one day.
How do you hope to grow as a creative person?
It would be cool to learn how to use my creativity in a good way. I mean, sometimes I feel very inspired and creative but I have no idea how to get something useful out of it. It might sound stupid but sometimes it feels like a waste of inspiration. Hah. Does that make any sense?
If there was a phrase that you think best sums up your approach to life what might it be?
Well, I would say the following sums it up pretty well: Summer nostalgia in pale colors.