Peter Bjorn and John, the Swedish indie-pop trio, might have called it quits if it wasn’t for “Young Folks.” This wasn’t just another track on their album; it was a serendipitous creation that catapulted them into global recognition. Björn Yttling, the band’s bassist, producer, and notably, the whistler behind the iconic tune, recounts the song’s unexpected journey from a jazz-inspired melody to a worldwide hit.
The Serendipitous Birth of a Whistling Wonder
Yttling stumbled upon the melody for “Young Folks” while playing the piano. Initially, he envisioned it as a jazz piece, reminiscent of Duke Ellington. However, shifting to guitar transformed it into something distinctly pop. The now-famous whistle was initially just a placeholder melody, intended for replacement by an instrument, perhaps an organ. Experimentation with a tape delay machine, a workaround due to budget constraints, unexpectedly cemented the whistle as the song’s signature element. “Oh, it sounds good, let’s keep it,” they realized, embracing the happy accident.
From Solo Track to Charming Duet with Victoria Bergsman
The idea of transforming “Young Folks” into a duet added another layer of charm to the song. Inspired by iconic duets like David Bowie and Bing Crosby’s and Fairytale of New York, the band aimed for a conversational, filmic quality. This vision led them to incorporate a female vocal. Victoria Bergsman of The Concretes was chosen, and her almost childlike voice, contrasting with Peter Morén’s Beatles-esque vocals, became integral to the song’s magic. The recording session itself was as unassuming as the song’s genesis – captured in Yttling’s apartment studio on a hot Midsummer’s Eve, using modest equipment including a drum kit bought from Craigslist.
An Unforeseen Ascent to Global Stardom
Despite its catchy tune, initial reception in Sweden was lukewarm. Local labels passed on “Young Folks,” failing to foresee its potential. The turning point arrived when UK label Wichita Recordings released it in Europe, followed by a US release. Surprisingly, the song charted in the US based on imports alone, a testament to its burgeoning popularity. The band was unprepared for the whirlwind that followed – platinum certifications in multiple countries and a decade of transformed careers. While financial riches weren’t the primary outcome, “Young Folks” became an invaluable business card, significantly boosting Yttling’s production career and solidifying Peter Bjorn and John’s place in music history. Its recognition on Rolling Stone’s list of best songs of the century so far, nestled among giants like Beyoncé, further cements its legacy.
Beyond the “Young Folks” Persona
Peter Morén, the vocalist and guitarist, offers a different perspective, highlighting the song’s lyrical depth. Despite the band members being in their early thirties, not exactly “young folks,” the song resonates with the feeling of relational burnout and the tentative optimism of new connections.
Morén also humorously recounts his live whistling experiences, a skill honed through relentless touring, initially fraught with challenges, especially with colds or hangovers. He also touches upon the song’s cultural impact, noting Kanye West’s sampling of “Young Folks” and their performance together, a moment underscored by Kanye’s playful jab about Morén’s whistling abilities. Morén aptly describes “Young Folks” as a “club song for dorks,” capturing its unique blend of melancholy and upbeat vibes that resonated in the mid-2000s indie scene and beyond. Although he admits to a brief period of “hating” the song, Morén now appreciates its evergreen status, acknowledging that “Young Folks” secured their musical livelihood and thankfully diverted him from a potential career as a librarian.
In conclusion, “Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and John is more than just a catchy whistle; it’s an accidental indie anthem, a testament to creative serendipity, and a career-defining song that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Its story is a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected creations can have the most profound and lasting impact.
