Swedish artist Carl HS unveils “Buy Sunnies on a Gloomy Day,” the first single from his forthcoming album Dirt Bike Meditations, set for release on October 24. Blending Britpop nostalgia with psychedelic textures, the track is both powerful and melancholic, carrying a message about resilience: when life feels dark, it’s time to put on your “mental sunglasses.” Whispered verses rise into a soaring chorus, embodying Carl HS’s signature mix of grandeur and fragility, while showcasing his lyrical precision and dynamic presence.
The release follows a prolific period for the Stockholm-based musician, who has already delivered two albums in just two years. Known for his theatrical performances—sometimes dressed as a dying dandy or sad clown—Carl HS has become a fixture on the Swedish indie scene. His stagecraft, oscillating between intimate guitar sets and full-band spectacles, reflects the duality that defines his music: personal yet larger-than-life, poetic yet raw.
Carl HS, short for Carl Hjelm Sandqvist, carries a colorful and unconventional background. Once an international male model with features in Vogue and appearances on global catwalks, he has often spoken about how the fashion industry complicated his music career. “The fashion industry toyed with the idea that I was a rock star, while the music industry saw me as a poser,” he recalls. This tension fueled his art, adding layers of irony and theatricality to his persona.
In 2021, his path took a defining turn when he joined Anne Imhof’s acclaimed performance piece Natures Mortes at Palais de Tokyo in Paris. Captivating thousands with his minimalist performance, he returned to Sweden determined to pursue music wholeheartedly. Under the name Carl HS, he now stands as a fragmented yet unified force—part confessional singer-songwriter, part theatrical performer. With “Buy Sunnies on a Gloomy Day,” he offers listeners both a mantra for resilience and a tantalizing preview of his bold next chapter.
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