When you think about musicians from Sweden who came up in the past 20 years, you’re likely to think of beloved indie artists like Björn Yttling and Yukimi, both of whom have come together on the new single, “Distant Star,” under the former’s Yttling Jazz project.
Both collaborators are perhaps best known for their bands, with Björn Yttling being one-third of Peter Bjorn and John and Yukimi through Little Dragon. But neither are strangers to jazzy soundscapes, particularly Yukimi, whose early days in Sweden were marked by collaborations with artists like Koop and Swell Session.
As for “Distant Star,” the song was first conceived as part of Yttling’s 2025 album, Illegal Hit. But according to Yttling, “The idea was to have a great singer and make a ‘Gene Krupa plays Swedish indie’ kind of tune. I worked on the melody meanwhile trying to come up with a singer that would fit the vibe. Once I got the idea to bring in Yukimi it all happened very fast.”
Yukimi adds:
“I’ve loved Björn’s production for years and am also a fan of Peter Bjorn And John. He reached out to me at a time in my life when I felt open to sing a jazz track. This one has the fire and newness still paying tribute to classic sound. In my opinion jazz music should be danced to and that’s what this song makes me want to do.”
Despite never working together before, Yukimi’s vocals paired with Yttling’s production is the sort of pairing that should have happened sooner, considering how natural it sounds. True to their intentions, “Distant Star” embraces old school jazz and big band traditions, particularly in the tap-dance rhythm and drumming.
Like the dynamic singer she is, Yukimi matches the track’s energy, which moves between swing-dance grooves and full-on New Orleans-style hypnotism. That’s especially true in the second half when a bass clarinet solo from Nils Berg segues into a satisfying conclusion.
By the end of “Distant Star,” Yukimi’s assertion that “jazz music should be danced to” is proven ten times over.
Yttling Jazz will take their live show on a European tour this February, including their first-ever London show at The Jazz Cafe.
Listen to “Distant Star” the new single from Yttling Jazz and Yukimi.
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