Two years ago, A-Teens made a surprise appearance as an opening act at Melodifestivalen. What was intended to be a one-off event sparked something in the four members, who had not performed together in 20 years. Now the comeback continues.
We probably weren't prepared for the emotions that came after that performance, explains Marie Serneholt.
"A lot of junk"
It's been over two decades since the A-Teens went their separate ways. They were only in their 20s, but touring had taken a toll on the four members and their relationships. So the reunion could only happen after they had cleared the air.
There was quite a lot of junk and old ideas from that time. Before we agreed to the first performance, it was really important to me that this was about us hanging out together. I wanted to get to know you guys again, says Amit Paul, glancing across the table where the rest of the band is sitting and nodding.
A-Teens initially sang ABBA songs, but soon had their own hits and a large audience, not least in South America. After their comeback, they have played there – and once again been met by screaming fans.
It has given them a taste for more and even though all four of them live in different countries, they have decided to focus on music again. Now Melodifestivalen awaits, with the song "Iconic" in the first round in Linköping on Saturday.
Lives in Iceland
But it was not a given decision, according to Amit Paul.
Melodifestivalen is one thing... but we're actually making new music, so there's a continuation after this too. We've built up quite a bit, so it's not an easy decision, says Amit Paul.
He lives in Iceland and runs several companies. The others also have their own professional careers. But now the focus is on music.
We are investing in this time. We really want to do this. And we are prepared to give the time it takes to do this as well as we can, says Marie Serneholt.
And like a school reunion, it's as if nothing has happened when they see each other. They fall into the roles they had before. It's been two decades, but they have a strong bond.
"Now I can only speak for myself. But I feel like when I'm with these three, it brings out the absolute best in me. It's 100 percent my authentic self when I'm with them," says Marie Serneholt.
A-Teens broke through in 1998 with several ABBA hits, but soon changed their name to A-Teens at the insistence of Benny Andersson, who disliked the connection to ABBA. After that, the group had hits with their own songs "Upside Down" and "Floorfiller" before going their separate ways in 2004.
Amit Paul lives in Iceland where he runs several businesses.
Sara Lumholdt lives in England and has a company with her husband that works in boat technology.
Dhani Lennevald lives in the USA and works in music production and as a DJ.
Marie Serneholt lives in Sweden and has been a solo artist and a program host, among other things, on "Bingolotto".
