On Sunday, March 29, 2026, Waxx interviewed José González on Foudre on RTL2. The artist from Sweden took the opportunity to reflect on his journey, inspirations, and music vision, sharing insights and performing live acoustics.
Musical Roots of Childhood
From the start of the show, José González talked about his early musical memories, influenced by his parents’ Argentine background. “We had a cassette of an Argentine folk group, Marcama, that I listened to repeatedly when I was young.” His father, a singer in a folk group, passed down a rich musical culture to the family, even though they were not professional musicians. Music, omnipresent, quickly became a common language.
Musical Awakening and Early Influences
It was during his teenage years that José González truly developed a taste for music. “I got my first guitar at 10, but it was really at 13 that I started taking it seriously.” He discovered fingerpicking through the Beatles, Paul Simon, and Silvio Rodriguez, and tried his hand at bass in hardcore bands. A blend of influences that shaped his musical identity. He mentioned Silvio Rodriguez’s “Playa Girón” as a deeply inspiring song for his songwriting.
Golden Age of Music and the Message’s Importance
According to José González, the golden age of music was in the 60s and 70s, a time when the sound of recordings, microphones, and guitar and string arrangements seemed unmatched. He highlighted Fred Åkerström, a Swedish singer-songwriter with a strong message and a commitment to fighting injustices that left a mark beyond just his music.
Music, an Emotional Affair
When asked about the connection between music and emotions, José González shared, “It’s an emotional experience, often linked to memories. Some songs make us happy, others melancholic.” He also emphasized the importance of reggae in his journey, particularly through Susan Cadogan’s “Hurt So Good,” a song associated with his sister and his early months in love.
Creation Process and Stage Presence
José González discussed his process for writing and recording songs. “I always start with the guitar, then the melodies, and finally the lyrics.” While he used to see writing lyrics as a necessary evil, he now enjoys it, viewing it as a puzzle to solve. On stage, he admitted to feeling nervous but gaining confidence after the first few notes. Choosing the first song is crucial for setting the mood.
Folk, Metal, and the Universality of His Music
Waxx inquired about the appeal of José González’s music to metal enthusiasts. The artist sees a “fine line between aggressiveness and subtle aggression,” a tension that runs through his compositions and attracts a diverse audience.
Carte Blanche and Covers
At the end of the show, José González gave his carte blanche with Abdullah Ibrahim’s “Maraba Blue,” a soothing piece. He concluded the show with a cover of Massive Attack’s “Teardrop,” a song he particularly enjoys for its ability to intensify in a concert setting.
José González’s Playlist
