Production

Lucky Again, I Follow Rivers

Lykke Li

Björn Yttling , Lykke Li

Song : Lucky Again, I Follow Rivers

Duration:1h11 Subtitles: German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Chinese

Description

In this exceptional double episode, Lykke Li and Björn Yttling open the doors to Ingrid Studios to explore not one, but two songs in a single release: the global hit ‘I Follow Rivers’ and ‘Lucky Again’, a brand-new track from Lykke Li’s new record.

Across both songs, they unpack their approach to songwriting, live tracking, vocal recording, harmonic distortion, and mixing, offering a rare opportunity to explore two distinct moments in Lykke Li’s creative journey side by side. Along the way, their conversation reveals how instinct, tension, and imperfection shape the identity of a record.

The pair begins by taking a fresh look at the making of ‘Lucky Again,’ starting with a minor-key guitar idea and a chorus that arrived before the pre-chorus. Lykke reflects on how a handheld demo vocal, a Vivaldi sample, and a 17-piece orchestra became part of the final record. The arrangement is completed with spaghetti western guitars, Hammond organ, bongos, reverse vocals, and percussion played on electric guitar strings complete the arrangement.

The pair then returns to ‘I Follow Rivers,’ Lykke Li’s 2011 breakthrough single. Watch as they listen back and discuss the percussion-led foundation and the writing process with Rick Nowels. Distorted piano, tape echo, vocoder bass, vocal leakage, and a malfunctioning reverb all became defining sounds.

Across both tunes, Lykke and Björn explain why they favor analog, live musicians, and complete performances over correction and recall. Lykke's vocal vulnerability, spirituality, deadlines, and the value of embracing imperfections are hallmarks of her sound and process. Their approach is direct: perfect the song, capture the room, and make it human.

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07 min

Part 1

Starts with ‘Lucky Again’: song origins, songwriting, lyrics, song structure, vocal tracking, sampling, orchestral arrangement
06 min

Part 2

Influences, live tracking, bass, guitar, organ, time-based effects, percussion
Hagström Standard 80 P-24, Yamaha Reface YC, Hammond organ, Leslie speaker
10 min

Part 3

Synthesizers, lead vocals, backing vocals, lyrics, arrangement, phase cancellation
Roland Juno-106, vintage Hagström amplifier
07 min

Part 4

Vocal tracking, comping, doubles, timing, reverb, slapback delay, creative philosophy
Soundtoys Little Plate
Roland RE-201 Space Echo
09 min

Part 5

Production philosophy, analog tracking, tape recording, arrangement, performance, creative limitations
API, Neve consoles
09 min

Part 6

Switch to ‘I Follow Rivers’: song origins, songwriting, collaboration, percussion, piano, field recordings, distortion
11 min

Part 7

Piano, organ, bass, guitar, vocals, tape delay, distortion, pitch processing, reverb
Hammond organ, Framus 5/150 Star Bass, Korg VC-10 Vocoder, Hagström Standard 80 P-24, Telefunken U 47
06 min

Part 8

Saturation, tape recording, room ambience, deadlines, imperfections, album reception
02 min

Trailer

About Björn Yttling

Björn Yttling is a Swedish music producer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the bassist and keyboardist in the indie rock trio Peter Bjorn and John, famous for their global hit ‘Young Folks’. He has produced and co-written for several acclaimed artists, including Lykke Li, Robyn, Franz Ferdinant, and Chrissie Hynde. In addition to music production and songwriting, he also is co-founder of the Stockholm-based artist collective and label, INGRID, as well as the leader of the jazz project...

About Lykke Li

Lykke Li is a Swedish singer, songwriter, model and actress, most known for her hit single ‘I Follow Rivers’. Her music blends elements of indie pop, dream pop, and electronic music. Her debut album, ‘Youth Novels’, released in 2008, instantly received critical acclaim and established her as a prominent figure in the indie music scene. Her distinctive vocal style and genre-bending techniques have earned her several awards, including the Swedish Grammy for Best Artist and Best Album in 2012.