Maria Sörgjerd with help of several die-hard Roxette fans has written a book called “I en underbar ballong” (Swedish for: In a Wonderful Balloon) that will be released in December 2012. Here’s the short note that can be found on the Fenomena Förlag in both English and Swedish. The publication will be released in Swedish only.
Roxette has had a transformative and even vital impact on many lives all over the world. A proof of this is the subculture which centres around Roxette, on websites and at conserts. The author Maria Sörgjerd has spent the last two years writing a book with a popular scientific focus, based on the stories of the most dedicated Roxette fans. She has found out what it is that pushes these people to travel around the world, visit concert after concert.
What is it about the group Roxette that appeals to the fans? There are people who have moved to Sweden because the Roxette members – Per and Marie – live there. There are people who have learned Swedish thanks to Roxette. There are also examples of people who have crossed the line in their eagerness to be close to their idols, but for most fans music is a positive source of energy and a lifestyle.
An underlying message in the book is that music that we like can make us feel good, not just classical music but even something as “trivial” as pop songs about balloons. The stories told by the fans are connected to the scientific field of music psychology, with an easy going and funny tone. The book is easy to relate to with casual examples.
This project is not connected at any point with the official Roxette book being currently written by Sven Lindström, author of “Att vara Per Gessle” biography.