Big Stir Records is genuinely thrilled to introduce the first-ever solo single from Sweden's RICHARD ÖHRN, best known for his work with IN DEED but soon to make a name of his own on the global pop scene. “Love And Friendship”, an early teaser single from Richard's forthcoming (and first) full-length solo outing, is out Friday, October 14, up for pre-order at bigstirrecords.bandcamp.com now, and streaming everywhere on the street date. It's a charming slice of heartfelt chamber pop that hints at the retro-pop delights of the album, set for release on CD and Streaming this November.

The album, SOUNDS IN ENGLISH, is a revelation even for fans of Richard's guitar work, harmonies and songwriting across the decades-long career of indie-pop darlings IN DEED. Blending elements of classic pop from the folk-rock '60s and new wave '80 through the alt-rock '90s with a melodic sensibility of his own, Öhrn has crafted an eclectic and inviting set of instantly memorable tunes that's sure to be one of 2022's biggest surprises. “Love And Friendship” is one of the brightest moments on an album that examines the joy and pain of relationships from many perspectives, in musical settings from Zombies- and Hollies-informed pop to smokey jazz-soul workouts and country-based shuffles, unified by Richard's signature Burns electric 12-string and harmonies in the vein of Simon & Garfunkel.

The lilting, piano-and-fingerpicking-led “Love And Friendship” is a warm invitation into Richard's musical world. “It's a positive song about a couple coming back together after a long period apart, not looking back, finding new ways to communicate based on what they know about each other, avoiding doing or saying things that didn’t work out very well in the past,” he says. It's a delightfully understated miniature with a sweet strings break that holds off on the lovely harmonies until well into its two-and-a-half-minute runtime, perhaps signifying reunion. “The little piano melody was an idea inspired by Lennon's 'Beautiful Boy', and the rest just came from there. The rhythm pattern is me clapping on my knees, plus the kick drum. The bass guitar line obviously inspired by McCartney -- it’s a joy to fool around on those high notes, trying to find a pattern that is melodic but stays 'behind' the song itself. This was the last song I wrote and recorded for the album, so it's a bit of a summation and my choice for the first single with its positive message.”

It's the tip of the Swedish iceberg of hooks and bewitching textures that is SOUNDS IN ENGLISH. And it's a sign of things to come as RICHARD ÖHRN prepares to take fans of his IN DEED work and newcomers alike to a completely new musical place. If it captures your ears and your heart as we believe it will, watch Richard's freshly-minted Artist Page at the Big Stir Records website for details on the album in the coming weeks:

www.bigstirrecords.com/richard-ohrn