Zeigeist
| Company type | Collective |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music, Visual arts |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Defunct | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Stockholm , Sweden |
| Products | Electropop music, Visual art performances |
Zeigeist was a Swedish collective combining electronic music and visual arts, active between 2006 and 2009. Originating as a collaboration of artists, musicians, and designers, they pioneered the concept known as art'ntainment. Their first album, The Jade Motel, was launched in Sweden on 30 April 2008 and reached number fifty-three on the Swedish Albums Chart. At that point, the ensemble comprised three members: Pearl, Princess, and Mattias. Zeigeist gained recognition for merging electropop sounds with compelling visual artistry.
Their live performances were characterized by couture-inspired costumes, dramatic elements such as artificial blood and confetti, alongside intricate stage setups. A highlight was their 2007 appearance at Arvikafestivalen, which featured a dystopian narrative presented in three acts, accompanied by exclusive short films created specifically for the event. Their unique photographic sessions also played a significant role in defining their artistic identity.
One of their notable tracks, "Tar Heart," attracted attention during the Myspace period through an unconventional marketing approach where it was incorrectly labeled as a song by The Knife on an early leak of Silent Shout (2006). This misattribution sparked curiosity until it was confirmed to be Zeigeist’s work. The demo version of "Tar Heart" was ranked number sixty in Pitchfork Media’s "Top 100 Tracks of 2006."
Prior to their unexpected dissolution, Zeigeist issued their final single—a rendition of Roxette's debut hit "Neverending Love" (1986)—as a digital EP released on 18 February 2009. This EP featured the original composition "Chasing Your Shadows All Around the World" and a remix of "Humanitarianism" by The Twelves. The band’s split was announced enigmatically on their official website with a message citing personal reasons.
Following Zeigeist’s end, Pearl, who had been the main creative force behind the music, embarked on a solo career under the name Pearl Fiction.
Studio album
- The Jade Motel (2008)
Singles
- "Black Milk" (2007)
- "Bunny"/"Humanitarianism" (2008)
- "Wrecked Metal" (2008)
- "Wrecked Metal" (The Cello Version) (2008)
- "Cuffs" (2008)
- "Neverending Love" (2009)
External links
- Zeigeist on Myspace
- The Jade Motel on Popjustice
- The Jade Motel on BIGSTEREO
- The Jade Motel on Release Magazine