The Rise of "Climate Zombies" – A Synthpop Journey with 'The Shadows Are Dancing'

It all began in March 2019 with a simple, playful idea. Ola Stålebrink, the creative force behind what would later become Climate Zombies, was casually asking people if they fancied joining a synthpop band. Whether it was to be a singer, drummer, or whatever role could be figured out, Ola was keen to form something unique and fun.

The spark for the project was first ignited at the Eksjö Stadsfest in 2018, a vibrant summer music festival. It was there that Ola's friend Marcus expressed his willingness to join the band, suggesting they play some eighties-inspired music. This nostalgic nod to the synth-driven sound of the past was the catalyst. Ola, inspired by the idea, set out to write a song. But this wouldn’t be just any song—it needed an intriguing title, something that reflected the concerns of today’s world.

In the eighties, much of the music was deeply influenced by the Cold War, a time of anxiety and uncertainty. Today, the looming crisis is climate change, a global issue that dominates conversations and headlines. With this in mind, Ola began crafting a song centred on environmental concerns. He selected four chords, and the result was "Climate Zombies".

Without hesitation, Marcus agreed to lend his voice to the track. Sadly, Marcus passed away on the 12th of December 2021, but his voice and memory remain immortalised in the music they created together. The band, named after that very first song "Climate Zombies", was born. While Marcus is no longer with us, his contribution to the band will always be celebrated, a testament to his talent and spirit.

Ola’s journey with Climate Zombies didn’t end there. Another notable collaboration came with Mia Einarsson, who lent her vocals to two tracks, "Bara en illusion" and "I Feel So Alone". Both songs turned out exceptionally well, leaving Ola hopeful for more collaborative projects with Mia in the future.

In the summer of 2019, Ola invited Lasse Ugarph to collaborate on a new track, and the outcome was nothing short of spectacular. By the autumn of the same year, Lasse had officially become a member of Climate Zombies, cementing the evolving band’s lineup. While their music touches on modern anxieties such as climate change, it also delves deeply into mental health struggles. For Ola, Climate Zombies isn't just about catchy synth melodies; it’s also about reflecting on the challenges many face in trying to regain balance in life, especially in an age of increasing pressure.

The evolution of Climate Zombies mirrors the personal and global struggles of the past few years. From a casual conversation at a city festival to a full-fledged band grappling with issues like climate change and mental health, Climate Zombies has grown into something more than just a synthpop project. With its deep-rooted themes and powerful collaborations, it’s clear that the shadows are dancing to more than just music—they're dancing to the rhythm of our times.

As Ola Stålebrink continues to steer the project forward, the future of Climate Zombies promises more thought-provoking music, blending personal reflection with social commentary, all under the banner of an irresistibly retro sound.