Swedish guitarist and bassist Lindgren joins Austin Sexton in Gibson’s diverse roster of artists
In line with the brand’s ongoing commitment to elevating new music from emerging musicians around the world, the annual Gibson Artist Spotlight program will showcase an evolving roster of musicians who will be featured across Gibson global and international channels.
The Artist Spotlight program debuted in January 2024 with Austin Sexton, and now it welcomes Swedish guitarist and bassist Mona Lindgren into the ranks.
Mona Lindgren plays guitar and bass in rock trio The Gems, is part of the Ladies Got The Blues collective, has a solo project under the name DeMona, and is a freelance session musician. As the bassist in her previous band, Lindgren toured extensively, including a two-month North American arena tour with the Scorpions.
Lindgren received her first Gibson—a black 2004 Les Paul Custom—for her 17th birthday, and it has been her main guitar ever since. In 2023, when her previous band split, she formed The Gems with former bandmates Guernica Mancini on vocals and Emilie Johansson on drums, quickly signing with Napalm Records and reaching the dizzy heights of number two on the German rock radio charts with the single, “Like a Phoenix.”
The Gems’ debut album, “Phoenix,” is out now. We caught up with Mona Lindgren to find out more.
How would you describe your music?
“In most projects I’m involved in, I play blues-infused rock with a pinch of soul. I handle both guitar and bass duties in my band, The Gems, where we focus on classic rock. Additionally, I’m part of the Swedish blues scene as a member of the female blues collective, Ladies Got the Blues. Beyond that, I work as a freelance guitar player for various artists, exploring a wide range of genres.”
What is your favorite piece of Gibson gear?
“My black Gibson Les Paul Custom. I got it from my father on my 17th birthday. Despite trying out countless guitars in every Stockholm music shop, the moment I played this one, its tone resonated deep within my soul. It was unmistakably the guitar, a connection my father could see in my eyes.
“Even though its price exceeded the budget he initially had in mind, it has proven to be the most valuable gift, considering the countless hours I’ve spent with it. It has been my companion through 10,000 hours of practice, my first live show, my biggest live show, and on the best songs I’ve written. I’ve grown with it. That guitar has a great tone, and I’ve always tried to make the most out of it, always focusing on playing with great tone and vibrato.”
What has been the highlight of your musical career so far?
“We opened for Scorpions on their arena tour in North America at the end of 2022. It was a huge experience, and we grew a lot as performers from that. But I must say that being selected for the Gibson Artist Spotlight program is definitely another highlight since I’ve always played and loved Gibson guitars.”
What would be your dream artist or producer collaboration, and why?
“I always get mesmerized by hearing Eric Gales play the guitar. He’s got the most wonderful tone, and such a beautiful singing voice as well. It would be a dream to play or sing with him, but I wouldn’t dare, haha! Derek Trucks and Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram are also huge inspirations for me, but same thing there—I would be too nervous.”
What does being part of the Gibson Artist Spotlight program mean to you?
“Having played Gibson since I was 17 years old, this truly means the world to me. To be recognized by Gibson is a great honor.”
What is next for you?
“We just released our debut album, ‘Phoenix,’ with my band, The Gems. We formed this band at the beginning of 2023, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished in just one year.”
Find out more about the Gibson Artist Spotlight program and visit Mona Lindgren’s Artist Spotlight profile.
