We’re not diplomats. We’re not politicians. We’re musicians. So silence is not an option.

Swedish duo Bara Jonson and Free break the silence with their new single “War Is Over”, set for release on June 13. It’s not a celebration of peace – it’s a reminder of its absence.

“We wrote this song when Russia attacked Ukraine,” says Jonas Tancred (Bara Jonson). “The title might sound hopeful, but it’s about the brutal distance between what could be and what is.” Instead of a mournful ballad, they chose a driving, upbeat sound – something that makes you sing along before you realize what you’re singing. “We wanted to create something people would feel,” says Malin Östh (Free). “Because war is still here. In Ukraine. In Gaza. In Sudan. And silence is no longer an option.”

With performances across major international festivals – from Indie Week Canada, MIDEM France, and Summerfest USA, to Live at Heart and Future Echoes in Sweden – Bara Jonsonand Free are no strangers to big stages. But “War Is Over”, is not about stages. It’s about choosing not to look away. The duo are also the founders of Lilla By Festivalen, in Rinkaby, Sweden, now in its fifth year, slated for June 13-14, 2025, promoting music with meaning and international dialogue.

Yet this song is deeply personal. This is not a protest anthem. “It’s not a feel-good singalong. It’s a line in the sand”, says Bara Jonson and Free.

“War Is Over”will be released on all major streaming platforms on June 13: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon, Pandora, Deezer, Tidal and more. Advance pre-listen only:

Follow the 14-day release series on Instagram: instagram.com/barajonsonandfree/

For more on Bara Jonson and Free visit: barajonsonfree.com/

Editor’s Note: In the 60’s war and protest songs made a difference in the world and are still sung today. “War Is Over” has strong lyrical content that can stand up to the quality of those iconic anthemic songs today.