Where can we find you right now and what are you up to?
In short, I am a singer based in Los Angeles. I sing background vocals for a variety of artists and productions - such as rock band Wings of Steel and Ultimate Jam Night at Whisky A Go Go. I also have my original project - blues/rock band Swedish Highcoast Ensemble - alongside amazing guitarist Marcus Lundqvist, for which I sing lead and co-write all the material.
Photo by Emily Hafele
Tell us a bit about your influences.
I think two bands that has perhaps inspired me the most throughout the years would be Fleetwood Mac and the Allman Brothers Band. I used to be such a Stevie Nicks fan - I bought all her records, cut my bangs just like hers and once went all the way to London (from Sweden) with my best friend just to see her live.
Some of my earlier vocal influences also comes from jazz, with vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker, alongside Swedish Jazz singer Monica Zetterlund. I always found their ways of using their voices to be so mesmerizing - almost mimicking horns or other instruments, varying their tone and note choices so freely.
I also got a lot of musical influences from my parents - gospel from my mother, with lots of Mahalia Jackson and the choir By Grace, as well as hard rock from my father - the rock band Y&T was hands down one of our favorite bands to listen to.
Photo by Ryan Halub
How did you start?
Music has always been a big part of my life. I grew up in Sweden and music was always sung and played in the house I grew up in. My mom was in a gospel choir and would bring me to their rehearsals, and my dad would always be so thrilled so share with me his favorite records. My mother and father has always had this massive appreciation and admiration for music, which I think they passed on to me.
I began singing in a gigging choir around the age of 3, and we did our first tv performance about a year later. I began playing classical instruments and eventually began studying at this more conservatory-esque music school at the age of 9. From there, it just kind of kept going - I was studying everything from classical, jazz, blues and rock. I just loved it. I started my first band with my best friends - a band named Spiridoula - and we began playing gigs all around Stockholm. We were just so inspired by all these 70s bands, such as Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, writing songs feverishly and just itching to perform.
Inspired by my 70s heroes, I moved to Los Angeles - which is where I reside today!
What obstacles does an emerging artist have to face in our time?
I would say there are quite a few. The landscape is challenging and as an independent or emerging artist you have to wear so many hats, often to sparse or overdue rewards. It is challenging to navigate and to actually figure out how to make a living as a creative, you really have to be so determined and have that relentless work ethic. Nothing is guaranteed and everything can change in blink of an eye, but I do believe that if you are determined to achieve something in your career - you can make it happen one way or another.
What worked for you marketing-wise? What advice or tips would you give to new artists?
Zoom in on your craft and learn everything there is to know about it. Practice practice practice. Listen to different genres, performers and works. Learn about the history of what you do. Knowing your craft, not just well - extremely well - is so important if you intend to make it your life and career.
Also be a good person and contribute to a respectful and kind environment.
What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in five years?
My main aspiration for the future is just to keep being able to do what I love, as cringeworthy as it sounds. In five years time, I hope to still be in music and to keep growing and learning. I’d to love get the opportunities to sing with more artists of different genres and sounds, as well as expanding to different areas of the craft!
Tell us about your latest or upcoming release.
Currently I am singing with a variety of artists and projects around Los Angeles, you will be able to catch me at different shows around as well as some exciting releases coming very soon!
@linnholmstedt