Words by Nargis Borhan
With a single reaching gold status in Denmark and Norway there’s nothing this Swedish artist can’t do. Pop singer SVEA spoke to Nargis Borhan about supporting Irish band Picture This, attending music school, and collaborating with other artists.
How are you? What have you been up to recently?
I’m really good, thank you. I’ve been a lot in the studio making new music and preparing for a release. It still feels like I’m coming back to my routine after Christmas but I’m really excited about this year. Last year was amazing and I can’t wait to release more music and show people more of myself.
For those that aren’t familiar to your music, please could you introduce yourself and the music you make.
My name is SVEA and I’m an artist and songwriter from Sweden. I’m 20 years old and I make pop music influenced by R&B and soul. I would describe my music as direct and I hope people can find comfort and happiness in my music.
Who did you listen to growing up? And your inspirations now?
I grew up listening to a lot of Swedish music and artists such as Veronica Maggio, Oskar Linnros and Robyn. I also listen a lot to Ms. Lauryn Hill and The Fugees. Today I listen to a lot of different things, but my favorite artists are Rihanna and Kehlani.
You supported Irish band Picture This a few months ago. How was that?
It was absolutely amazing. Definitely one of the highlights of 2019. I learned so much about myself and my music and it made me realized that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. It was also my first time ever performing in the UK and in Germany. Can’t wait to go back one day and have my own headlining shows there.
You attended Rhytmus Music School in Stockholm (previous students are Robyn, Tove Lo, Icona Pop), how was your experience there and how did that impact you as a musician?
Rytmus was a good school and a good place for me to keep learning and develop my passion for music. I had a lot of time to practice singing in school and also got to know a lot of friends I shared my passion with.
What advice would you give those studying in a music school?
I would say that focus on yourself and don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone is good at their own thing and you can’t compare music, it’s art and a way of expressing yourself. Also, get to know people that you can share the experience with, it makes it all so much more fun.
You collaborated with CMC$ on ‘Stupid Dumb’ which came out last month, what was that like?
It was fun! CMC$ is amazing and super talented. Happy he wanted me to be a part of the track!
You released a new single with Italian artists Merk & Kremont and Ernia. How did that collaboration come about?
Merk & Kremont heard about me and my music and asked if I wanted to do a song with them, and how could I say no? The guys are awesome and we both loved Numb right from the first time we recorded it. It was the guys’ idea to see if Ernia wanted to add a rap and when he sent the first draft it was clear to everyone that he would be feature on the song. It has been a lot of fun to make ‘Numb’ together and we even recorded the music video in my hometown Stockholm. I am extremely excited that it’s released.
Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with?
Oh there’s so many, I would love to do something with Drake, Rihanna, Kehlani, Robyn, Tove Lo etc. The list can go on for days.
‘Complicated’ has gone gold in Denmark and Norway, reaching almost 30 million streams on Spotify, congratulations! How does that feel? Did you ever expect it to do so well?
Thank you so much, I never expected it. Of Course I thought the song was great before I released it but you never know how other people are going to feel when they hear it, so I’m really happy people loved it.
What’s the goal for 2020? What can we expect?
It’s to release a lot more music and be out playing even more. Hopefully all over. You can expect SVEA 2.0!
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