1. Thank you very much for your time! Before we introduce your new release to our readers – what kind of drink would you recommend to sip on while they listen to your new music?
Depends on the time of the day! I would probably enjoy the music with a glass of champagne though, because I’m celebrating its release 😉
2. Please give us an update about – new single, new album, tour dates, new videos?!
I’m constantly writing new music! Expect another EP after this one… Also currently putting together a tour in Europe with my new band, I’m super excited about it. Keep an eye out for dates on the website!
3. We live in times of many conspiracy theories. Which, harmless, theory would you wish were true? (For example Dinos living inside Earth or E.T. living in a home in California)
Hahahah “harmless”, I guess that depends on how far you take it. I don’t know of many conspiracy theories but I wish it was true that fossil-fuel companies and governments have been involved in suppressing and masking advances in energy generation (eg fusion!), because well that would mean we are further along the way to endless energy (and making star wars a reality!!) than we thought!
Also, I have myself created a conspiracy theory that classical music is not being modernized and stuck in old institutions that play music from the past because it’s too powerful of an artform if it’d describe the events taking place in our time. Would be cool if I was right. It’s not unlikely no?!
4. What fashion style or brand would best describe your music?
Fjällräven! The Swedish outdoor/adventure clothing brand. When I grew up it was worn by adults, children, everybody who loved exploring nature. Nowadays it’s also worn by Japanese hipsters though…I love that they’re making it a cool fashion statement! (Like when I’m adding synthesizers to acoustic music)
5. Tell us more about your songs! Topics! Message!?
Love, setbacks, self-improvement and serenity. The message is: Whatever it is you want to do, you can do it!
6. Beside music, do you have any special talents?
Hahah once I spent 10 days in the Swedish wilderness carrying a 50kg backpack walking around 30km daily up and down mountains…my special talent is I didn’t even need hiking boots, my ankles were fine! I thank my Icelandic genes.
Also, I climb trees like a monkey.
7. Name 5 things we all should know about you as an artist?!
- I am not a stereotypical folk musician (do all folk musicians say this?).I love boxing and all kinds of work outs, I feel very at home in cities like Shanghai and Singapore, and lately I’ve found out I’m fairly good at founding startups and doing business! Not going to reveal too much about that last one though, maybe next year.
- I have lived with hip hop-obsessed friends as a teenager and know how to rap pretty well. With this in mind, I think it makes sense the way I like to write folk music. Especially songs like New Man and Red lights.
- I’ve been a track and field athlete growing up, and was at one point one of the fastest 800m runners in Sweden. I had to choose between one or the other and I chose music. I’ve heard many times “You’re strong for being a musician”. What does that even mean?? Are my fellow musicians not working out enough??
- In Singapore, I discovered that I really like writing songs for other artists. Don’t be surprised if you hear crazy good songs by new artists written by me very soon!
- Blackpink is my guilty pleasure, and my TikTok cover of Rosé’s song “call it the end” was shared by the official Rosé account. Highlight of my TikTok career so far haha.
8. The road so far…. who or what was your biggest support??
I think my biggest support by far are the people who not just listen to my music, but also let it be known to me. It’s easy for a musician to feel like they don’t contribute to anything important. One time I started crying when a woman sent me a cover of my song where she was playing the piano and singing, in a DM saying something like “Thank you for helping me through the time when I was in the hospital for brain cancer, your songs helped me find the strength“
Or simply when I receive messages like “I listened to your songs after my breakup with my ex” or “I listen to your songs to feel empowered”. It goes a long way for a musician who is doubting whether he is doing something good for the world. I always appreciate people reaching out!
9. A question you’d like to answer, but never been asked in an interview before?! + Answer pls
If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Let’s just say, the only kind of cover band I would be happy to play with would be any kind of tribute to Dire Straits. I wouldn’t hope to collaborate with him, but if I could talk to Mark Knopfler for even a minute, that would be the most amazing thing. He’s one of my great heroes.
Instagram: @freyr.music