New York-based Pop artist, Helena Hallberg, is delighted to share her new single “Last Love”, due April 24th, 2020. The song continues the artist’s exploration in her adamance of staying true to herself. With the lyrics and music crafted by Helena Hallberg, Last Love unapologetically reinforces the immutable choice of refusing to waste love on someone who doesn’t deserve it. Through all troubled and happy times, sticking to your roots and knowing yourself well enough to realize when someone isn’t worth the trouble always prevails.
Last Love is the anthem of standing up for yourself when it comes to intimate relationships with someone who doesn’t quite deserve you, backed by the punchy sound and unforgivable lyrics.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Helena about her latest music, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Well the short version is that I’m Swedish, but I was born in Switzerland. I lived in the US for a few years as a kid, which has definitely led to some confusion about where I’m from. But— I usually say that I’m Swiss/Swedish.
I’m a pop musician for sure. I definitely draw from other genres though, and with the term “pop music” being ever-changing, I like keeping an open mind in letting the music take me where it wants to go.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I like thinking that I didn’t have a choice, in the best kind of way. I tried not living in the arts for a few years because I was scared of failure— but once I embraced that I was doing it because anything else would make me miserable, I started seeing that failure meant growth and that that’s what I wanted in life. I very much use music for self-exploration, not just self-expression, which definitely keeps me going. And I really hope I can bring listeners along on that journey.
Also, experiencing other people’s music definitely always inspires me. Hearing what they have to say and how they say it is absolutely mesmerizing to me, no matter what their genre or medium is.
How is the release of “Last Love” different from previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
“Last Love” is definitely an embrace of process. Not just the song itself, which talks about letting go of things that don’t serve you, but just in its creation.
With my last EP “Blind”, I was so fixated on having this clean result, and “Last Love” was more about the process. Feeling the thing, writing about it, and then getting to play with a bunch of awesome musicians about it. It’s been a really cool process, and I know I’m always going to be more grateful and focused on my process from now on, as opposed to the result.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
Not being as visible, the pressure of constantly having to create content or risk being forgotten. It can definitely make you feel small. But I try to remind myself that I don’t do it to be visible. If what I do makes one person feel something, then it’s worth it.
Being from Europe, I have a pretty split audience between the US and Europe. So technology has always been a huge help for me to be able to connect with everyone. Linguistically, too; Sharing a recording of myself playing a Swedish folk song for example— it helps people experience how much I’m still connected to where I came from.
What was the last song you listened to?
“Hurra, Diese Welt Geht Unter” by the German Hip Hop group K.I.Z. feat. Henning May
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
To me, nothing can beat vinyl. The feeling of holding this analog piece of carved vinyl and hearing every scratch in it is incredible. I think the smaller the format, the less a listener can feel the weight that has gone into creating a piece of music.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
If you’re interested in seeing my process, definitely my Instagram @helenahallbergmusic. If you’re looking for results, I’d say my YouTube channel or Spotify!
Anything else before we sign off?
Yeah! I’m streaming a live concert from my studio on April 17th at 3pm (EST). More details on my Instagram!
Also, I would definitely encourage people to go check out the musicians featured on the track. They’re all accomplished instrumentalists and all-round great human beings:
Red Hawley (Trombone)
Ruaridh Pattison (Saxophone)
Giveton Gelin (Trumpet)
Dan Chmielinski (Bass)
Charles Goold (Drums)
Jack Gulielmetti (Guitar)
Josh Kight (Organ)
