In this interview spotlight, I chat with singer/songwriter Helga Arvesten about her latest project, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I was born in Sweden which in todays world would mean that I am from Sweden, but I feel that I belong to every place where I have had a home. This is why I consider myself I citizen of the world – from everywhere.
The music I create is a reflection of my inspiration and emotions. Often melancholic, always honest and most times complex in the arrangement and feel. My music is the perfect representation of a moment of my life being captured and expressed through sound.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
Music has always been a part of me. I don’t have any musicians in my family but my parents are great lovers of music which led to me being introduced to my hidden calling. I remember well our first year abroad, I was six years old and adjusting to the move to Sri Lanka with my family. We only had a television but the channels had nothing which I could understand so instead I would put on the “Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band” Album by the Beatles and dance to “Lucy in the sky with diamonds”, the song made me uncomfortable with the strange sounds and vibe it gave off but I loved it at the same time. I think that is what made me a musician, the curiosity and bonding I had with music.
So basically I didn’t really have a choice since expression through sound has been my rock for as long as I can remember. My motivation is my development, since it is the aspect which gives me the power to grow in my expression, and like most artists, I just honestly want to have the time and resources to commit my life to doing what I love.
How is “Next To You” different than previous releases? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
“Next To You” is different since it is the most independent track I have released. I have had the luck to have met people who I can work with in those areas which I am not comfortable, like my genius Co-Producer Erik Berglund who gets the concept and helps me take my messy productions and make the right stuff shimmer, and my talented pianist Mikael Nilzén who brought to life the old school Mike Garson like arrangement with his own originality.
I already feel through just completing the track the I have accomplished a whole lot, but of course I would love to see a growth not only on a personal level but in the finding of “my people” (audience), the ones who like their emotions being stirred up, shaken and twisted into a different shape. It’s great making music for yourself, but the best part is sharing it with others.
Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?
I do. I belong to the “alternative” category when people decide to place me somewhere and there are an unlimited amount of forums, bloggers, playlists and sites to reach out to with the hopes of getting recognition or just feedback. Finding the places suited for what I do is difficult since sometimes it cannot be determined what kind of music I make, and I often see that if you can’t place it in a box or compare it to something people “know” these resources, which are great opportunities, don’t really want to lend there time to get to know this new thing.
Technology has helped in letting me keep track of my growth and fan base. It also gives me the opportunity to be available everywhere without a record label. Being able to release your own material without an approval is great since it gives creative people the chance to share, even if it is difficult to be found on the internet at least you are there. The sad part is that on some level it is a game of luck and hopefully somebody stumbles upon your song, listens for more than 10 seconds, and feels committed enough to share your hard work.
Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?
I am available an all platforms, so to listen to new or older material I’ll post the links bellow…
Also if you what to keep updated on me on a more general level check out these forums …
Anything else before we sign off?
New exciting music coming soon so stick around and here the rest <3 and remember to take your protein pill and put your helmet on (some people will get the reference)
Thank you for your time!
