Follow is a song full of energy, pace and big expressions. It combines STEELE‘s cinematic influences along with elements inspired by Post-rock music. It’s her most dynamic song to date, with a structure and arrangement that takes the listener up and down, high and low and eventually leads them through a musical maze that’s full of emotion and passion.
In this interview, we chat with Swedish Pop artist STEELE and discuss the newest release, influences and much more.
Full Q&A as well as links and a stream of Follow are below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
Me and my producers, Charles Elmi & Dejan Sajinovic were always into dreamy, atmospheric pop music. At the same time, all three of us have different eccentricities but when put together, our lyrics and heavy driven rhythms merge into this unique soundscape which, to me, is a mix of different worlds.
I think I’ve just let all systems go and my producers managed to capture what I was aiming for – we simply created music from our hearts, completely unhindered and independent from our surroundings. That’s why I believe my music do sound a bit different from other pop music available today.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I started playing the piano at the age of 6 and even though I wasn’t the perfect pupil (in matter of fact, I hated taking piano lessons), music stuck with me and the thing I loved most about it was creating and writing my own songs.
But I have to admit, at that period of time, it was emotionally hard for me to share things I wrote and performing my music in public was out of the question. As far as sharing and performing my music in public, it all started with STEELE. And it does feel amazing to be able to do so!
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
For me, influences can come from anything, from lots of different places. It’s not necessarily from music or musicians, it tends to come from different things like moments, memories, quotes, art, books, and movies.
Lots of STEELE songs came when I and my producers gathered in the studio and just went on with brainstorming the ideas that would come from all kind of places. After a drink or two, someone would grab an instrument or put on a beat and pretty soon someone in the room would start humming to a melody. Once we had a rough idea for a song we would work in parallel with music and lyrics. We still create in that manner, it just works for us.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
Opium EP was a dark collection of songs from a lyrical point of view which also reflects on the productions. Our aim was to create hard hitting, dark pop music and at the same time we were looking for the best possible way to convey it all. I’ll always try to translate my emotions, thoughts and experiences and express it all through melodies and lyrics that I write.
Soon after releasing Opium EP, we had to go right back to the studio to record more songs since we obviously needed more material to be able to perform live and it all culminated in my sophomore EP – Hiraeth which is set to be released this autumn.
For this one, we decided to go for even more dreamy and atmospheric sound and it all came so natural since at this point, it was all crystal clear to me what I wanted to do and how my music should sound and be portrayed. And I feel so excited about it!
What was the last song you listened to?
It is this amazing song by Svedaliza called Marilyn Monroe.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I’d love to say Vinyl but I can’t remember last time I had chance to listen to one. So I guess I have to say MP3 since Spotify is constantly on (not sure about the format they are using though).
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Definitely Spotify. I’m a Spotify junkie. I love the related artists segment, it’s such a great function for exploring new artists and music. It’s just so, how should I put it, fun and effortless.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
I don’t think that I see challenges in that way, it would be too overwhelming. I try to write from my heart. Expressing and creating things is a big part of me, actually a big part of my everyday life and I find it inspirational and beautiful. And I hope that more people feel the same way. All the attention my music got me so far has made me feel deeply affected, humble and happy.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
I just did a gig at this great club in Stockholm called F12 and a few days later (last week) I had a festival gig by the seaside in the city of Oskarshamn. Soon I’ll be able to do more frequent and longer shows once my new EP is out and I’m really looking forward to events to come.
You’re most welcome to follow me on my official Facebook page and iamsteele.com where you’ll find all the scheduled gigs and tours. Don’t be shy to send me a PM if you want me to come to your city for a gig. I will do my best to get there.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
On my Facebook page and through my website.
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
I would really like to thank everybody who by the phone, mail, at my gigs or simply on the street has reached out and expressed nice things about my music. I never really thought it would be like this but all the support I’ve got so far by my fans, friends and family has made me encouraged, inspired and eager for more. I’m deeply thankful to you all!
