XOLYDIA is a Singer/songwriter who comes from Sweden but currently lives in the United Kingdom, London. Her latest track and debut 'Tuned To You' is in the vein of classical music with Indie pop and Electronica. The track premiered on the 1st of December and on this occasion we are pleased to learn some interesting facts from the artist herself, who described her experience at length. It is worth paying attention to it and find out how interesting a person Julia Grundström is, because that is her real name. Without further ado, I invite you to read the interview.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey XOLYDIA, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
Hi Kamil, thank you and likewise.
I think that my biggest strength is my ability to transform my emotions to sounds and words. Creating melodies comes easy to me and when I create I usually have to hurry to record it while it’s still fresh in my mind. I also really enjoy being on stage and believe that I have an ability to tell stories with my singing and make the listeners feel what I do.
What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
I have a deep love for music and can listen to the same song or album over and over without getting tired of it. There is something magical about a great composed song that makes me want to wrap myself in the tones and explore the music piece deeper and deeper with every listening.
I keep getting fascinated over how people can connect over music. It’s something so universal and strong. Whether it is a song at a funeral to honor a loved one, a song you sent to a friend when they were having a low day or a great hit that you dance to at the club that makes your whole being vibrate in the pace of the music.
I write my own songs because there are few things that make me feel so alive or create such a spark of inspiration in me. Music has been my therapist throughout life, there is always a song that can match your mode and if there isn’t I’ll create it myself.
Your latest track is 'Tuned To You'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
The song ’Tuned to You’ started out as a reflection over my own relationship patterns. I read a book by the author Liv Strömquist, original title ’Prins Charles känsla’ which dives deep into how relationships have shifted in dynamics and constellation throughout the history and have been influenced by gender roles, the view on sex in society, politics, economic dependence vs independence, and more. The book and a couple of personal experiences changed my way of thinking about love and I suddenly saw hollow messages shine through in everything from romantic comedies to TV commercials. ”Giving it all” to someone else, is often cherished as something beautiful in modern media and relationships are presented as the golden solution to all problems. Is that really romantic or is it in fact destructive, I asked myself. I wanted to explore the backside of these messages.
I actually started to write the first sentences of this song in the middle of the night. The inspiration came to me just when I was about to fall asleep and I had to wake myself up and write it down. I have learned the hard way that you won’t remember your ”brilliant ideas” in the morning if you just continue sleeping…
Are you interested in psychology? After listening to 'Tuned To You' you might get that impression.
I am very interested in psychology. I find it fascinating to explore how and why people think and behave in certain ways, both on a group level and on an individual level.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
AURORA is an artist I really look up to. I think she creates magical music and I also admire her authenticity and integrity.
One of my favorite artists is Marina. I find her lyrics very well written and interesting. She has really shown that you can make great pop music about serious topics. She is definitely someone I have taken inspiration from when writing my own material.
Another musician and producer I found really inspiring is Lana Del Rey. I love her atmospheric sound and her voice is so deep, powerful and emotional.
Describe your favorite venue for performing.
I enjoy performing in smaller venues. It gives you the chance to really connect with your listeners and be in the moment together. I like a place with a homely atmosphere, dimmed lights and an engaged audience.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I would describe it as reflective and exploring. I like to dive deep into the theme I write about and find an angle where I connect on a personal level. Sometimes I have no choice, I feel something so strong that I just need to write about it. I would say that I write pop songs, highly influenced by my background in classical music and with a tendency to use harmonics that are common in Swedish psalms.
Who inspired you to make music?
My older brother played the guitar when we grew up. He used to record riffs in his bedroom and one day he gave me a sound card and a microphone. I used to write lots of poems from an early age and when I got the tools to record, it felt only natural to make melodies and harmonies to them. Music has been a big part of my upbringing and most of my close friends were very musically talented. One of my friends I met at high school, Karin used to create her own songs and we started to create together. She inspired me greatly and it was a joy to make music with her.
I also was a big fan of Kate Bush and dreamed of one day making something as beautiful as I perceived her music.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Haha yes, I thought that was mandatory? I mostly sing Adele songs or songs from musicals, like ”I dreamed a dream” or ”Never enough”. Today I sang ”I’m just a mess” by Tones and I.
What are your plans for next year?
I have a couple of demos that I want to continue working on and my goal is to release one or two of them as singles the coming year. I will also write new material and sketch out the framework for an EP, but that will be a later project.