November 2022 - As the spirit of the holidays is about to approach, many artists are looking to celebrate Christmas with some amazing music. This is definitely the case of Eva No. The talented artist just announced the release of a new single named “Smile at Christmas.” This is a quintessential holiday song, because it combines timeless aesthetics with a contemporary pop vibe that makes it all more vibrant and easier to relate to. On the one hand, there is a nostalgic, melancholic tone to the song, particularly because of the lyrics. Still, the nostalgia also brings a feeling of hope.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Eva No. Do you like living in Sweden? Can you recommend this country to people from Asia for example?
Yes, I do! And I can absolutely recommend it to everyone. Even if the winter may be cold and dark, we have four different seasons, which I really appreciate. For visitors, I can especially recommend the High Coast World Heritage outside Örnsköldsvik (where I grew up), and the Stockholm archipelago.
How do you structure your day?
I work as a translator specialized in market communication, so I go to my office every day. When I don’t work, I like to spend my time in the stable (I’m a keen dressage rider), in the gym, and in my music studio at home.
Your latest song is 'Smile at Christmas'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
I wrote this song several years ago. I wanted to do something else than the classic cheerful and happy Christmas music, and instead I decided to focus on the fact that a lot of people spend their Christmas alone. The writing process was actually very smooth, and the melody just came to me without any struggle.
How do you celebrate the Christmas holidays? What traditions do you have associated with them?
Me, my husband and our three daughters always spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at home. After that, we normally go up to Örnsköldsvik in Northern Sweden to visit our family there. We always have a decorated Christmas tree, traditional Swedish Christmas food (smorgasbord style), and in the evening Santa Claus might stop by to hand out the Christmas gifts.
Is Christmas the most important time of the year for you? How do you feel about it?
I like Christmas, it definitely lights up the long winter. But I’m basically more of a summer person.
Can you tell us where you get inspiration for your songs?
Often the inspiration comes from a phrase or a word – or even a social situation. It often starts with a melody in my head, and if I’m lucky, it’s followed by a snippet of text that I can then build on.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
Yes, see my answer to question number 2!
Do you have a dream person with whom you would like to work?
I would really like to work more with Peter Hägerås who produced my second EP “Batteries”. He’s so brilliant, but also extremely busy! But I hope he will have time for a new project soon.
As an artist, what sets you apart from others?
My voice! I would also like to mention my great songwriting skills, but I don’t want to sound too boastful, haha.
What are your plans for the future?
I would really like to release a full album! But a third EP would also be totally OK.