Interview: Lykke Li
Emerging Swedish pop starlet Lykke Li is among the 10 artists who won the European Unions' "European Boarder Breakers Awards" which rewards debut artists and groups who have successfully crossed their national borders. The award ceremony took place in Groningen (NL) on January 15, on the opening night of Eurosonic, one of the biggest European music industry gatherings. It's a Trap! met her a few minutes before the ceremony and took the opportunity to ask her some questions.
It's been a year since your album was released in Sweden, what have been the highlights for you?
I think there have been so many highlights. Releasing the album on my own label has been a highlight; and all the sold-out tours have been a highlight; and as well meeting Q-Tip and performing with him was amazing.
After all these gigs on both sides of the Atlantic, where did you enjoy playing the most?
I enjoy playing everywhere. If it's a good audience, if it's a good vibe, I really enjoy it. I couldn't choose one place, because they've all been kind of amazing. Paris has been good; and New York is always amazing for me; and Austria was amazing too.
Is there a place where you haven't played and you would like to?
I would like to go to Japan.
You've lived in various countries...
Not so many that people think, but yeah.
Which of these countries/places has had the biggest impact on you?
I think Stockholm has the most impact on me as a person.
What do family values mean to you, being from Sweden and having lived in countries with a much more traditional family structures like Portugal?
My family is very different from other families because we are very non-traditional. I've never celebrated big holidays. There aren't any of those things. There's no guilt involved either. I mean if you can't make it to Christmas, it's fine. Family are the people that will be there for you no matter what.
Some say that you've become a bit of a style icon. Why do you think people in Sweden are so style-conscious?
I think Sweden has always been so updated with culture and that's probably one of the reasons why we are almost as updated as if you go to Paris, or New York or London, it's the same kind of ideas. I think it is what you are shown in early age and people have got a sense of style everywhere; so very high aesthetics and design and everything. And I think that Ingmar Bergman movies, they set the standard.
Swedish music has been very popular abroad. What do you think sets the Swedish music scene apart from the rest of Scandinavia?
I can't say exactly. That's for other people to say, but I think it is coincidence vs. a lot of talent. And then maybe somebody gets successful and inspires other people.
Maybe because of the success of bands like ABBA?
No. I've never listened to ABBA in my whole life. I don't think it's because of ABBA.
Are there any other Swedish artists you admire and respect?
I like Wildbirds & Peacedrums, El Perro Del Mar and The Knife.
How did the collaboration with Röyksopp emerge?
I did that song so long ago, last May probably. And I guess they heard a demo and then they asked me. That was before everything. I just thought I'd give it a chance and then I recorded 2 songs for them.
How come did you choose to cover/remix Kings Of Leon?
They asked me as well because they released it on their EP. I like some of their songs; especially the song that I chose ["Knocked up"] is a song that I really liked.
What do you think European music has to offer, especially in comparison to the US?
I think European music has this quality that is raw and unpolished and real. Not overproduced.
What does it mean winning this award to you, especially since you didn't win the Swedish Grammys? Is it a bit of a vindication?
It's probably bad to say this, but I don't really care about awards so much.
You are in the beginning of a very promising career. At the end of it, would you like to be remembered for its singles or its albums?
For the albums.
What's your music background? Do you play any instruments?
I play the piano.
How did you meet Björn Yttling and Lasse Mårtén and how did your collaboration emerge?
I got Björn's number from a friend and then I called them up. We got on really well and then we started working together.
What about the follow-up to "Youth novels"?
I am still on tour. I am going back to the US in two weeks, and I have quite a lot of touring left to do.
Have you had some ideas already?
I've been on tour non- stop. But I have some ideas, yeah.
Words and picture by Vasilis Panagiotopoulos