The pursuit of artistic authenticity, particularly for women in the music industry, is a journey marked by resilience, self-discovery, and a deliberate departure from pre-defined molds. In recognition of International Women’s Day, a diverse group of compelling voices emerging from the Nordic music scene has illuminated the personal rituals that underpin their creative output and offered invaluable advice to aspiring artists. Their insights, shared through a series of candid interviews, underscore the profound power of unwavering consistency, the embrace of imperfection, and the courage to forge a path uniquely their own. This exploration delves into their creative processes, sources of inspiration, and the wisdom they impart, revealing a shared commitment to cultivating a sustainable and fulfilling artistic career.
The Genesis of "HER Way": Breaking Free from Convention
The concept of creating "HER way" transcends mere individual expression; it signifies a conscious rejection of external pressures to conform to established industry archetypes. For these artists, it is about embracing the hyper-personal, drawing strength from lived experiences, and translating those unique perspectives into resonant musical narratives. This ethos is particularly significant in an industry that has historically presented a homogenized vision of success, often sidelining or marginalizing diverse voices. The interviews, conducted in the lead-up to and around International Women’s Day, serve as a testament to the growing momentum of female empowerment and self-determination within the global music ecosystem.
Voices of Inspiration: Advice for the Next Generation
When asked to impart wisdom to younger artists embarking on their creative journeys, the responses from these Nordic musicians were both practical and deeply philosophical. The recurring themes highlight a shared understanding of the challenges and rewards inherent in pursuing a career in music.
Charlotte Dos Santos, a Norwegian-Brazilian artist known for her ethereal and genre-bending sound, advocates for a continuous learning mindset. "Stay curious, spend time on your craft and be your biggest fan," she advises. "Remember your why and look inwards." This emphasis on internal validation and dedication to honing one’s skills is a foundational principle for long-term artistic growth. Dos Santos’s own work, often characterized by its introspective lyrics and richly textured production, reflects a deep engagement with her personal history and cultural influences.
The Danish artist garbagepink, whose music is a vibrant fusion of hyperpop and electronic influences, urges aspiring musicians to prioritize their unique sonic identity. "Don’t be afraid to make music that sounds different," she states. "Don’t necessarily make music that you think people might like. Make the music you like. Trust your gut." This bold assertion challenges the commercial pressures that can often stifle artistic innovation, emphasizing the importance of genuine self-expression over market trends. Her approach underscores the idea that authenticity is a powerful differentiator in a crowded musical landscape.
mags, a Swedish artist whose work often explores themes of vulnerability and resilience, champions authenticity as the cornerstone of impactful artistry. "I would like to inspire other artists to live and create in an environment and way that feels authentic and expansive to them," she explains. "I believe that one of the most powerful ways to make an impact is to remain authentic to oneself in how we create, love and live. I live and create with that in mind and hope to inspire other artists to do the same." Mags’s perspective suggests that a holistic approach to life and creativity, where personal values are integrated into the artistic process, leads to more meaningful and enduring work.
The Finnish band Cyan Kicks, represented by their vocalist Susanna, offers a pragmatic yet encouraging outlook, emphasizing the importance of action over perceived readiness. "I think the biggest thing is not waiting until you feel ready, because most artists never do," she shares. "You just start and grow into it. Courage is way more important than perfection, and imperfection is much more interesting than perfection. The thing you might think makes you weird or different is usually the thing that makes you interesting as an artist. Talent is great, but consistency is what really builds a career. And through all of that, try to protect the part of you that genuinely loves music, because that’s the thing that will keep you going when everything else gets hard." This sentiment resonates deeply within the artistic community, where the fear of not being "good enough" can be a significant barrier to entry. Cyan Kicks’s advice highlights the long-term value of perseverance and the intrinsic reward of creative passion.
The Wellspring of Inspiration: Diverse Influences Shaping Sound
The sources from which these artists draw their inspiration are as varied as their musical styles, reflecting a rich tapestry of personal experiences, cultural observations, and artistic explorations.
Charlotte Dos Santos finds her muse in the everyday and the historical. "I draw inspiration from daily life, experiences, dreams, and books," she reveals. "I love history and I love learning about our ancestors and people who came before us." This connection to the past and a keen observation of the present imbues her music with a timeless quality, blending personal narratives with broader human experiences. Her sonic palette often incorporates elements from jazz, soul, and electronic music, demonstrating a fluid approach to genre.
garbagepink explores the synergy between sound and visuals, often using multimedia to enhance her creative process. "I love experiencing music together with visuals," she says. "In the studio I sometimes play my track over a muted music video on YouTube to see how it comes alive with the footage." This cross-modal inspiration suggests a holistic artistic vision, where music is conceived not in isolation but as part of a larger sensory experience. This approach is increasingly relevant in the digital age, where visual presentation plays a crucial role in music consumption.
mags centers her songwriting on the deeply personal, transforming lived experiences into universal themes. "When it comes to my songwriting I usually draw the most inspiration from my own lived experiences. The good, the ugly and the bad," she explains. "Usually trying to capture the universal by being hyper personal and radically honest. Hoping that it makes someone feel less alone in their experience and/or feelings." Her commitment to radical honesty and emotional vulnerability is a hallmark of her work, fostering a powerful connection with her audience. This approach aligns with a growing trend in contemporary music, where artists are increasingly sharing their authentic selves with listeners.
Cyan Kicks draws inspiration from the internal landscape, using their music as a form of catharsis and healing. "I draw inspiration from my own mental landscape; I take stories for my songs from what’s shouting the loudest inside me at the moment," Susanna states. "It’s usually something heavy or intense, my songs rarely come from happy places. That said, even difficult emotions or experiences can be approached in a positive way and I often try to do that too. When I turn frustration or pain into a song and listen to the first version on repeat it actually helps heal the wound the song originally came from. I hope it can do the same for others too." This profound insight into the therapeutic power of songwriting underscores the emotional depth and relatable struggles embedded in their music. The band’s ability to transmute pain into art that resonates with others is a testament to their empathetic approach.
The Creative Crucible: Unpacking Artistic Processes
The methods by which these artists bring their musical ideas to life are as diverse as their inspirations, ranging from organic, continuous creation to structured studio sessions and collaborative endeavors.
Charlotte Dos Santos views her creative process as an ongoing, subconscious endeavor. "I think my creative process is every day – I think its like this for most humans really, we’re always thinking and downloading information in the back of our minds, subconsciously," she observes. "And having designated days in the studio is important too, to get the music down." This perspective highlights the continuous nature of creative thought, with dedicated time in the studio serving as the crucial phase for tangible output. Her work often exhibits a sophisticated layering of sounds, suggesting a meticulous yet intuitive approach to production.
garbagepink employs a swift, intuitive method in the studio, inspired by rapid sketching techniques. "I usually get my ideas in everyday life, writing down notes or recording voice memos when something comes to me. In the studio I work very quickly with the production," she explains. "When I went to art school we did croquis, drawing fast sketches without overworking them. I approach music in a similar way. I try to capture the foundation of a song quickly before thinking too much, then build from there with vocals and layers of guitars." This "fast sketch" approach to music production allows for spontaneity and the preservation of initial creative energy, preventing overthinking from stifling the raw emotion of a song.
mags has recently embraced a more expansive and cross-disciplinary approach to her creative process, moving beyond autobiographical narratives. "I have seen a shift in my creative process in the past year," she shares. "I have always written autobiographically with myself and (unusually) one other subject being the main characters. Recently I have had an urge to broaden and challenge that way of writing. As a part of that journey I have been dipping my toes into other forms of art through my creative studio CPC studio (cross pollination creatives)." Her latest headliner concert at Vega, which integrated an actress, a light artist, and a musician, exemplifies this innovative fusion of artistic mediums. "The idea of tapping into multiple creative mediums at once to create the most fulfilling creative experience is really driving my creative process at the moment," she adds. This commitment to exploring new artistic territories, blending music with theater and visual art, signifies a forward-thinking evolution in her creative practice.
Cyan Kicks utilizes a collaborative and iterative songwriting process, often beginning with stripped-down arrangements. "We write songs both as a band and with external songwriters," Susanna explains. "It usually starts with a conversation about what we want to write about and what kind of vibe we’re going for. Most of the time we keep it really simple in the beginning, just an acoustic guitar or piano to find the direction instead of spending time building a full production right away." This foundational approach allows for flexibility, enabling the song to evolve organically without being constrained by early production choices. Susanna also highlights the importance of a calm environment for focused writing, stating, "I also need a lot of peace and focus during the writing process – if it gets too loud or chaotic, I kind of shut down." The band’s experience with co-writing has also been a significant growth factor, transforming initial nervousness into a more comfortable and productive aspect of their creative workflow. Their practice of writing on international trips and finishing in their Helsinki studio underscores a global perspective combined with a rooted sense of place.
The Enduring Power of Authenticity and Consistency
The collective wisdom shared by these Nordic artists serves as a powerful testament to the enduring principles of artistic integrity. Their journeys, marked by a commitment to authenticity, a willingness to embrace imperfection, and a dedication to consistent effort, offer a blueprint for aspiring musicians navigating the complexities of the modern music industry. The increasing visibility and success of female artists from the Nordic region, characterized by their distinct voices and innovative approaches, signal a positive and evolving landscape for creative expression. The interviews, compiled as a celebration of International Women’s Day, underscore that the most compelling artistry often emerges when individuals dare to create not in imitation, but in their own unique, authentic way. The creative journey is rarely a straight line; it’s a series of voice memos, studio breakthroughs, and the courage to start before you’re ready. A huge thank you to Charlotte Dos Santos, garbagepink, mags, and Cyan Kicks for sharing their artistic landscapes with us. We hope their words empower you to protect the part of yourself that genuinely loves your craft.
