So, who are you?

I am Klara, very nice to meet you!

Where are you from?

I am from Lund in the south of Sweden close to the bridge over to Copenhagen. All around the coastline of the South we have wonderful sandy beaches that you should all come to visit in the summers.

How long have you been playing music?

When I was six years old I was asked to sing a solo in front of the whole school and even though I was nervous, I loved it. Then I learned guitar and piano. I am so happy I chose music as the learning never stops and it keeps me very busy in a wonderful way.

What is your dream touring line-up?

I have a dream of putting together a Scandinavian evening at one of my favourite venues in London, Union Chapel. I would love to share the stage with some of my favourites like Ane Brun, First Aid Kit, and some amazing Swedish songwriters I met at a Swedish songwriting camp last year including Annika Norlin AKA Säkert, Cajsa Siik, and Edda Magnason to name a few of them.

What does music mean to you?

It’s a reflection of our inner self. It’s an honest place where we dare to go closer to our emotions then perhaps we do in reality. I have had some truly magical moments both making and listening to music. It heals and brings friends & strangers together.

What artists first inspired you to start playing music?

Tracy Chapman was the first artist I bought all the records by and sang along with the lyrics in my hand. Her voice is so rich and her melodies so delicate. I got more into my guitar playing because of her and found a lot of motivation from listening to her and seeing her play live.

What was the first record you bought when you were younger?

The first record I bought was (hilariously) a Bryan Adams album with ‘Summer of ’69’ on but the first record that made an impact on me was Tracy Chapman’s New Beginning. I remember the day I first heard ‘Give Me One Reason’ and I was hooked on her for years.

What’s the most aesthetically pleasing album cover that you have in your collection?

For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver because I love the frosty window.

What does your writing process look like?

I tend to start with a chord progression on the piano or guitar and then find a melody I like. That is the fun part. Then a phrase that suits the feel of it normally finds its way into the melody and then I start thinking about what I really want to say. The lyric writing process takes the longest for me. It’s so important for me that it lands somewhere in-between poetry and storytelling. I am looking to find words that feel good to sing, sound beautiful in themselves and say something meaningful.

Tell us about your new single ‘Voices’.

I was so down about the cruel behaviour that the likes of Harvey Weinstein were exposed for and the political darkness at the time with Trump and Brexit. I felt so depressed watching the news that I had to go on a news-detox for a few weeks. It felt like there were so many loud voices out there telling lies and pushing people down. Those voices were not representing me. I went to protest marches in Paris and London as it felt good to show up and show my support… and then I guess I wrote my first protest song, ‘Voices’.

Why should people listen to your music?

I hope people will appreciate the care and attention myself and my musicians put into creating an album that I am super proud of. I hope there is a song or two on there for everyone to enjoy!

Recommend us a record, a book, and a movie…

For Emma, Forever Ago – Bon Iver

Daily Rituals: How Great Minds Make Time, Find Inspiration and Get to Work – Mason Currey

The Big Blue – Luc Besson

Any last words for the readers of Highwire Magazine?

Det var roligt att ses. Tack så mycket. Hejdå! – which is Swedish for, “great to see you, thank you so much, goodbye!”