The unusually warm winter weather before Christmas not only caused the flowers to bloom early, but soul music in Scandinavia also seems to have had a growth spurt as we continue to discover new artists, even as we head towards the end of 2015.
Swedish singer Emilie de Paula is one such artist who’s soul/blues voice has already been causing a stir in the Swedish soul underground. In January, the Gothenburg based singer will launch her debut songs.
As a pre-teaser, we have an exclusive video of her track ‘Stone‘, filmed by Haroun Hajem – one of the rising visual artists in Sweden.
We spoke briefly to the stylish, bespectacled singer about her music and the future, starting with her roots.
I have been singing for a mighty long time, working with artist such as The Magnolia and Albin Lee Meldau. I started writing music on my own when I was 15, however seriously when I was 18. I kept it very much hidden and I think that it was mainly only me who saw myself as a singer, not as a songwriter as well. I guess it’s a matter of progress of ones soul, heart and mind – when you’re ready, you’re ready and now is the time for people to get a glimpse of those three components.
What and who are your influences?
Music wise: everything from Mozart and Haydn to D’Angelo and Al Green. Otherwise: situations on the tram, a feeling I woke up with on a Tuesday or a conversation I had with a close friend of mine talking about large or small situations in their life.
How could you describe your sound?
I don’t want to put a label on my music. It’s up to the listener to determinate what they hear and feel. However, strong beats which resonates are very important to me. My core lies within soul music and classical music as well (since I sang opera for many years).
What are your plans for 2016?
Keep doing what I do and develop. Hopefully people will dig what I do and find appreciation in my beats and stories. One can aim high and get stuck in the clouds, hopefully my stories and my sound won’t stay there, but go beyond and reach out to people.
Follow Emilie de Paula on Facebook