Author name: Odalisque

An interview with Minke about working toward success text Emelie Bodén The UK-born singer, songwriter Minke is now based in LA. After a successful debut in 2019 with her Album “The Tearoom” she got her recognition as an artist and became a darling in the indie-pop scene. With the support from various people and companies she was ready for a breakthrough. But then with Covid-19 more obstacles and life changing events appeared. It became a time for healing and now she has just released her new single “Happier Than Me” on May 10, 2024. In the single she is seen playing piano for the first time and baring her soul in the usual emotionally honest fashion we’ve come to expect. Has navigating the music industry as an openly queer artist presented any challenges? Nothing too crazy so far that I’m aware of! I mean there’s the occasional hateful comment but that’s just the internet. It’s only been this release I’ve presented in my work as openly queer so we’ll see but I do feel like finally there’s been a shift in acceptance, even from when I was last releasing music in 2019. And I wasn’t out then in my life in the way that I am now so it would be disingenuous to not address it at this point. How have these experiences shaped your journey, and what impact do you hope it has on the music community?I’ve been inspired by so many other artists who are out singing and sharing their truth, so I’m just excited to represent and share mine. On May 10th, you released your new single Happier Than Me, Could you explain the background and inspiration behind this song? What is the background of this song and what was your thought process while making it?We were working on another song that whole day. It hit 5pm and we had a break and Dan just started playing these chords. Then we wrote the song in an hour, it came so easily. Especially living in LA, it feels like everyone’s always living their perfect lives but that’s not really the case. What personal significance does your new single ‘Happier Than Me’ hold for you, especially in the context of the challenging years marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and other hardships? I was in such a whirlwind by the end of 2019 having the best time. I’d just settled into LA, out at shows every night, making new friends, my career was going well. But I probably wasn’t practising a lot of self care and looking back on it, still had some demons to wrestle with. Covid was really helpful in forcing me to be introspective. The line ‘parents still alive and still together holy shit that’s rare’ doesn’t apply anymore but I didn’t want to change anything as it was such an honest expression and I like it as a timestamp of that part of my life. photography Lucia Garcia   At this stage in your life, do you feel a sense of healing from past challenges, or do you find yourself still on the journey toward recovery and self-improvement?I definitely do feel a sense of healing. At times in the past few years my life felt like a horror movie so growing from all those experiences has made me wiser and more appreciative of the happier times I find. It’s a never ending journey though and I’m a very curious human so I’m always on the lookout for ways to expand my horizons. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for the future of your music career? Are there any new directions or projects you’re particularly excited about pursuing?The next single is unlike anything I’ve released before and the songs for the rest of the year all show different sides of me and who I am now, I can’t wait for them to be out in the world! Link to spotify and new single “Happier Than Me” here!

Tessa Rae – “if you still like me in the morning, maybe we’ll run away” text Emelie Bodén California Native Tessa Rae moved from Oakland to Los Angeles at an early age. The byproduct of creatives that founded the Wasteland clothing stores, Rae has been surrounded by fashion and music her entire life. She spent her youth immersed in her father’s vast vinyl and vintage rock t-shirt collections. Tessa Rae has crafted compelling pop music through a multitude of stylistic lenses before settling into a sweet spot writing folk-tinged indie-pop in 2022. As Rae builds towards the release of her Sweetly, Softly EP later this summer, each new single is a continuing exploration of the genre; displaying her innate talent for compelling emotion and imagery in her lyricism, and setting the tone for an exciting year to come. May 15th indie-pop singer-songwriter Tessa Rae shares her yearning new single “if you still like me in the morning.” The achingly sincere track examines Rae’s experience with jealousy as she wrestles with feelings of anxiety, desire, and uncertainty after having a dream where her crush chooses to return to a relationship with an ex. “If you still like me in the morning” is the second single offering from Rae’s upcoming EP Sweetly, Softly, arriving this summer. How would you describe your musical style today?It’s indie pop with a lot of folk and bedroom pop influence. I’ve never been a pop girl but I love a good pop song structure. I think my sound is a whimsical amalgamation of a lot of niche influences. Tell us about your new single. How was it writing it, how has it been creating it?“if you still like me in the morning” was inspired by a dream I had that mirrored some emotions I was probably hiding from myself. It’s a little honeymoon love story with a big dose of jealousy. I wrote most of it alone on acoustic guitar and it turned out much more upbeat and colourful than I had envisioned. What emotions do you want listeners to have when they listen to your music?I hope listeners experience a spectrum of emotions—curiosity, nostalgia, a sense of connection. There is power in accepting there is no good without the bad. I try to grapple with that in my writing and I think people can relate to that dichotomy. What inspires you to write and create music?Songwriting is just an itch I have to scratch. It’s an instinct I follow that always leads me somewhere new. I love the unpredictability of it. It’s important to keep creating and exploring new versions of yourself. dress Yume Yume Tell us three things about you that are important or funny?I’m the most indecisive person I know. I am likely to become a crazy cat lady. Rae is my middle name. Do you have any wishes? Advice for others?I’m working on feeling more confident and learning to enjoy being perceived. It’s touch and go. My hope is to lean into that. Advice for others…light the candle. Take the walk. Write in your journal. It’s the little things that make a big difference.   What do you enjoy doing when not working?I’m so boring, all my friends would say music is my only hobby! It’s literally my favourite way tosocialise. There’s nothing like it. I also love practising tarot. It grounds me and reminds me there are greater powers at be. How do you keep yourself sane with all your attention and work?I have a calm yet chaotic energy so I’ve found staying busy helps me stay sane. I’m a chronic over-thinker. Sometimes the less time with my thoughts the better. What do you gather energy from?I am an introvert at heart. I love time alone at home with my animals. I’m super cliche. Give me some sage, some incense and some mind numbing reality tv and I can usually find my happy place. What are your plans for the summer and autumn?Savouring the simple pleasures. Releasing an EP I’m endlessly proud of. Also envisioning a real New York moment in my near future. Listen to her new single ‘if you still like me in the morning’ here. cardigan & top Alexander Wangskirt Amuse Boucheshoes Jacquemus photography & videography Shane McCauleycreative director & stylist Tara Boyetteset designer Bawb Masonmakeup Caroline Hernandezhair Takuya Sugawaraset assist Tad Mulugetaprod assist Stefanie King Warfield dress Alexander Wangtights Wolfordshoes Femmejewelry Flair Goods

The New Era Interview with Jireel text Yasmine M photography Sandra Myhrbergfashion Jahwanna Berglund total look HUGOjewelry Maria Nilsdotter The Swedish artist Jireel is back. He is one of Sweden’s biggest in his game of feel-good tracks and ready to take on 2024. Odalisque meet up with Jireel for an editorial photoshoot embracing the new era of his artistic side. Talking about everything from his devoted fans, how to take care of his mind, and of course the new album and tour annoncement. From ”Snap” to ”Cataleya” in 2017, how do you feel you have evolved throughout the years? I definitely feel like I’ve evolved a lot. Coming into the industry, I wanted to work with as many different artists and producers as possible. In the end, you learn something from every person you work with. It goes a lot faster for me now to create music, and everything is just super natural. Experience is the key. How would you describe your musical style today?I honestly feel like my style is my style. My sound has been shaping into this fusion of all the genres I’ve been touching lately. When you listen to my music today, I think you will find flavors from hip-hop and RNB, to afro beats, kizomba, and pop in my latest album, and it’s that fusion that makes my sound unique to me. Tell us about your new album. How was it writing it, how has it been creating it?It’s been a fun journey. I’ve been going a little back and forth about the exact tracklist, but I tried to connect as much to personal experiences and feelings as possible in this album. To do that I had to feel a lot myself, and I also had to touch my roots to get out the sound I wanted for the album. What emotions do you want listeners to have when they listen to your music and new album? I want my listeners to relate, and be able to feel what they need to feel for the songs. The album is designed for you to just feel. There are some songs on the album I think you can relate very differently to, some songs will make some people dance and smile, while the same song can on the other side make people miss somebody, or relate directly to a prior situation in their lives. I want to touch both the heart and the mind with this album. total look HUGObelt Oscar Jacobsonring Maria Nilsdotter What inspires you to write and create music?Everything around me. Personal stories, stuff that happens around me, and certain feelings and experiences. Tell us three things about you that are important or funny?1. Don’t mess with my sleep. 2. Avoid me when I’m hungry 3. I just dropped an album and you are really missing out if you haven’t listened yet. Do you have any wishes? Advice for others?I always wish for my family, and the people around me to be good, all of them. My advice for others would be: to avoid negativity. Life’s too short and we should all do the best of it, and really try to live our lives to the fullest. You have your very own record label Records by MOTY, how does that feel?It was a natural step in my career. I’m reaching my 10th year as an artist, and I’ve learned so much stuff along the way. What I want to do is to help the next generations of artists get into the industry the right way. I want to give artists the right tools to be able to create as good music as possible, and at the same time teach them how the music industry works, and help them avoid mistakes that can be avoided. You have your very own record label Records by MOTY, how does that feel?It was a natural step in my career. I’m reaching my 10th year as an artist, and I’ve learned so much stuff along the way. What I want to do is to help the next generations of artists get into the industry the right way. I want to give artists the right tools to be able to create as good music as possible, and at the same time teach them how the music industry works, and help them avoid mistakes that can be avoided. robe and trousers OASvest and shoes Filippa Knecklace and bracelet Maria Nilsdotterring Izabella Display shirt OAStrousers Tiger of Swedenbracelet Cartierrings Maria Nilsdotter suit Oscar Jacobsonturtleneck Filippa Kjewelry Izabel Displayphotography Sandra Myhrberg fashion Jahwanna Berglundgrooming Adam Nilssonassistants Idde Beskow & Lovisa Zettergrenspecial thanks Näsby Slott What do you enjoy doing when not working?I really love training, mostly in the gym but I’m down to play almost any sport as well. Other than that I like reading, and just taking time off to relax. How do you keep yourself sane with all your attention and work?I think it’s important to have a good structure in work, and in life, but also to have a good set of people around you. People who look out for you, people who care about you, and people who keep it real with you. With all the different projects in your life, how do you gather energy? Has living in another country changed anything?Routines, I get my energy from staying disciplined with my food, my training, and my mental well-being. Moving to another country gave me so much more time to focus on myself, and my music, and I really found my safe spot in Mallorca. What are your plans for the summer and fall?More songs, more music. Being independent really gives me the freedom to release at my own pace. I also got some international collabs thats dropping this summer. This fall, I’ll be performing at Annexet in Stockholm on the 23rd of November, as a part of my Scandinavian tour. I’m really looking forward to playing all this new music with a whole new stage design. Shortly after the release of the spring album ‘Luanda’, the ever-restless Jireel is now releasing a summer single. ‘IBIZA’ is a straightforward declaration of love produced by Dylano, who was also involved in the smash hit ‘MANO’. This fall, Jireel will

Nadja Evelinas Journey as an Artist text Emelie Bodén Nadja Evelina is a Swedish musician and songwriter born in Bollnäs, where her interest for music started. Her first song dropped in 2016 and was a single called “Finast utan filter”. She later released her first album in 2019 “Vi”. Since then she has dropped two more singles this year and will soon be releasing a new song on May 17th. Her plans for the summer is to do gigs and this fall her third album will come out. How did your musical journey begin? What sparked your interest in music, and how did you start pursuing it as a career?Basically my musical journey began with the piano in the living room of the house where I grew up. My dad has always played a lot, which made me interested as well. I have always dreamt of writing, and my dream for a long time was to be an author. But when I was seventeen a friend of mine forced me to try and write a song, which I am eternally grateful for. Writing songs is still my very favorite thing to do. An important starting point of my career was when I met Anton Engdahl. We recorded my first EP in his student apartment of 17 square meters. I slept on an air mattress on the floor and we ate a lot of cheap ramen noodles with chickpeas. I remember it as some kind of euphoria, the whole process felt really easy. We didn’t expect much, but then I released my debut single ”Finast utan filter” which kind of took off. From there it kind of went naturally, I played shows and we kept writing and recording while working different shitty jobs. Can you describe your sound, and what influences have shaped it over the years?I listen to a lot of different genres, but my heart lies in Swedish indie pop and I think that is something that my sound reflects. I tell myself every year that this is the year that I have to learn to play the guitar myself, but we’ll see. At this pace I’ll be able to do really sick guitar solos when I’m like 70 years old. For my upcoming third album I’ve searched for a sound that feels more messy and raw. I want the sound to reflect the themes in the lyrics, which are basically excerpts from my diary and different moments and feelings in life where you feel a lot, both highs and lows. I want the songs to sound like that as well, like, to put my heart on the line both in the lyrics and in the sound. What’s your opinion on the current state of the music industry, and how do you see it evolving in the future?I think the music industry right now is both trickier and more free than ever. Basically anybody can record and release music, which reflects in a very diverse presence of different voices and genres. Right now you have to be on the internet a lot as an artist, which is both a blessing and a curse I think. The best thing is that you get a very direct communication with your listeners, I feel like that’s an extension of the music in some way. I think that’s the whole point of art, that we’re all just wanting to feel connected to each other. *On the other hand, live music is bigger than ever, and I think that there is a longing for things that are happening in real life. Things that you can’t or don’t want to share online, that you have to be there to experience in the moment. If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be and why?A big dream of mine is being able to play arena shows. I really can’t think of anything cooler, just like a huge party with a huge crowd. If it comes to that, I’m really not that picky in choosing the specific venue haha. Finally, what advice would you offer to aspiring musicians who are looking to pursue a career in music?Trust your gut in art and life. Surround yourself with people that get you and get what you do, it’s important to not be an island. Also prepare for a life of ups and downs, this is a cliché, it really is an emotional roller coaster. Remember to enjoy the process as you go, and also just do it! There’s no point in hoarding great songs and not giving people a chance to hear them. You can find her spotify here! rousers Deadwoodshirt Gestuz / Zalandoshoes Raid / Zalandoearrings astrid&agnes dress & bra Samsøe Samsøetights Swedish Stockingstie Deadwoodshoes Stylist’s Ownearrings Efva Attling trousers Baum Und Pferdgartenshirt Stylist’s Ownshoes Raid / Zalandonecklace pfg STOCKHOLMflower ring By Jolimafeminine sign ring Sägen shirt Baum Und Pferdgartenskirt Deadwoodtights Swedish Stockingssunglasses Longchampnecklace pfg STOCKHOLMearrings By Jolimaring Poetsofbabylon shirt Stylist’s Ownearrings pfg STOCKHOLMbug ring Ioakueye ring Efva Attlinggreen, blue & red rings Poetsofbabylonpatterned ring pfg STOCKHOLMflower ring By Jolimafeminine sign ring Sägen