Interview with Kerstin Ljungström
Written by Emelie BodénFor nearly a decade, Kerstin Ljungström has dedicated herself to working as a producer, live musician, songwriter, and studio technician for some of our brightest stars. Finally, on October 13th, her debut album takes its place in the British pop landscape. It's a tumult of everyday melancholy, a nod to the music that has carried her through it all – with Kerstin's velvety vocals, uncensored stories, vibrant productions, and rarely witnessed musicality serving as the overarching theme.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
From the first moment I started singing and playing the guitar, it felt like I'd found “my thing.” Nothing else made me more excited or drew me in the way music did. It's never really been a choice for me to pursue music; it's just been this kind of force that drew me to where I am today. Might sound a bit cheesy, but that's how I feel about it.
Can you tell us about your musical journey and how you got started in the industry?
My mother taught me how to play the guitar when I was around 11 years old. After that, I started a band with my friends back in Bollnäs, and we had lots of gigs. I was 16 years old when I moved to London and studied at a music school called Rytmus, then another music school up north in Sweden. After that, I had an internship at a studio where a lot of established producers worked. I worked there for a few years and then signed my first publishing deal.
How would you describe your musical style or genre?
I'd say it's pop, but with lots of different influences. I grew up listening to everything from jazz to Daft Punk, and in my early 20s, I worked a lot as a DJ, so I've always consumed a lot of different genres. When I produce my own stuff, I try to bring everything I love into the mix.
Are there any specific themes or messages you aim to convey through your music?
I try to write very personally and want the songs to be as honest as they can be. But one thing that's always been very important to me is to write openly about being queer and always use “she” instead of “you.” Kind of want to write songs that I wish I could have listened to when I was younger.
What's your dream collaboration with another artist, dead or alive?
I'd love to work with Sam Smith or Troye Sivan; I think they're both such amazing artists. But for my own stuff, I'd say Jonathan Johansson because I think he is one of the best lyricists we have in Sweden.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians trying to break into the industry?
Don't rush it! Music is so much about just finding that thing that is yours. And don't care about what other people think or do!
How do you handle criticism or negative feedback, and how has it influenced your work?
I'm human, so, of course, I get affected, but I try to always remind myself that it's just a matter of personal taste. The only thing I can do is keep doing what I like and love.
