KLARA is a London-based Swedish singer songwriter using her music to leave her emotions bare.
This Scandinavian artist takes her pointers from the likes of Joni Mitchell or Tracy Chapman, writing songs mixing up hope and melancholy all underpinned by a sumptuous voice and subtle studio magic.
After supporting the likes of Claire Maguire and Fenne Lily as well as hosting her own Crouch End Music Sessions in North London, she’s recently released her Playgroundhouse EP to warm reviews.
With more musical plans for 2017, we spend 30 seconds with KLARA below where we learn how she makes her music and why Bon Iver is a fan…
I first started writing music because…
I loved singing and making up stories. I've always loved improvising new melodies and being creative makes me feel alive.
I have been making music since…
I was 10 and lived in the Swedish country side in Dalarna. I was songwriting on my own alongside taking guitar and piano lessons. That's because I always thought it was more fun to make up my own melodies rather than just learning to read music.
My music is…
Emotional and poetic. I'm often drawn to making live recordings or using sparse production. It means you can hear the raw human behind those songs.
You'll like my music if you listen to…
Bon Iver, Ben Howard, First aid kit, Daughter, Regina Spector, Tracy Chapman or Joni Mitchell.
My favourite venue is…
The Royal Albert Hall because it’s so grand and feels even better than in my imagination. I like other theatre venues - the Palladium or KOKO as they have the red velvet and crystal chandeliers. Visiting them makes me feel as excited a child at their first theatre show. I also like church venues like the Union Chapel because of the natural reverb and the history that comes with the building. I also enjoy how people sit down and have a moment of peace while listening. My music is quite reflective so I guess it suits me to play those kind of venues.
I wish the UK would have more venues in nature like Dalhalla in Sweden or Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado where you can visually enjoy nature at the same time as listening to music. I guess lots of UK music festivals have that feeling though.
Music is important because…
It makes us be in the present moment and connect with ourselves. Music inspires me and makes me energised just like doing sports.
My biggest inspiration is…
When I listen to great voices married with organic sounds and beautiful instrumentation. It inspires me and makes me want to write and create something beautiful too.
My dream collaboration would be…
With Justin Vernon from Bon Iver as I love his voice, his songs and how he is such a kind hearted person. I have met him a few times in recent years and he invited me to come to his Eaux Claire Festival in his hometown in Wisconsin the last two summers. Justin curates the festival with Aaron Dessner (from The National) and they bring in a wide range of talent, encouraging collaborations between musicians. They have a huge passion for music and great vision for how music can affect people. It would be fantastic to work with him!
To try me out, listen to my song…
Falling from my latest EP called Playgroundhouse.
If I wasn’t making music I’d be…
A journalist or therapist as I am so curious about how we humans function and interact.
In 10 years’ time I want to be…
Feeling just as passionate and creative as I am now, hopefully with a more comprehensive catalogue of shows and records that I can be proud of!
klaramusic.london
Listen to Falling below.
This Scandinavian artist takes her pointers from the likes of Joni Mitchell or Tracy Chapman, writing songs mixing up hope and melancholy all underpinned by a sumptuous voice and subtle studio magic.
After supporting the likes of Claire Maguire and Fenne Lily as well as hosting her own Crouch End Music Sessions in North London, she’s recently released her Playgroundhouse EP to warm reviews.
With more musical plans for 2017, we spend 30 seconds with KLARA below where we learn how she makes her music and why Bon Iver is a fan…
I first started writing music because…
I loved singing and making up stories. I've always loved improvising new melodies and being creative makes me feel alive.
I have been making music since…
I was 10 and lived in the Swedish country side in Dalarna. I was songwriting on my own alongside taking guitar and piano lessons. That's because I always thought it was more fun to make up my own melodies rather than just learning to read music.
My music is…
Emotional and poetic. I'm often drawn to making live recordings or using sparse production. It means you can hear the raw human behind those songs.
You'll like my music if you listen to…
Bon Iver, Ben Howard, First aid kit, Daughter, Regina Spector, Tracy Chapman or Joni Mitchell.
My favourite venue is…
The Royal Albert Hall because it’s so grand and feels even better than in my imagination. I like other theatre venues - the Palladium or KOKO as they have the red velvet and crystal chandeliers. Visiting them makes me feel as excited a child at their first theatre show. I also like church venues like the Union Chapel because of the natural reverb and the history that comes with the building. I also enjoy how people sit down and have a moment of peace while listening. My music is quite reflective so I guess it suits me to play those kind of venues.
I wish the UK would have more venues in nature like Dalhalla in Sweden or Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado where you can visually enjoy nature at the same time as listening to music. I guess lots of UK music festivals have that feeling though.
Music is important because…
It makes us be in the present moment and connect with ourselves. Music inspires me and makes me energised just like doing sports.
My biggest inspiration is…
When I listen to great voices married with organic sounds and beautiful instrumentation. It inspires me and makes me want to write and create something beautiful too.
My dream collaboration would be…
With Justin Vernon from Bon Iver as I love his voice, his songs and how he is such a kind hearted person. I have met him a few times in recent years and he invited me to come to his Eaux Claire Festival in his hometown in Wisconsin the last two summers. Justin curates the festival with Aaron Dessner (from The National) and they bring in a wide range of talent, encouraging collaborations between musicians. They have a huge passion for music and great vision for how music can affect people. It would be fantastic to work with him!
To try me out, listen to my song…
Falling from my latest EP called Playgroundhouse.
If I wasn’t making music I’d be…
A journalist or therapist as I am so curious about how we humans function and interact.
In 10 years’ time I want to be…
Feeling just as passionate and creative as I am now, hopefully with a more comprehensive catalogue of shows and records that I can be proud of!
klaramusic.london
Listen to Falling below.
