Spotlight: Isa Molin
Isa Molin is a songwriter from Sweden with strong roots in music. She's been writing, recording, and immersed in music for as long as she can remember.
Amuse, amuse
Tell us a little bit about who you are and about your debut single, ‘Truth About Us'?
– I’m still trying to figure out who I am and I’m not sure I’ll ever come to terms with that… What I do know is that I’m a songwriter from Sweden, who’s a bit emotional. And kind of nice. I wrote “Truth About Us” over a year ago now. It’s a pop song about the dilemma of both really wanting to be with someone – and knowing that it’ll never work.
How did your music journey begin?
– Both my parents work with music, so I got in touch with that world in my very early years. Basically, I’ve been around doing music for as long as I can remember. After graduating high school, I locked myself up in my father’s studio where I wrote and recorded tons of songs. Somewhere during that period, it became like an addiction to me.
An old friend of my family heard my demos and played them to a well-known British producer, who invited me to come work in their studio. I then moved to London and lived there for five months, working with a bunch of great people. That period made me understand that I might actually be capable of turning my passion into my everyday job.
What inspires you?
– Oh, so many things. Sometimes, I hear a good song that inspires me to try and write an even better one. Other times, it’s just a phrase or a chord. But also loneliness. I’m not really a lone wolf, but a lot of times I’ve forced myself to be alone, simply because I know that it makes me more creative.
What does your songwriting and production process look like?
– I write all the songs for my own project, and often I record basic demos simultaneously as I’m writing. Mostly because I want to find some kind of production atmosphere immediately. When I feel content and satisfied with the melodies and the lyrics, I invite a producer who helps me reach the vision.
Why did you choose to work with Amuse?
– I think it’s exciting that Amuse is a new company that, in such a short time, has become very well known. And when you’re new you want to prove yourself, just like I do, so I believe this is going to be a perfect match.
What’s your best advice to other new, up-and-coming artists?
– I think that we have to try and not look too much at what other people do, and instead focus on finding a way of creating music in our own way. Music is art. There are no rules. And I believe that as long as you love what you do, there will be someone else loving it as well.
What is one song that you wish that you had written?
– Oh, there are so many! But I remember when I was eighteen, saying: “One day I hope I’ll write a song like ‘Everybody’s changing’ with KEANE”. I still do.
Who is your biggest idol, and why?
– I have two, and I really can’t choose. It’s Sia and Skylar Grey. Their music is like pure emotion to me – but still so direct. I also find it very inspiring how they jump between genres. They are also both amazing singers, in different ways.
What’s your favorite lyric line you’ve ever written?
– I don’t think I’m ready to quote myself at 25… Ask me again in a few years, haha.
What are you looking forward to right now?
– To finish more material. And release it!