By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Sweden-born singer-songwriter Matilda Lindell is best known for her unique ability to blend nordic melancholy with American country-pop to create a raw, yet captivating sound.
She had one of her original songs nominated for a CARA (the A Capella world’s Grammy equivalent) and also has performed at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and the Wolf Trap Performing Arts Centre outside of Washington D.C., where she was one of the principal singers in the tribute act “ABBA THE CONCERT.”
Her time with the tribute act inspired her upcoming EP, which dives deeper into ABBA’s music and features interpretations of their songs that were special to Lindell over the years. She released the EP’s first single “One Of Us” back on Feb. 21, 2020.
The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with Lindell about her EP and more.
Music Bugle – Does social media make it easier or harder for a musician to stand out these days?
Matilda Lindell – Well, better to have a way of communicating with your fans than not, but it’s more tricky to have them discover you through all the noise.
Music Bugle – How would you describe Sweden to someone who has never been there before?
Matilda Lindell – Peaceful, beautiful nature and great healthcare for everyone! People are independent and friendly, but very much more reserved and private than Americans, for instance, but when you get to know a Swede, we can go deep and we are very loyal! Also, be prepared for darkness during the winter months…
Music Bugle – What made you want to cover ABBA?
Matilda Lindell – First of all, as a Swede, ABBA runs in my veins! It’s a big part of Swedish culture, but I have been one of the lead singers of the tribute act “ABBA THE CONCERT” for over 10 years, performing at venues such as the Hollywood Bowl in L.A., met thousands of ABBA fans and those amazing tracks have become a part of me. I wanted to do something more personal and raw, to reach the ABBA audience of course, but maybe also a new audience. My renditions will hopefully take the listener on a new emotional journey.
Music Bugle – You recently celebrated your birthday – what are you hoping to do with this next year?
Matilda Lindell – Oh, so many things! I have a fun video on the ABBA theme coming out soon. It’s a collaboration with the Swedish A Capella group “Friends Of Rilton’s.” Then, the rest of my renditions will be released and I’ll treat my fans to some fun things along the way! I’m also planning for a new album with original songs. I already started writing a bit and I have some cowrites with talented songwriter friends in the pipeline, which I’m excited about! I also strongly hope that touring will come back soon and I’ll be on the road with both my solo stuff and “ABBA THE CONCERT.” I can’t even describe how much I miss it – and I want to get a new family member this year – a puppy!
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Matilda Lindell – In many ways. I had a few tours with the ABBA tribute planned this year and they all got canceled. I bonded with my audience through livestreams instead, which has been really fun, though I lost lots of income with the canceled tours, so I started focusing on my teaching since I’m a voice coach as well and have been spending most of my time creating courses and content for my voice studio. I also got stuck in Sweden. I live in N.Y.C. – and it’s been years since I spent five months in a row there. It was so nice being close to my friends and family there, but at the same time missing N.Y.C..
Music Bugle – Where are some of your favorite places to travel?
Matilda Lindell – I love nature, so anywhere where you can hike and experience some adventure! However, I just love traveling in general, discovering different cultures and meet interesting people.
Music Bugle – What has been the most productive thing you’ve done while in quarantine?
Matilda Lindell – Probably building my voice coaching business!
Music Bugle – What’s something you wish happened more in the music industry?
Matilda Lindell – Hmm… more opportunities for indie artists!
Music Bugle – Away from music, what’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
Matilda Lindell – Ooh, what would that be.. In my early teenage years, I was in one of Sweden’s biggest TV series for a couple of years, so I dipped my toes into acting! I loved it, but I loved music more! It was a great experience.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Matilda Lindell – I always have “Better done than perfect” in my head, otherwise, I wouldn’t get anything done, I’m a perfectionist. I’ve been practicing that a lot lately. I also remind myself that, “What’s meant to be will happen.”
*Photo Credit – Olivia Arte*
