What is your name?
STEELE.
What is your genre of music?
I usually call it cinematic, progressive pop. With a dash of trip-hop.
Give us a little bio about you..
Well, I started playing piano at an early age which paved the way for my future in the business I believe. I’ve played in bands and studied music and written song for as long as I can remember. Apart from the music, I grew up in the countryside with my parents, two sisters, loads of animals and barely any neighbours.
What made you go in to music?
We are a very musical family and I’ve been around and inspired by both people playing instruments and listening to A LOT of music since I was born. There’s actually footage of me dancing before I could even walk, haha.
Are you a signed?
Yes.
You released your new single “Looking For You” tell us more about it.
‘Looking For You’ is a bit of a rebel track about embracing your demons, quirkiness and urges. I feel like it’s the kind of song that you can listen to when you want to get pepped up, dance senselessly at home alone or when you’re on a mission.
What was the writing process like?
It was quirky and fun. It was one of those songs where I could let go a little bit more of the seriousness.
What was the recording process like?
Recording is always kind of strenuous, but it was still good fun of course! J
Who did you work on the Single with?
Dejan Saijnovic and Charles Elmi.
What message are you trying to get out?
Just to encourage yourself, have self distance and feel empowered!
You also released your ALBUM, tell us more about it.
The ablum is called ‘Paroxysm’ which basically means “an explosion of emotion” (rhyme not intended), and it’s literally what it is. I’ve gone through a lot since we first began – not only loss, heartbreak and the general stress of life, but I’ve been very, very sick. About a month before the release of the first EP ‘Opium’ I had a serious neck surgery which actually affected my voice, and then in December last year I was struck with meningitis and encephalitis and nearly died. It also resulted in epilepsy, so the last 6 months have been quite overwhelming.
I reprogrammed and changed my life completely with no drinking, smoking and became vegan. I feel much better now, but it still affects me a lot. My memory for example – Sorry to everyone I don’t recognize on the street anymore, haha!
Jokes aside though, the album is a deeply emotional journey for me, and the tracks aren’t meant to break streaming records or apply to the mainstream crowd. I’m very proud and happy about the tracks and the story they tell, and hopefully others will find comfort and strength in them as well.
Describe each track in two words.
1. Machine – Bittersweet, Luminous
2. Animal – Enigmatic, Cool
3. Know Her – Powerful, Hard-hitting
4. Opium – Underground, Dark
5. Temporary Love – Nostalgic, Naked
6. Waiting – Progressive, Heavy
7. Knots – Heartfelt, Honest
8. Deep Water – Dreamy, Obscure
9. 8am – Tender, Warm
10. Follow – Epic, Strong
11. Looking For You – Quirky, devious
12. Fade – Cinematic, Mysterious
What is the message you want to get out.
Mostly empowerment and embracing all parts of yourself, your life and all the sentiments you might feel. I spent a long time bottling things up, and now I feel like this album is me being completely open and honest.
Do you have gigs coming up?
We are now regrouping after my recovery and the release of the album and will start planning soon.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
No, not yet, but I would like to!
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Absolutely – it’s always good to broaden your horizon. They could send an email via my website: www.iamsteele.com
What else do you have planned this year?
Well, I always write so maybe experimenting with some new material – who knows? J
Do you play any instruments?
Yes, I play piano since I was 5 years old. And then some guitar, but really badly. J
Who are your influences?
Other people would say Pink Floyd, Björk, Lana Del Ray, Portishead.
I say I get inspired by everything and every genre, from jazz to rock, movies, nature, relationships and life in general.
Which TV channel would you like one of your songs to be played on?
National Geographic – probably some program about space and the universe!
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Nature, movies, relationships, life challenges – I guess mostly everything!
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Hopefully in a warmer country than Sweden, with a couple of more dogs, and a couple of more albums out.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Travel, go see live music, paint, spend time outdoors (preferably the Swedish archipelago during summer) and host themed-dinners!
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Ah, just one song?! I’ll give you 3: Joga by Björk, Glory Box by Portishead and Army Of Me by Björk.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
“You. When you are you, which you always are – I mean you are ‘you’ who you should never change. Just be YOU.”
And so, I did.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Keep your passion for music. If, for some reason, you feel uncomfortable or that what you’re doing is not making you happy – try to take a few steps back and find your core and the reason why you began in the first place!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Everything happens for a reason.”
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
The castle, it has an amazingly beautiful park that where you can have a long walk or a picnic under apple trees.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
To pick up my dog.
2/ Who do you see first?
My dog.
3/ What do you eat first?
I probably chug a litre of coconut water!
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
My voicepedal, Set-list, coconut water, Fisherman’s Friend and hopefully some moral support!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?