Bringing forward a passionate and emotional collection with her forthcoming LP 'The Lingering', Siv Jakobsen is an artist who demands to be noticed.
The past has seen her perform in Europe and America since 2011, and now she's ready to unleash her new awe-inspiring record on the world.
Female First got the chance to put some questions to Siv about her experience in the music industry to-date, challenges she's faced and much more in a new and exclusive interview. Read on to find out what she had to say.
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound?
I like calling it "dream-folk", but you could also call it acoustic indie-folk, scandi-folk, Nordic folk. It's inspired by a many Nordic and UK indie and folk artists, such as Ane Brun, Laura Marling and Rachel Sermanni.
The record I'm about to release is a set of seven songs, all quite dark and ethereal at the same time. The songs are all very emotive and personal, stemming from me trying to digest life, really. I wanted all these songs (from 'The Lingering') to be arranged in a simple and organic manner, with all acoustic instruments, wrapped in these quite intense and beautiful string arrangements that my piano-player and arranger Christian did. No extra fluff, really, just enough to enhance the songs and bring forth the lyrics, which are very important to me.
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
I think the biggest challenge really, is money. It's really hard to afford having an artist career, so I work a full time job during the day, to pay for my shenanigans with my music career. It's quite expensive, especially if you're independent and releasing all your own music yourself. But there are also huge benefits to this, as you get to make all your own decisions about your sound and artistry.
It's also really hard to get noticed. It's a constant feeling of waving at someone repeatedly, from a few yards away, and having them not see you. BUT - one step at a time, it's coming along, which is a great feeling.
How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself?
It's really difficult. But I have faith in the importance and value of creating a really good and honest product. I think if you have this, it's a matter of finding the right people to help you get noticed, and being really particular about who you do choose to work with. I always trust my gut feeling, and it hasn't really disappointed me yet. It's really important to be a good and patient hustler, all day, every day. It's a lot of work.
I also believe in the magic of performing, being out there, playing your music for people, and sort of winning over fans, one at a time. I believe in a slow and steady climb, to reach a stabile and successful career.
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
More than anything. I am the biggest control freak ever, and I would not be able to handle someone else telling me what to do and how to sound.
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
Life & relationships (oh, how incredibly cheesy, I know. But so true). I write music to digest and sort through whats happening in my life. It helps me understand my own thoughts and emotions so much better. I'm also very inspired by the artists I listen to, obviously. Laura Marling is a HUGE one for me, her way with words, her phrasing, her playing. Everything about her, really. I'm also a massive Ane Brun fan - she's the one who inspired me to try songwriting, and the instrumentation of her live record 'Live in Scandinavia', made me want to make a record focused around string arrangements. So 'The Lingering' really wouldn't exist without her! (Thanks Ane!)
Lately I've also been really inspired by The Staves, their last record is so inspiring. Marika Hackman and Sophie Jamieson as well. And Lucy Rose and Rachel Sermanni, and my friend Liza Anne (who is about to release the most incredible record). Ah, so many good artists - and almost all UK-ones!
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
After listening to 'If I Was' by The Staves, I would have to say I'd want to collaborate with Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), who produced it (I dream of having him produce my next record). I would also kill to get to sing and write with the girls.
ALSO (always and forever) Ane Brun and Laura Marling. My heroes. I would kill to just sit down with each of them and chat.
Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know.
When I was a teenager I was a MASSIVE Christina Aguilera fan. I wanted nothing but to be able to sing like her. Haha! If you've ever heard my voice you'd know that's NEVER going to happen.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
So many, haha. Mainly, I just want to be successful enough with my artist career to be able to do it 100% of the time. I want to tour the world, write music and record music 100% of the time, without worrying about how I am to pay for my phone bill and my dinner.
Where do you hope to be this time next year?
Playing the main program at The Great Escape (Playing the alternative Escape this week, so naturally next year I want to graduate to the main program.) Mainly I just want to be touring. Anywhere and everywhere.
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
Well, I'm about to release a seven track EP in a few weeks (on May 26th!) so you can expect this whole new body of work from me. I'm so so so excited to share it with the world, and so proud of it.
I'll be recording another music video for the next single in June, and there are also a few really epic remixes of a few of the songs off of the record coming out soon.
I'm hoping to tour the record all over Europe in the fall, and then the plan is to record a full length album in the later part of this year.
Siv Jakobsen's record 'The Lingering' is released on May 26 through The Nordic Mellow Records.