We speak to Elin Vallin who has released new single ‘Nanana’ yesterday (26th November) which has a chilled magical feel to it, perfect as we enter the dark days of December and the run up to Christmas.

The video to the song is also worth a view, watch it here, and find out more about the artist below – including some great spots to visit in Stockholm and what music she has been really enjoying recently.

Tell us who you are and what is your sound?

My name is Elin Vallin, I’m 24 years old and I come from Stockholm in Sweden. I’ve made music for some time and have now decided it’s time to release my first single, Nanana. I would describe my sound as some sort of indie pop/singer songwriter. I love having electric guitar and a lot of different synth sounds in my music.

What exciting projects have you got coming up?

After this single I have a new song coming shortly after. It’s going to be a little more upbeat and cheerful than this one, except for the lyrics that will of course also be sad. Hopefully there will be a little video to it as well.

Where did you grow up and what music influenced you?

I grew up in Stockholm with my family in a house located in the Swedish forests on Ekerö. Very beautiful views and very far off from town. When I was 10 I started going to a choir-school and I think choir music was the kind of music that first caught my interest. When I got older I started playing in an emo band, which was a big contrast to what we did in school. Right now I’ve landed in doing pop music mostly, but I think there has been a weird mix in the sad emo music I listened to and the big choir arrangements that has become the backbone of the music I make today.

What cool places do you recommend to visit in your city (bars, restaurants, etc)?

I’d really recommend going to a restaurant in slussen called La neta, they sell very tasty tacos and quesedillas to a really good price. I’d also like to recommend a hidden bar in Stockholm called Hosoi, you’ll find it inside Hotel at six in T-centralen.

We love recommendations – what have you been listening to, watching, or reading recently?

Lately I’ve been listening a lot to Phoebe Bridgers and her new album, I really like her sound. Some more favourites of mine are Clairo, Susanne Sundfor, Big thief and Bon iver.

I don’t really have the patience to watch a lot of series and movies but I’m hooked on every documentary about killers, like The Staircase. I also have to admit that I’ve re-watched New Girl a few times. Haven’t picked up a book in a while, but I’ll recommend one when I do. 

Finally, what was the last thing that made you swear out loud?

I think the last one was when I was trying to figure out a 1000 piece puzzle of the Swedish royal family during my quarantine. Made me swear a lot, do not recommend.

Interview by Alex Minnis