ALLA IGITYAN TALKS BETTER

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

A new song filled with warmth, hope and positive energy, was 'Better' as uplifting for you to write and record as it is to listen to?

'Better' is about finally letting go of something, in this case a relationship, you thought you’d never be able to shake off. I think many people might recognize that euphoric feeling of liberation after being trapped in a situation or emotions for a long time. I tried to capture that feeling in this song, and I definitely experience a little euphoria every time I perform 'Better'.

In Swedish, Alla means "everyone", which is a lovely sentiment given how your songwriting connect with the experiences "of all"?

Every time I realize that people who don’t even know me personally put on my music just because it resonates with them, I feel a mix of gratitude and awe. Singing has been my absolute favorite thing since childhood, and knowing that people come to my shows just to hear me sing and play music sometimes feels too good to be true.

What personal value does songwriting hold for ya?

I think there are two sides to this. On one hand, being able to put my feelings into words and create a song I like is one of the most satisfying and therapeutic experiences I have had. It not only helps me process emotions and heal, but it also leaves behind something, art that can continue to live on and help others heal too. And that’s the second part, the ability to reach people with a message, comfort or inspiration. Music is a powerful force, and the most beautiful thing about having it in my life, is the opportunity to make a positive impact on those who listen.

Being an artist can of course also be quite stressful at times, balancing a million things at once. How do you manage the pressures of navigating the demands, even when just self-imposed, of an artist’s life while also maintaining a sense of stability and playfulness?

It can definitely be stressful, most artists don’t rely solely on their music for income, and juggling other jobs and responsibilities makes it even harder to find the mental space for creativity. On top of that, getting people to notice your art requires a lot of extra work, like maintaining a social media presence, building a brand, and promoting yourself. As someone who usually has a lot on her plate, I sometimes feel overwhelmed and struggle to make time for everything I want to do. But I try to prioritize my health and wellbeing above all, and I remind myself not to be too hard on myself when things don’t go as planned.

Violin was your first instrument?

That is right! I was seven when I started attending music school for violin lessons, but to be honest I did not enjoy it that much. Singing has always been my true passion, but for a long time I believed I couldn't sing well. It took me almost a decade to realize I loved it too much not to take it seriously, so as a teenager, I went back to the same music school for vocal lessons. That is when I started gaining confidence in my singing and began writing my own songs.

I know you’ve been to Stockholm a few times but have you ever taken the stage to perform with your music here?

I love Sweden, but I have not had the chance to perform there yet. One of my goals for the near future is to play outside of Berlin and Germany, and I hope Stockholm will be one of those places!

Having started this year in a "better" way. Do you have more to share with us?

Absolutely! I'll be announcing the release of my debut EP very soon and I am so excited about it. I’ll also be playing a couple of shows here in Berlin and working on new music, hopefully taking me to new places and bringing me closer to playing for you live.