ELLA FRICK TALKS I'VE LOST MY MIND - ACOUSTIC VERSION

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

This acoustic version of 'I've Lost My Mind' really does highlight its strong core in a real way. How did this acoustic version happen?

I played the song a lot live this past summer, and I often did acoustic sets together with my friend Adam Löwenberg who’s absolutely incredible on guitar. I gave him the chords and he came up with a cool guitar arrangement of the song. Together with my vocals, it felt like the song revealed another emotional side. The original version feels more frustrated and angry, it’s about being disappointed in yourself for letting someone treat you badly, just because it felt better than having nothing at all. But in the acoustic version, there’s a different vulnerability, a sadder tone, because it’s so raw. I love both sides of the song and I have noticed that they actually attract different audiences, which is super fun!

What did you originally draw from for this song?

I think I’ve drawn inspiration from many parts of my life, both from observing others and from my own experiences. I’ve been in relationships or “situationships” that weren’t sustainable, where I thought, “If I just hold on a little longer, maybe it’ll get better. Maybe he’ll want me more than just sometimes?” I have also seen friends go through the same thing, and it doesn’t matter what anyone says, no one can change your patterns except yourself. I probably should have realized earlier that a relationship like that isn’t healthy and that I deserve so much more. Looking back, I feel a bit stupid, but I also know I am not alone. Today, I am happy, but the feelings I had back then are still there in my memory. It felt so good to get those emotions out in this song, and I really hope others can relate and find comfort in it.

When did you first discover the music in your life. I’ve heard that the Hultsfred Festival played quite a big role in your upbringing?

Hultsfred forever in my heart! My parents were part of the association that founded the festival and have always been deeply involved. I’ve been told that I actually went to Hultsfred Festival for the first time when I was just six months old, in a stroller with ear protectors on! I’ve been there every year since I was born, so of course, it’s influenced me a lot. The festival was the absolute highlight of my year and I discovered so many artists there who still inspire me to this day. I also remember always standing in front of the stage, wishing I was up there myself!

You are also a very talented illustrator. Does that play any role in your creative space when it comes to music, helping you visualize the audiovisual worlds you write?

Oh wow that’s so fun that you noticed! It has actually been a while since I painted regularly, but when I did, it was more of a creative outlet alongside music, rather than something that directly inspired it. That said, I always listened to music while I was drawing! I think I’ve always been very aesthetically driven and quite stubborn when it comes to learning new skills. If I set my mind to something, I’ll keep going until I master it, just like I did with music!

If you were to draw portraits of artists who have been major sources of inspiration for you, who would we see?

Ariana Grande, without a doubt! Honestly, I think you can see that pretty clearly if you scroll through my Instagram, I’ve followed her since I was about thirteen, and now I’m twenty-five. Beyond just loving her music, she’s inspired me a lot sonically, how she pushes her voice, and especially her vocal arrangements. Harmonies are literally one of my favorite things ever! Another huge influence is Kiana Ledé. I discovered her really early, back when she was doing covers on YouTube. And I’ve been able to follow her artistic journey since then, which has been so inspiring. She makes incredible music!

Do you think it’s important for artists to have a holistic approach that goes beyond just being able to do one thing, for example, to produce their own music?

I honestly think every artist should be able to do exactly what they want, there’s no right or wrong way! But for me personally, it feels more meaningful, like the song becomes more “me” if I’m involved in the whole process. Having a vision in your head and being able to bring it to life yourself is such a privilege! I’ve spent a lot of time learning to produce and it’s been so worth it. At the same time I, absolutely, love collaborating with others, both helping someone else realize their ideas and having people help me develop mine. Collaboration is everything! Right now, I'm kind of doing it all, my own manager, stylist, makeup artist, booking agent, producer, songwriter and so on, which is honestly a bit overwhelming, and I can’t keep up with everything. That said knowing a little about every part of the process definitely makes things easier, and I’m grateful for that.

What are you up to now, are you writing on any new music?

I’m currently in my final semester at Musikmakarna, Europe’s leading songwriting school, and I’ll be graduating this summer! That means I am writing and producing a lot for other artists right now, but of course, I’m also working on my own music whenever I can. I have quite a few songs lined up, and I’m planning how to release them, whether as singles or as part of an EP. That would be so exciting! There’s a lot happening right now, and I’m super pumped. Either way, there’s definitely more music coming, and soon!