GRECZULA TALKS TASTE

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

A few days left until your solo debut how are you feeling?

It feels great! I am extremely happy with the result and all the work that has gone into and around the song! Right now it is a lot of preparations before the release, and rehearsals for the gig at Obaren on May 29th.

We should emphasize the word solo since you’re far from new otherwise, you got a break in a rock band?

Yes, that’s right! When I were sixteen-seventeen my band Damn Delicious got a record deal with Lionheart, that merged with Capitol and Universal Music, since we had won a competition with the band that included a single recording, a gig at Sweden Rock Festival and a full-page spread in Ginza magazine. We tried to play as much as we possibly could. We played a lot in our hometown, Falkenberg, but also quite a bit in Stockholm and Gothenburg.

What made you want to go solo?

It was time! I have always had that within me. But I probably wasn’t really ready for it until now! Now I feel experienced and strong enough to stand on my own two feet.

Even though there are some rock elements, this is a pop song. What got you to step over to pop?

It was pop that got me into music in the first place, when I was about four years old I discovered Michael Jackson and was completely hooked. Now I’m back where I started!

What did this song come out of?

The song is about what goes on in your head when you meet or get to know the girl or guy you’ll eventually fall head over heels for, but at the moment, you don’t quite know it yet. I wrote it with Nadir and Saaed and Adam Jönsson, the four of us did a session writing this together and it flowed incredibly well, they understood what I wanted and helped me write the first single I really wanted to release.

How did the collaboration with star-producers Nadir and Saaed first start out?

Actually, it was they who reached out to me in the first place if I remember it correctly, they liked my voice, and I suspect they initially wanted me to sing on some of their tracks. But instead, we ended up writing 'Taste'. Bringing in Adam Jönsson for the song was their idea as well, as they had worked together before, our first session was actually the first time I got to meet Adam!

Is there any other producer out there that you would love to create something with?

Oh, yes! There are so many amazing producers and songwriters out there that I would love to work with, but honestly, Max Martin and Shellback are the dream.

You also recently went to New York to film the music video for the song, right?

Yes, exactly. That’s right! It was an amazing experience. I love New York. Just being in that city is such a privilege. The filming went great, we had really fun days on set! Everyone involved was incredible. I know Joakim who works at A Good Company. We’ve been in touch for a long time and followed each other’s journeys, and finally, we managed to make something happen together with this video. He’s incredibly talented, as were the others involved in the shoot.

Is discovering pop at four years old where it all began?

That's probably as early as it possibly could of, my parents have told me that I was all about music during my first years. But from what I can remember myself, it was Michael Jackson when I was about four. Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen and The Beatles. I would stand there singing and dancing along.

What inspires you most when it comes to songwriting?

Tough question! But I think it’s how I am feeling, what’s happening in my life, and my emotions. And of course, good music that you listen to!

Do you prefer being on stage or in the creative process?

Both. I love the variety and both equally. But if I have to choose one, I would definitely pick the stage.

What’s been your most memorable performance so far?

That would probably be the time when we played at Sweden Rock Festival with Damn Delicious. At the same time Stone Sour were playing across from us, and I remember Corey Taylor and I nodding to each other! That was cool!

Will people be able to see you on the road this summer?

Well, I’ve got a few scattered things booked, but I’ll mostly focus on writing songs this summer. There’ll also be some promotion and marketing for the single.

So what happens now after the single is out. What's your plans for the future?

I’m in a great songwriting flow right now so mainly it’ll be about writing songs, both for myself and for others. There’s a trip to New York planned for mid-June and some promo work in Sweden for the single.

How are you planning to celebrate the release on Friday?

On Friday, I’ve got some interviews and work during the day and then in the evening I’ll celebrate the release with friends and family at a small private release party.