SPOP: WILLIAM STRIDH TALKS FALLER

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

Wasn’t this EP originally intended to be released a while ago?

Yes, that’s correct. The plan was for the release to happen earlier, but I just saw it as a positive thing that it ended up closer to summer. The songs had been written and finished long before, without any particular intention, so they would have been released as they now are, regardless.

How do you make sure your songwriting—process stays true?

I always write based on my own feelings. I find it nice to be able to write things out when I am going through tough periods in relationships, and so on. It gives a good sense of closure.

More people are involved, but the producer duo Christian Holmström and Markus Lidén especially have been with you since your first song, and only one track on the EP doesn’t feature their support. What have Christian and Markus meant to you and your music?

Christian and Markus mean so much to me, they were the first people I went into the studio with after my Idol journey. They are the ones who have helped me find and shape my sound. Beyond that, we’re also very good friends outside of music, which is just a huge bonus.

Who else would be a dream to step into the studio with?

Of course, I think it is probably every artist’s dream to step into the studio with Max Martin. That would be the biggest. In Swedish music, I’d like to go into the studio with Tomas Stenström, he feels very honest in his lyrics and sound. And it also just seems like he is a really nice guy too.

What was it like growing up with two parents singing very traditional Swedish-folksy dance music?

I do not really remember much of that actual “dansband" period, but I did go to a few shows. Just a positive upbringing. I actually started singing quite late, but since then I’ve spent many hours in front of the piano, mainly with my dad. I found music at home. I was a big fan of heavy rock when I was little, so I started playing guitar at the “rock school” as it was called, and then the interest continued. After a few years, I started singing in my bedroom, in secret.

What music did you hum on as a kid growing up?

I hummed a lot of Hammerfall and The Poodles (laughs).

Many people make music hoping it will somehow be heard, but you had already captured the audience before your debut single. In a way, you were thrown into the spotlight find your thing from there?

Yes exactly! Of course, there were periods when I was very confused and just went with the flow, which still happens, and I think it’s hard to say that you’ve “found your thing,” as you say. You’re always developing, and that just makes it even more fun to explore and try new things.

What does this EP mean with that in mind. Has it been a bit like coming out the other side with a body of work that really feels like you?

It has meant a lot! I’ve been able to do my thing, and it makes me very happy. No, but this EP feels really good. I’m very satisfied, I feel like I’ve had the chance to explore and experiment. But in a way it’s still six songs out of a hundred. You never forget the process, it still feels like I’m in my “trial period”, it mostly means extra much that I got to do this with my friends, Christian and Markus.

Will you continue writing songs in Swedish after this EP?

I think so. I’ll spend some time thinking about what I want to do next. I also like the English language. It really depends on the feelings.

What do you do when you need a break from music. When you need a moment to recharge and find new inspiration?

I try to hang out with as many friends as possible, meet new people, start new relationships, and so on. That’s where inspiration comes from. We also take breaks from the studio sometimes when we feel like we don't have the “spark”.

Is there something you feel has been unexpressed in your songwriting, so far?

It would be fun to write about something other than love next time. A slightly happier song.

What are you looking forward to doing now this summer?

Singing live would be so much fun! That’s what I’m most hoping for. Otherwise, just take it easy, sunbathe, and swim.