Like electronica? Many do, perhaps in yearning for a return to great musicianship and melody. Here is an artist that ably serves the sentiment. Originating from Palmyra, Illinois, Sven Sundberg has quickly risen on the strength of his new award-winning single ‘Let Me Go’. Recently, the critics had this to say about his work: ‘Let Me Go' cyclically blooms into perception; waves and gradients of hypnotic etheric sounds and guitar that mass to an instrumental / electronica classic.'’ With his new single steadily climbing the charts, Sven Sundberg seems destined for the global limelight. Reporter Lauren Thompson recently caught up with the talented artist to learn more about what inspires him to create his unique brand of electronica music and what we can expect from Sven Sundberg in the near future.
LAUREN: When did you first get that feeling that your music career was gaining momentum?
SVEN SUNDBERG: It was when I released my “Remasters” EPs. After upgrading all my studio equipment, including my instruments, and learning how to mix and master my music to industry quality levels, these two EPs were produced as the best I could do. They were EPs and were inexpensive enough for listeners to take a chance on buying them after hearing a few sample songs. These were my first albums to sell in the hundreds. Then my CD “Crystal Clear” broke out and sold in the thousands! My latest album, “Intimacy: A Collection,” was released October 6, 2015, and is following closely behind its predecessor in sales.
LAUREN: Your song ’Let Me Go’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
SVEN SUNDBERG: I was ecstatic! I had just done a guest spot on a local radio station, WQNA-FM The Edge in Springfield, Illinois, and they played three of my songs during that hour, one of them being 'Let Me Go.' I was very proud of my music when listening to the playback online. The quality was perfect!
LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
SVEN SUNDBERG: It’s about allowing someone you care about deeply to live and learn the hard way, trusting that they are able to learn by example and grow from their experiences.
LAUREN: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
SVEN SUNDBERG: I’ve always wanted to create music, ever since being a piano student of John Steinway of Steinway Pianos when I was quite young, and I always had plans to do so, but I became busy with life and career and it fell by the wayside until I was diagnosed with cancer in my 30s. That changed my priorities fast! I vowed to myself that I would do something with my music if I could survive cancer, my career be damned.
LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
SVEN SUNDBERG: My music is very accessible to the listener by design. I believe that Simplicity is the Hallmark of a Great Melody. It’s all about the melody and how to gently persuade the listener to seek it from me through their heart and soul. Flashy and overdone is not the way to a listener’s heart! I strive for a direct connection to the listener.
LAUREN: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
SVEN SUNDBERG: I come from a large family and they are very supportive of me and my music aspirations. They and a few close friends have helped me promote my music extensively. And now I have an inner circle of listeners through Patreon and through my VIP membership who have proven that they will do anything to help my music career, including sending my CDs to radio stations and venues in their communities and hosting listening parties. They believe in me, and I am forever indebted to them!
LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
SVEN SUNDBERG: My grandfather played piano and accordion brilliantly. Listening to him play was my first and most lasting musical experience. I remember digging through his reel-to-reel collection of recordings to listen to his piano playing when he wasn’t there in person to play. He played songs that were very pleasing to hear and he inspired me to create music in a similar vein.
LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
SVEN SUNDBERG: I receive some awesome feedback from listeners! I’ve connected with them through my music, and they are able to verbalize their appreciation of my music in ways I could never imagine. The most challenging thing about being an artist is the business side of music, and finding the time to do so many things on my own. About half of my spare time is involved in some way with the business aspect of being a musician and finding creative ways to market my music.
LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
SVEN SUNDBERG: Besides my grandfather and John Steinway, my teacher, I am inspired by many artists who have been through rough times on their own and have come away from those experiences being a better person and artist. Some musicians who come to mind are Cary Brothers, Graham Colton, Matt Nathanson, Joshua Radin, The Alternate Routes, Bill Ricchini, Howie Day, Barcelona, Steve Grand, Eli Lieb, Alpha Rev, Matt Pond and Sacha Sacket, to name a few.
LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
SVEN SUNDBERG: Since I play all the instruments on my recordings, it is very difficult to perform live, so I’ve encouraged the Listening Party model for myself and for anyone who wants to share my music.
LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
SVEN SUNDBERG: If you are interested in writing music, please know that you can do it! Almost anyone can write music. But to be successful, your music must come from a longing deep inside of you that needs to escape. People want to listen to the human element in music, the thing that links and unites your sound with their hearts. Find that sound within yourself and you’ll make those connections!
LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
SVEN SUNDBERG: I’ve released “Let Me Go” as a single to great reception! It was the fifth single released from my latest album, “Intimacy: A Collection,” which was recently named Best Instrumental Album. Other singles have been “It’s Time 2015” and a remix version of that song, “Gravity” and “You in Blue.” Besides continuing to promote my current album which was released only three months ago, I have just begun writing songs for my next project. It’s a never-ending circle, but one which I have grown to love.
LAUREN: Can't wait to hear everything! Thank you for sharing more about your life with me. I wish you continued success in the future.
