Liza Sverin

Liza Sverin

Pop country singer-songwriter Liza Sverin has been one of biggest surprises out of Sweden this year, with her hit radio single 'I Wanna Hold You' racing up the charts and into households across the globe.

Liza Sverin's interest in music started early when she was just a child. When her grandfather played the harmonica at his summer place far out in the forest, she would play along. She admired the way he played, with such a feeling and power. His music touched her at a young age. Now, with a hit single on the radio and recognition growing, Liza has come into her own. An accomplished singer-songwriter musician, she writes all of her songs in a way that the listener can identify with, enabling them to become one with the song. Liza also collaborates with fellow band mate and bass player Daniel Ramsten to write her music. If her recent success is any indication, it's a winning formula. According to Liza, having the opportunity to work in music is the second best thing in her life, after her two lovely girls. Although many artists seek to reach out to a wider audience to share their love music, not many succeed in doing so with the purity and integrity that Liza has. Her sound is hearfelt, warm and her powerful vocals riveting. According to Liza, without music, she would be a person without soul. She creates music from the things that happens around her in daily life so it's easy to see how not having that creative channel would strip meaning from her life. Fans are hoping that doesn't happen any time soon. Independent reporter Brandon Scott recently caught up with Liza to learn more about this new artist, her musical inspiration and plans for the future.

BRANDON: When did you first discover your love of music?
LIZA: Even as a small child my siblings and parents said I always sang in all situations, such as the bath, writing, walking, painting, cleaning, at the dinner table, even at toilet visits (still do). At 6 years old, I started to accompany my grandfather on Sunday gigs and got to sing with him. He played many instruments but harmonica, he held closest to his heart. Sundays with Grandpa had founded my sense of music.

BRANDON: Your song 'I Wanna Hold You'has been a big hit on radio for its third straight month. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
LIZA: I was extremely pleased. Very unreal.

BRANDON: What was the inspiration behind 'I Wanna Hold You?' Was there one particular night out that inspired you to write this song?
LIZA: The inspiration behind 'I Wanna Hold You' was real life. Love is strong and I think that people should fight for love. No matter what happens. I think that a quick divorce is a bad solution. I do not believe that love just dies. It's the circumstances that make the situation. I want this song to relate to the feeling when someone wants to withdraw from the relationship- how you feel, how the heart is crushed. With my song I want to convey the struggle.

BRANDON: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as 'I Wanna Hold You?'
LIZA: No, all of my songs do not have the same mood. I write everything- Swedish schlager pop, country, soul. I'm a bit of a multi-genre artist.

BRANDON: How would you characterize yourself as an artist? (ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving...)
LIZA: I’m a down-to-earth artist. I am humorous and cheerful. I love old and new encounters with other musicians. I like to work hard. I am a pleasant person to have in one's presence or company.

BRANDON: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
LIZA: Yes, I do have a musical background. In my family, there are a lot of musicians, music teachers, and music instrument manufacturers (violin). My uncle was a big Swedish songwriter in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s in Sweden. He wrote several hits that are still played on the radio and elsewhere. Music has been in my life since I was a small child.

BRANDON: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
LIZA: The most rewarding is when you get feedback for what you do and that it affects the listener. The most challenging is to write new songs that will be delivered and get the same response.

BRANDON: Who are your role models in music?
LIZA: My role models are very many artists, but the biggest was my grandfather. His love for music and his way to deliver is seated deep within me. Madonna, Michael Jackson, Barbara Streisand, Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, Christina Aquilera and Eva Cassidy are my other role models.

BRANDON: What advice would you give to young, aspiring musicians out there who are unsure and need guidance?
LIZA: The advice that I would give is if it's music they want to invest in, they should not give up. It is like other professions- dedicate yourself and follow what feels right. They should believe in themselves. Be humble to life and to all the people you meet.

BRANDON: What's next for Liza Sverin? Is there a follow-up single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
LIZA: Right now, I have focused on two new songs that I have submitted as contributions to the Swedish Melodifestivalen 2015. Everything depends on the jury. If I do not get the songs to the Eurovision Song Contest, I will deliver the new songs as new material. In the future I will continue to write songs, but I am not quite sure when I wil release them. I have so many half-finished songs. So I will probably work on them. The genre is country/pop/rock.

BRANDON: I look forward to hearing them! Thanks for taking time out to share your story with me. I wish you continued success!