Exposed Vocals Interviews Isabella Malmqvist

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

 

Isabella Malmqvist: I grew up in Stockholm, Sweden and when I was 5 years old we moved to Gotland, Sweden where I still live with my husband and 11 months old daughter. Gotland is such a beautiful Island and I had a great childhood. Though my father sadly past away when I was 3 years old my mom did a great job raising me and my siblings. We’ve always supported each other and has this wonderful connection. I believe that’s helped us alot during hard times. I decided to become an artist at a very young age when I found out I love expressing myself through singing. I’ve always loved listening to music. I really get into it.

 

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

 

Isabella Malmqvist: It’s my real name and I haven’t really felt the need to make up a new one. I think when someone loves what I do they don’t care about if my name is real or not though it would be fun thinking about what that could be!

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

 

Isabella Malmqvist: I think it’s great! Ther’re so many talented musicians, producers and singers out there and I love exploring new music and connecting to other musicians from all around the world. There so much more freedom today and it’s possible sharing your music without anyone interfering. Noone is good at everything but we are all good at something and by connecting to other artists and musicians we can help each other and collaborate. My strengths are my voice and my writing. Yes I give my music away for free. Right now there’s not many songs online but I’m working on new music to put out there really soon. I’m focused on showing what I can do and to be heard.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Isabella Malmqvist: Unfortunately I haven’t been performing that much yet but it’s definitely something I want to do once my new music is out. But my tips would be to connect with as many musicians you can and to go to many different gigs. And there’s no shame in contacting the different venues you want to play at.

 

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

 

Isabella Malmqvist: I get inspiration in my everyday life. I write on a daily basis just to get my thoughts out. For me it’s a great way to practise and get more skilled in songwriting. I like writing songs quickly. I don’t have the patience to let it rest for a year. I want my songs to be raw and real and that’s why I want the lyrics to come out just as they are. That’s why I focus on practising every day and when it feels right I start writing my songs.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

 

Isabella Malmqvist: No I don’t have a website yet. But I post my tracks on soundcloud and my space. You can find them here

https://soundcloud.com/isabella-caroline-malmqvist

https://myspace.com/isabella.malmqvist

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

 

Isabella Malmqvist:  I’m not a big fan of shopping but if I had that kind of money I would by some good music equipment. Other than that I would travel around the world and go to as many musical events I could, connect with musicians, jam and write.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

 

Isabella Malmqvist: I go online and that’s how I roll! I love finding new ways to promote my music online and connect with people in the industry.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

 

Isabella Malmqvist: I’m making some new songs that I will post online. I’d love to perform and collaborate.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

 

Isabella Malmqvist: I think I would get creative with paint in different forms. That’s my passion next to music. I’d express myself with paintings and who knows, even display it and sell it.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

 

Isabella Malmqvist: I’m not gonna lie. It’s hard. I recently became a mother for the first time and there’s not much time for music but I feel ready to write and sing again and nothing can stop me. Having a child only makes me more inspired and determined to show what I can do and to be creative. Before I became a mother I worked and studied alot and that takes alot of energy! I think it’s very important not to stop practising and being creative even if you think you don’t feel inspired because it will come back. I learned that being creative should be fun and not to controlled. Just let it out.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

Isabella Malmqvist: Hearing my new music and maybe watch me perform somewhere.