Nina Söderquist is a Swedish musical singer, started her career on Wallmans salonger and as a chorus singer girl behind many of Sweden’s most popular singers. At first, I had no idea who she was, but when I listened to the song “Goodbye,” I was hooked. Her voice is incredible, her songwriting is tops and you can tell she just has a lot of fun listening to her sing. That, and she sings songs in English AND Swedish! After listening to a few songs, I had to learn more. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Nina Söderquist.
You are originally from Alfta, Sweden. Tell me more about your hometown and what the music scene is like in Sweden.
Alfta is a small village in the north of Sweden. I had a quite upbringing and did a lot of sports. Started to enter singing competitions at 13 years of age cause there wasn’t so many other opportunities for a young girl to sing at . I moved abroad to Spain to work as a singer when I was 20.
On February 2, 2008 you won the Swedish talent show West End Star on TV3. Tell me more about that and what that has done for your career.
It was a life changer – big time. For me as a rock singer to be able to work in the musical industry, that was something I never thought would happened. I got to move to London to work in the West End. I played the leading lady in Spamalot and it was amazing. I’ve learned so much and had a great time that I forever will cherish in my heart.
Tell me about your relationship with Hans E. Wallman.
He was my employer when I worked at Wallmans as un entertainer. Kind of a mentor and I learned a lot from him. He was a visionary and I’m grateful to have been able to work with him.
What does the tattoo on your left arm say?
It a love message to my daughter Lilly, because she’s my everything. “Lilly the love of my life.”
How long have you been working with MTS Management Group? Are you enjoying it thus far?
I’ve been working with MTS Management Group for a few months and I’m very happy.
You have an incredible voice. When did you know you were good enough to make a career out of this?
Thank you so much. At an early age people told me I could sing and I started to work as a singer early… So it just happened naturally.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Whitney Houston, AC/DC, Björn Skifs and Carola Häggkvist is a few of my greatest inspirations.
You are an amazing songwriter. Tell me more about your songwriting process. Do you sit down to write a song, or does it just come to you?
It’s so different. Some days it just flows and some it is very difficult to write anything. I also need to be in a certain mode, be inspired… Most of the time it
doesn’t come that easy unfortunately.
You won the prize of getting the leading role as “Lady of the Lake” in the London West End production of the musical Spamalot. What was that experience like?
Oh, it was amazing and terrible at the same time. To every week face the jury and hoping for the votes to make it till next week… But I’m so happy I entered the competition because it was an fantastic experience and it got me to the West End.
What has it been like working with Björn Skifs?
He’s my idol and my role model so to be able to work with him was huge experience. He’s a very kind and generous man and I’m so grateful for the opportunities he’s given me.
Any plans for a tour this fall/winter?
I’m doing a rock show with the guitarist Kee Marcello and his band. Hopefully that will take us out on the road. I will keep on doing corporate gigs and I’m also looking forward to do some international gigs as a field entertainer.
You have a lot of experience and have been doing this for a long time. In you eyes, how has the music industry changed over the years?
I use to say, “I Love my job but I hate the industry.” It’s tough to be an independent musician/singer and it’s harder than ever to get your music played on the radio in Sweden. But I’m determined so I will keep on struggling.
What’s next for Nina Söderquist?
I’m planning to release a new single. It’s a cover on my favorite song, “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”
Thank you for doing this. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thank you so much for listening to my music and appreciating my work. Music is my life and I’m grateful for every day.
Connect with Nina Söderquist:
Website: http://www.ninasoderquist.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ninasoderquistofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ninasoderquist/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ninasoderquist
Photo Credit: Magnus Roudén
