Sweden’s Elina returns to the rural landscapes of her hometown in ‘A Place I Recognise,’ an outpouring of songs born from a year of brave decisions, a soft rediscovery of self, and her way back to an inner place she’d long been circling.
In this exclusive conversation with the songwriter, she reflects on moments that reshaped her, healing, and finding the clarity and courage to begin again…
The EP follows a narrative of returning home – partly inspired by your move back to your rural hometown in Sweden, and partly shaped by personal experiences. Could you share which events influenced the lyrics in this collection?
I went through quite a few big changes last year that was a really long time coming. Unfortunately, pursuing a career in music took a toll on my mental health in so many ways because of many different reasons. It wasn’t until last year that I finally gathered the strength and courage to start a new chapter and it turned out to be the best decision I’ve made in ages. It led me to healthier relationships personally, professionally, and with myself.
Which song on the record was your favourite to write, and what made it so special?
I’d say ‘Scars.’ It was my first session in ages earlier this year in London, and I was super nervous because I’m such a big fan of James’s music. But it turned into one of those rare experiences where everything just felt easy, from writing the song to recording it, and throughout the whole collaboration with James and his team. It was all pure joy to me.
There’s such an uplifting energy throughout the EP; it feels like you were in a positive creative space. Would you say the songs reflect your healing journey and path toward self-discovery as it unfolded?
Thank you, that’s such a big compliment! They definitely do, and I’d say I’ve come home creatively with these songs in a way I haven’t really felt before. As an artist, it’s a constant process of navigating and reinventing and this time we were all completely in sync in the process when it came to production, sound, and the overall soundscape – which was really uplifting and inspiring. Lyrically and emotionally, the songs are so closely tied to recent experiences that they feel like an extension of myself at this point. That’s all you ever hope to achieve, really, so it feels like I’ve shared something that’s 100% me.
How do you hope listeners will connect emotionally with the songs? Are there particular themes you feel are woven throughout the EP?
My constant hope is that listeners will feel seen and inspired when they hear my songs. This EP comes from a place of personal reflection, growth and choosing myself after a long period of challenges. If these songs can encourage others to do the same and to prioritize their own happiness, trust their instincts and embrace the courage it takes to create a life that feels true to them, then it’s more than I could wish for. All the themes throughout the EP, like self-discovery, resilience, freedom and coming home to yourself, are all tied together with that sense of empowerment and hope, if that makes sense.
You’ve blended indie folk and pop so beautifully, all while staying true to your signature sound. Were there any musical influences that guided you during the making of this record?
That makes me really happy. I feel like I finally got to bring in some band influences and full arrangements this time, something I’ve longed to do since the beginning. I’ve dipped my toes into it on previous records, but never fully explored it. My heart has always, and will always, beat for rock music and bands. It’s the music I grew up with and the music that inspired my writing. So this EP became a way to blend that lifelong bank of influences with my original, softer soun,d and that’s been incredibly fun!