Q: ‘So Please Don’t Go’ is very catchy! Can you tell us what inspired you to write this song?
REMYO: Thank you! Well as a songwriter, the lyrics often just comes to you and you have to seize it, if you know what I mean! In this case the lyrics came to me with tears in my eyes. When there are situations in life where you have no control of the circumstances, where you have done everything you can – you have to let it go. To me the lyrics is all about appreciation, showing that to the people you love and care about. And when life in unpredictable and unforeseen, you´ll find love, comfort and strength in the family and friends around you.
Q: When did you start writing songs and why?
REMYO: I have probably been doing it my whole life, but haven´t always been able to complete the stories I wanted to tell. Call it a “write lock” or something like that. In many years of my career I have seen myself more as an interpreter and media or rather than a songwriter. At some point that radically changed some years ago, and here I am current with 2 more songs the coming months – and in the final phase of writing 2 more projects! To me songwriting is always about telling stories that are relatable to the individual, and I want my listeners to feel the journey.
Q: How do you feel living in Norway has influenced you and your music?
REMYO: There are extremely many talented artists and mediators in Norway! There are so many people to get inspired from. Take for example KYGO, Alan Walker, Ina Wroldsen and see what they have achieved! I feel that it´s a great place to grow with my music experiences. Also having Christmas concerts and building my audience in different areas and levels. Anyway building your audience and your music career is really hard and you never have to give up! In the end YOU are the only one who have to push yourself forward, believing in yourself! Nothing comes for free. So I guess it doesn´t matter where you´re located or where you are – it´s where you´re GOING!
Q: You have such an incredible voice! Can you tell us who some of your biggest influences are?
REMYO: Thank you, really appreciate to hearing that! It´s not easy to just mention one! Of course great vocalists primarily takes my breath away the most. But various artists such as Adele, Ina Wroldsen, Justin Bieber, John Mayer and Elton John have influenced me a lot during the years. I could have mentioned many more!
Q: What is your creative process like?
REMYO: Well sitting with my piano in my living room is where I relax. The process of songmaking doesn´t always start here. As the matter of fact the writing process can start everywhere! In my bed, in my car, at work, when I´m working out – everywhere! BUT: it´s by the piano the magic process continues! When I feel there´s a connection between the lyrics and the chords and arrangement, that´s when I record the first draft and send it over to my collaborators. Then the long process starts with producers and engineers and adding just the fitting parts and making the total product of the song.
Q: You have an EP coming out this April. Can you tell us what else you have in store?
REMYO: Yes, that´s right! The EP is consisting of four tracks. My first single Never Felt, which was released 16th of June 2021, So Please Don´t Go, the sequel which came 26th of November 2021 and two more songs coming up very soon! The third one, Here For A While, is scheduled in early February. I´m really looking forward to showing you this! When it comes to the fourth one completing the EP, I will not divulge the title of it at this moment! But I promise it´s worth waiting for! The story being told through the whole EP is strongly connected in and between the songs. You´ll se what I mean when the EP is completed, and I hope that the listeners will feel the whole journey. Stay tuned!
Interviewed by Taylor Berry
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