As unfiltered in her artwork as she is in individual, Swedish singer/songwriter Sarah Klang opens up about her songwriting course of, singing to her youthful self, and why she prefers English over Swedish in a candid dialog about her emotionally resonant fifth album ‘Stunning Girl’ – a heartwarming celebration of girlhood.
Stream: ‘Stunning Girl’ – Sarah Klang
In the end, ‘Stunning Girl’ is a celebration of womanhood and girlhood… an album concerning the awkwardness of being a toddler, a teen, and about understanding your relationship together with your physique and self in a patriarchal world.
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Sarah Klang has by no means been one to carry again – not in her music, not in her lyrics, and definitely not in dialog.
“Generally it’s laborious,” she says, reflecting on reactions to her new album’s title observe. “Older ladies come as much as me after exhibits like, ‘You are a wonderful girl,’ and I’m like, thanks, however that’s not the purpose. I’m not singing the music to get your approval. I’m singing it from my 15-year-old perspective.”
Susceptible, self-aware, and endlessly candid, Klang’s fifth album Stunning Girl finds the Swedish singer/songwriter leaning deeper into the artwork of radical honesty. If Mercedes was a coming-of-age document, this one seems like a reckoning – a fearless celebration of girlhood, womanhood, and all the pieces in between. From the smooth ache of “Stunning Girl” to the glimmering chew of “Different Ladies,” Klang opens herself up with wit, heat, and knowledge, making room for reflection and development with every lyric she delivers.
“I haven’t invented something new,” she says with a shrug. “I simply wish to make music impressed by the music I like.” That love exhibits up in every single place – within the Carole King-esque piano ballads, the indie-pop nostalgia, the moments of restraint that give approach to uncooked energy.
Nevertheless it’s her storytelling that anchors the album: Grounded, disarming, and unafraid to get slightly bizarre.
She’s additionally humorous – not simply in passing, however as a part of her artistry. Whether or not evaluating “All I Need” to “Man! I Really feel Like a Girl!” or poking enjoyable at her obsessive listening habits (“I overplay songs till I hate them, and don’t notice I destroyed it myself”), Klang brings levity to even the heaviest matters. She even laughs at her personal aversion to singing in Swedish, claiming she sounds “hella fundamental” in her native tongue: “I don’t know what it’s, nevertheless it simply sounds annoying.” It’s that stability – humor and heartbreak, grit and softness – that makes her music hit so laborious.
Musically, Stunning Girl marks a second of development for Klang.
“Once I began, I used to be attempting to put in writing cool indie songs,” she says. “Now I simply write in my very own voice.” That readability shines by in each music, as Klang trades metaphor for precision and aesthetic for substance. The result’s a physique of labor that’s as musically assured as it’s lyrically susceptible.
And whereas she’s the album’s emotional middle, Klang is fast to emphasise that it’s not about her. “When you launch a music, it’s not yours anymore,” she says. “I hope individuals pay attention and take into consideration their personal lives, not mine. That may be a win.”
We at Atwood Journal have lengthy been admirers of Klang’s artistry, beforehand describing her 2023 album Mercedes as “cinematic and breathtaking… emotionally-charged and stunningly soulful.” If that document marked a coming-of-age, then Stunning Girl is the evolution that follows – unfiltered, unguarded, and grounded within the readability that comes with time. As ever, Klang doesn’t sugarcoat the laborious stuff, however she additionally isn’t afraid to search out lightness within the mess. Her songs are as a lot about seeing your self as they’re about forgiving your self.
In fact, I’ve moments the place I’m wondering, what’s being a wonderful girl? Is it being a pleasant individual? Is it loving your self? Is it being variety? I don’t know.
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If Mercedes was about changing into, Stunning Girl is about being – about proudly owning the mess, the expansion, the softness, the power.
It’s Klang at her most assured and unfiltered, wielding vulnerability not as a wound, however as a wellspring of energy. Few songs seize the spirit of an album as wholly and poignantly as “Stunning Girl.” It’s not simply the document’s opener and namesake – it’s its emotional heartbeat. The title observe stands because the album’s emotional cornerstone: With its unvarnished lyrics and aching vulnerability, Klang captures the uncooked essence of adolescence and the eager for self-acceptance. Strains like “Working towards each night time / The right way to dance in gradual movement” and “Writing in my diary, targets for the brand new 12 months / 16 and alone in my room” evoke a poignant sense of youthful craving. Her supply is intimate and honest, making the music not only a reflection of her previous however a common anthem for anybody grappling with id and self-worth.
One other private standout is “Final Endlessly,” a collaboration with Fruit Bats’ Eric D. Johnson. This observe begins as a young acoustic ballad and step by step builds right into a fervent indie rock crescendo. The duet format permits each artists to discover the complexities of affection from differing views, making a dialogue that’s each private and relatable. Klang describes the collaboration as an “eye-opener,” noting how the merging of two artistic worlds strengthened her songwriting: “All of the sudden there have been two views, and that’s very new for me to have. To get to work with somebody I like a lot was a dream come true, and I felt prefer it made me a stronger author too.” The music’s emotional depth and dynamic association make it an prompt, compelling spotlight of the album.
Throughout Stunning Girl, Klang crafts a soundscape that feels each expansive and deeply intimate.
Lush strings swell towards stripped-back piano; jangly guitars shimmer beneath heat harmonies. There’s a swish push and pull between restraint and launch – songs like “Different Ladies” exude a quiet loungey confidence, whereas “Haze” bursts with candy, pop-forward exuberance. Each observe feels lived-in and intentional, guided by Klang’s unmistakable voice and her dedication to serving the music moderately than overpowering it. That is music made to not impress, however to join.
Atwood Journal just lately sat down with Sarah Klang to debate her songwriting course of, the load and surprise of girlhood, making a “mini Eras tour” in Gothenburg, and why Stunning Girl is, above all else, an album about coming into herself.
Stunning Girl is out now by way of Nettwerk Music Group. North American followers can catch Klang on tour this summer time as she performs choose dates all through the Northeast – discover tickets and extra info right here!
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:: stream/buy Stunning Girl right here ::
:: join with Sarah Klang right here ::
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A CONVERSATION WITH SARAH KLANG
Atwood Journal: Sarah, what has it been like to this point to have Stunning Girl, your fifth album, out on this planet?
Sarah Klang: It’s been a reduction. The discharge course of is so lengthy as of late, particularly for artists like me. My label at all times desires 5 singles out earlier than the album drops, most likely due to streaming. I’m often high-quality with two singles, however by the third I’m like, “Am I just a few web whore now?” I’m telling my followers the identical factor repeatedly. And the album has been carried out for such a very long time. I’ve already been engaged on my subsequent one. So yeah, it’s good that it’s lastly out. It’s gotten very nice evaluations, and once you mentioned it’s my greatest to this point – I really feel that too. I positively amped it up a bit, and that’s due to Eric. He’s such a rock dad.
It’s solely been a 12 months and a half since Mercedes got here out. Once we spoke about that album, you described it as your coming-of-age document. How has your relationship with it developed?
Sarah Klang: It’s developed loads – particularly round my being pregnant and having my daughter. That album is sort of a little time capsule of that complete interval, which feels actually candy now. My daughter’s three and a half, and it was such a superb time to have a child. I made a decision early on, proper after I discovered I used to be pregnant, that I’d make an album to maintain myself busy and never go too loopy. I’m so glad I did. It helped me keep targeted and seize moments I most likely would’ve forgotten in any other case. Mercedes seems like a photograph album I preserve at residence.
Do any songs from Mercedes nonetheless maintain a particular place for you?
Sarah Klang: Oh yeah. The music “Mercedes” is one in every of my favorites – it’s like slightly anthem for my daughter. She loves it. She sings it in public, which is sort of embarrassing, but in addition candy. She’s simply beginning to perceive what I do for a dwelling. She’ll say, “That is my mother. She’s a singer. That is her music, ‘Mercedes.’” And I’m like, please cease. However I like all these songs. I actually do.
I assume not each kindergarten age baby has a music actually named after them at their delivery. So that’s fairly particular.
Sarah Klang: Yeah, I’m making a monster. However that’s how she is now, so I’ve to make her cease being so bizarre about it.
This brings us to Stunning Girl, which seems like a pure continuation. You’ve known as this album a celebration of womanhood and girlhood. What is the story behind this document?
Sarah Klang: Once I wrote Mercedes, the songs that weren’t about being pregnant or giving delivery targeted on my teenage years. A number of that got here up once I was pregnant. I believe that’s pure – you begin reflecting on who you had been as a child and a teen. I had a lot stuff to put in writing about. My earlier albums had been all love tales, as a result of that was my life in my early 20s – it was all about boys. So it was refreshing to put in writing about one thing else.
I prefer to have slightly catchphrase for every album. I requested my pal Moa, who does the art work for my data, “What’s the catchphrase for this one?” She mentioned, “It’s a celebration of girlhood,” and I assumed that was so candy and properly put. Even when I didn’t have a toddler, I believe this album nonetheless would’ve occurred. Your 30s are a time once you begin seeing your self otherwise – you want slightly distance out of your previous to essentially perceive it. If you’re 25, you’re nonetheless a monkey. I needed to develop up a bit to put in writing this one.
The document feels very therapeutic, such as you’re unraveling, unpacking issues in actual time. What was the songwriting course of like?
Sarah Klang: I at all times write the lyrics first, and I at all times begin with the album title – it helps create a thread by the songs. However I didn’t plan to put in writing about puberty or the feminine physique. That simply occurred naturally with a few the songs. I write day by day now, prefer it’s my job. I get stuff down, and later I begin seeing the themes.
This album feels very mature in its musicality and lyricism. How do you’re feeling it compares to your previous data?
Sarah Klang: The lyrics are positively extra refined. I just lately did two large exhibits in Gothenburg with the symphony orchestra – they performed songs from each album. It was like my mini Eras tour. Taking part in these older songs actually confirmed me how my writing has modified. Once I began, I needed to put in writing cool indie songs, I wish to write about love, moonshine, and blah blah blah. Now I simply wish to write in my very own voice.
English isn’t my first language, so it’s necessary to maintain issues easy and direct. I’m not attempting to be daring or provocative – I simply wish to describe issues actually. I believe that’s what resonates with individuals.
You don’t write about easy matters, although. I like your want to simplify what’s advanced.
Sarah Klang: Thanks.
You’ve touched on this earlier than, however you don’t sing a lot in Swedish. Why sing in your second language, as an alternative of your native one?
Sarah Klang: To begin with, I hate singing in Swedish. I’ve a totally completely different voice in Swedish. I sound hella fundamental in Swedish – it’s bizarre. Generally I do covers or TV issues in Sweden, and I hate how I sound. The language simply isn’t as clean. Additionally, I grew up on American popular culture. Every thing I watched and listened to was American. The primary time I went to New York, I felt like I’d already been there due to TV. All my goals had been primarily based on changing into an American rock man.
I actually by no means considered English as being a wonderful language, however as a local speaker, I suppose I’ll settle for it.
Sarah Klang: Yeah, you need to. It’s a wonderful, stunning language.
Let’s dive proper into your songs, we could? I would like discuss concerning the title observe, “Stunning Girl.” Why lead with that music?
Sarah Klang: It felt like an enormous dick transfer – it’s a fantastic music, and it units the bar. Erik and Theo, who made the album with me, had been each like, “Put it first.” So we did. It got here collectively in like an hour. It’s a easy, basic music – these shorts originally, that acquainted sound. If one thing sounds acquainted, embrace it. If one thing feels tacky or dramatic, go all in. I hate when individuals don’t commit. “Stunning Girl” is certainly one in every of my extra dramatic songs.
It’s daring to begin an album with a ballad, particularly one which’s slower than others like “Haze” or “Final Endlessly.” To me, it sets a typical. It reminds me of Carole King or Adele.
Sarah Klang: That’s so good. Once we recorded it, not less than two individuals had been like, “That is so Carole King going to LA within the ’70s.” And I couldn’t ask for extra. I haven’t invented something new – I would like my music to be primarily based on my favourite music, in order that’s very nice that you simply really feel like that.
The lyric, “Once I develop up, I wish to be a wonderful girl” – what does that imply to you?
Sarah Klang: Once I was 13 or 15, it meant changing into a handsome girl. That’s how foolish and unhappy and humorous my mind was. Rising up within the early 2000s, I wasn’t affected by the sweetness requirements – I simply accepted them. Like, I assume I’m purported to go on a food plan now, eat darkish rye bread for every week. I learn lady magazines that had man panels giving blowjob ideas, and I’d be like, “Thanks for the recommendation.”
It was so dumb. However I’m additionally unhappy for the women who ended up with consuming problems and spent years hating themselves. After releasing “Stunning Girl,” I spotted how many individuals relate to that point and had it method worse. I simply needed to explain it clearly. Like, that is how dumb it was.
However typically it’s laborious. Older ladies come as much as me after exhibits like, “You are a wonderful girl,” and I’m like, thanks, however that’s not the purpose. I’m not singing the music to get your approval. I’m singing it from my 15-year-old perspective.
Has your definition of a wonderful girl modified?
Sarah Klang: Generally sure, typically no. I nonetheless have moments the place I wish to be a handsome girl. And naturally, I’ve moments the place I’m wondering, what’s being a wonderful girl? Is it being a pleasant individual? Is it loving your self? Is it being variety? I don’t know. I like protecting the music easy, although – staying in that younger, naive perspective. It’s good to be her in that music.
Sarah Klang: “Different Ladies.” I like that music a lot. Often I don’t get emotional over my very own music, however that one hit me. We recorded it with Josh on drums and one other Josh on bass – they had been solely with us for 2 days. They listened to the demo, went in, performed it 4 instances, and it was carried out. They’re pals with Eric and usually receives a commission much more, so this was sort of a charity mission for them. However once they performed it, I simply began crying. It was so good. I assumed, it is a music I’d truly hearken to. That doesn’t occur usually with my very own stuff.
It has a jazzy, loungey really feel that’s new for you. What impressed that vibe?
Sarah Klang: It’s positively their model – they’ve performed with individuals like Cat Energy, Bon Iver, Kanye. They introduced their complete power to it. And I like the loungier songs as a result of they’re not all about me belting it out. On “Stunning Girl,” I’ve to focus. On “Different Ladies,” I get to simply be a part of the band. Similar with “Go to the Solar.”
It appears like a deal with to be a part of the band moderately than the entire present.
Sarah Klang: Yeah, it’s very nice.
One among my favorites is “Haze,” which comes early on the album. It’s acquired a poppier edge and a lot power. How did that music come about?
Sarah Klang: I like “Haze” now. However after we recorded it and I began getting the mixes again in Sweden, I assumed, is that this music dumb? What is that this? Ought to we lower it? I requested Eric twice to chop it. He was like, “No method. That’s my favourite.” So we saved it. And now I like it. Particularly reside – it’s only a jam. And the lyrics are heavy, however I don’t care about that man anymore, so it’s enjoyable to sing.
Sarah Klang: “Childhood” is about wanting to maneuver on. I wish to cease torturing my dad and mom with these songs, get outcomes from remedy, and shut the chapter. It’s not about dwelling, even when it appears like that. In my 20s, I leaned into being depressed and darkish. Now I’m extra like, go exterior, eat proper, deal with your self. Perhaps you’ll really feel higher. That’s additionally what “I Have Every thing” is about – gratitude. Once I was youthful, I assumed gratitude was dumb. Now I see how fortunate I’m. I’ve my family, I do music – I’ve nothing to complain about. And I must remind myself of that to be a superb individual.
Once I first heard “Happier,” I assumed it was from you to your youthful self. However then I spotted it’s a message to your daughter. Is that proper?
Sarah Klang: Yeah, it’s for my daughter. Undoubtedly. Strolling round Gothenburg, the place I grew up, along with her – it’s like, hey, you’ll be able to simply sit right here, drink espresso, benefit from the day. You don’t need to be loopy. I’m grateful to her for serving to me get to that mindset ahead of I may need by myself. I’m nonetheless engaged on it, however I’m attempting to be a superb individual.
What three phrases would you utilize to explain this album?
Sarah Klang: Coming into myself. Like that Kylie Jenner quote: “That is the 12 months of realizing stuff.” That’s this album.
Outdoors of what we’ve talked about, are there different favourite songs on the album?
Sarah Klang: I like “All I Need.” We performed it in LA just lately, and I laughed throughout it – it’s so sassy. It makes me really feel like I’m singing “Man! I Really feel Like a Girl!” It’s enjoyable, straightforward to sing, snug pitch – I can simply be a savage. It’s a blast.
Do you have got a favourite lyric or line?
Sarah Klang: I like the beginning of “Different Ladies.” That quote – “Nothing tastes pretty much as good as feeling skinny” – is iconic. It’s not mine, it’s simply such a second. That line cracks me up.
What do you hope listeners take away from Stunning Girl? And what have you ever taken from it?
Sarah Klang: When you launch a music or album, it’s not yours anymore. I hope individuals pay attention and take into consideration their very own lives, not mine. I’ve cherished listening to from individuals like, “I bear in mind 2005,” and feeling that neighborhood round a bizarre, nostalgic time. I additionally hope individuals can chill to it, drive with it, have a beer with it. I wish to make good jams. However I do know individuals respect the storytelling and lyrics too, and that’s nice.
I began out eager to be well-known. Then I needed to be a cool star. I needed individuals to respect my music – particularly fancy-pants rock guys. I’ve at all times needed them to like me as a result of I’m a woman.
Who’re you listening to recently? Any suggestions?
Sarah Klang: Fruit Bats. I’m obsessed. However I’m the worst at discovering new music. I discover one factor and overplay it till I hate it. Proper now, it’s Fruit Bats. And Bonnie Mild Horseman – have you ever heard “Deep in Love”? That ballad? Greatest music on this planet. I’m obsessed.
That’s superb. Thanks a lot to your time right this moment. Congratulations on Stunning Girl!
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© Fredrika Eriksson
an album by Sarah Klang