EXCLUSIVE: ROUGH ONLINE CHATS TO HELGA ABOUT NEW VIDEO WHICH BATTLES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

One of Sweden’s most unique Alternative Rock exports blew ROUGH ONLINE away recently with their track “Battle Song” and quite naturally we were highly anticipating unusual, gothic visuals to accompany this well-crafted piece of music. Helga did not fail us one tiny bit with the release of her first official music video to promote the debut single. And after watching such eye-grabbing imagery, we had to sit down with the multi-talented music artist to ask  questions in regards to ''Battle Song'' inspiration…

ROUGH ONLINE: Before we get onto the music side of things, it's obvious to Rough Online that you are also a very talented visual artist. What inspired the imagery Battle Song's music video?

HELGA:    When I hear the word 'battle' I get images of a person looking fierce with makeup around the eyes, so that's what I did. Also, black metal. I listen to it from time to time and I like the panda look, haha. I received a private message about the music video saying it reminded him of the Norwegian band Immortal. I giggled.

ROUGH ONLINE: Tell us a bit about Icons Creating Evil Art...

HELGA:   ICEA is a Swedish label from Stockholm. I met them for the first time in May this year and I got a free hug, cup of tea, tote bag and some vinyl records. I brought a friend with me because I was too scared and shy to go alone. These label folks have been very kind and professional, and I really appreciate that they are organized because I work that way too. I sincerely wish them all the best.

ROUGH ONLINE: Musically, Battle Song is one of Rough Online's favourite tracks of 2018. What was the lyrical inspiration behind it, and are we to expect other songs of this ear-pleasing gothic vibe?

HELGA:   That's sweet of you! Thanks a lot! I just happened to write the melody and liked it. I tend to get cinematic images in my head, and the ones I saw were images of a battle, and that led to these lyrics. It makes me giggle that some people describe my music as gothic, which I haven't really thought of before but I find it exciting. And yes, you will hear more of the same vibe!

ROUGH ONLINE: We are very intrigued to know when you began writing music. Tell us a bit about your musical background, and which musicians you were influenced by...

HELGA:   I began writing music in 2015. That was the year I wrote one of the first songs that I felt proud of. I thought "wow, this sounds like a real song!" Haha. It was a new feeling and it gave me hope. I felt so happy I started crying (I'm very emotional, haha). The musicians I am influenced by? It's really hard to say. I don't necessarily think of them when I'm writing music, but somehow I guess they've influenced me: Opeth, John Dowland, Howard Shore, Pavel Chesnokov, Sigur Rós, Ólafur Arnalds, to name a few.

ROUGH ONLINE: Is Battle Song part of a portfolio of material you are currently recording? Are we to expect an E.P or L.P from you any time soon?

HELGA:   It is. An E.P entitled "Nebulous" is coming soon.

ROUGH ONLINE: We would love to see you perform this music on stage, as we know just by seeing the music video for "Battle Song" that your stage presence and visual concept will be just as powerful. Are there any tour dates coming up?

HELGA:   You guys are so sweet! Yes, I would really love to perform this. I can get very crazy on stage. It's one of the greatest feelings ever, just being in the moment, feeling the music and the energy of the audience rushing through your body. It's a spiritual experience. No tour dates yet, but hopefully soon and you'll be the first to know