Greta Lovisa: Beyoncé Is To Blame

Singer-songwriter Greta Lovisa is all about healing. This is evident in her music, composed of angelic vocals atop of soothing melodies, inviting listeners to join her in healthy practices such as having “clear boundaries” and “letting go”. Her bright sound is making waves on the internet, as she prepares to play her first ever live show in London this March.

As part of Music Is To Blame’s “What’s to Blame?” interview series, Lovisa talks us through her musical inspirations, her creative process, and her future aspirations.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your music journey?

Let’s start with the basics. My name is Greta Lovisa, I’m 25, and I’m Swedish/German. I was born in Bonn, have two older sisters, and moved to London in 2019 to pursue music. Ever since I was three years old, I was constantly singing (horribly) or putting on shows for my family. I started playing the violin when I was four and the piano when I was seven, but no matter how much I loved these instruments, singing has always been—and will always be—my biggest passion.

How would you describe your sound?

This is always a hard question! If I had to choose a genre, it would be pop with a touch of soul. But if I had to describe it differently, I’d say I want my music to feel like a warm hug, the colour orange or yellow, or like summer 2016—when life felt easy and carefree. That feeling varies a bit from song to song, though!

What or who would you say is to blame for your music career?

Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, and my dad—the golden trio.

I can’t give you a reason why I chose this path because, for me, it was always the only option. Since writing my first song at four (a terrible song, which I can still play), it was never a question of why or if—only how to make this career happen.

My dad, a musician himself, was always playing music with me. If he wasn’t sitting me on his lap as a baby while playing the piano, he was singing to me on his guitar. Later on, I’d make him play while I made up nonsense English words and "performed." I guess he was my first band member!

I got my first Christina Aguilera CD when I was three. There are videos of me performing songs from ‘Stripped’ with so much confidence. I still envy that little girl who thought she was born to be a world star. Now, I’m more aware of how hard it actually is!

Who are the biggest musical inspirations for the sound you’ve curated?

Again, my dad—his honest, no-sugar-coating lyrics have inspired me to say exactly what I feel in my songs. And then, Beyoncé has wildly influenced my singing. No, I don’t sound anything like Queen B, but listening to her, analysing her vocal performances, made me a total vocal geek.

Can you walk us through your typical recording/creative process for a song?

Apparently, my process is a little unusual—I always start with the lyrics. I write them on the way to a session, on the bus, on the tube, right before sleep, while eating... you get the gist! After that, I usually meet with my producer, he plays a melody, and the rest just flows out of us.

I often think about what I want my listeners to feel. My last song, ‘Alive’, was written because I wanted people to be happy, feel like sunshine, and have something to play in the morning that gets them dancing. Of course, I draw from my own life and feelings, but I also ask myself, “Okay, I’m sad. What would make me feel better? What song could I write that would be there for someone else when they’re feeling this way?” That doesn’t always mean writing a happy song, though—right now, I’m writing a song that’ll definitely make you angry at your ex! But I want my listeners to come out of it feeling free and stronger.

What's your favorite part of the creative process?

Short and simple—recording vocals. I just love getting to actually sing, harmonise, and mess around with ad-libs.

As an up-and-coming artist, do you feel that social media is an asset or a burden to your career?

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for social media. So, yes, it’s a huge asset. But of course, it has its downsides. Being on social media means being subjected to everyone’s opinions, and the hate I receive has definitely gotten to me on some days.

What do you hope to communicate through your music?

I want my listeners to feel heard. I want them to feel like they have a friend in me, to feel seen in their most vulnerable moments, and to know we’re in this together—because we are. Writing is my therapy, but I want my music to be therapy for others, too. My favourite thing is receiving messages from listeners telling me how my songs have helped them. What more could I possibly want?

How does it feel to be playing your first live show this year?

So exciting! I have a band for the first time, which has always been a dream of mine. This feels like the beginning of something new. We’ve planned such a cool show, and I cannot wait to be back on stage!

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Sabrina Carpenter, for sure. She’s so cool—I just want to write with her and have a spicy margarita after.

What's been the highlight of your career so far?

Having my song chart on Apple Music in multiple countries!

Where do you hope to see yourself in ten years?

I still have the same big dreams as my younger self. So, if I may sound delusional... on a sold-out world tour!

Zahra Hanif

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