Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, Violet Days is the collaborative project of singer-songwriter/artist Lina Hansson and acclaimed songwriter/producer, Kris Eriksson. In the last five years, they have helped to shape some of the biggest modern pop tracks resulting in an enduring imprint in both the electronic and pop music worlds.
Their first single, “Your Girl” racked up over 13 million streams and counting on Spotify. Hansson and Eriksson’s songwriting and production credits include top artist collaborations including Phoebe Ryan, Cash Cash, Shaun Frank, and The Chainsmokers which produced the hit song, “Paris” that Kris co-wrote.
Lina was nominated in 2015 for Rookie Songwriter/Producer of the Year at the Denniz Pop Awards. Now, she has moved from behind the scenes and into the spotlight with Violet Days’ debut EP, Made in My Head.
In May 2018, the EP’s second single, “Just A Little”, garnered much success being named one of Billboard’s “20 Great Pop Songs from 2018’s First Half You Might Have Missed.” It also was added to Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist in a number of territories including the US and was in heavy rotation at Sweden’s P3 radio.
Violet Days made their official worldwide debut at SXSW last spring, bringing to life for the first time the sonic intersection of electronic and pop songs from the Made In My Head EP.
I recently interviewed Violet Days via email about their new EP, production process, SXSW performance, collaborations, and much more.
Congratulations on the release of your debut EP, Made in My Head. What is the concept or theme?
Thank you – It’s a love story that takes place in a 60’s comic book world! The story is fronted by two characters that take you through the happiness and heartbreaks of their romantic relationship.
What was it about the comic book that inspired you to write an entire EP around it?
It reminded me a lot of my own life, and it even looked like me in it, so it seemed like it was meant to be. The artwork was just beautiful and it’s been interesting to apply the story of the songs into this comic book world, I’m happy it worked out so well.
Explain your production process.
The process is different from time to time – I’m trying to look for something unique in every production and base everything off of that.
First, I usually focus on the beat and the rhythm of the song; once that is in there it’s simple to add the last flavors.
Why do you think your songs prior to Violet Days have made an indelible mark in the worlds of pop and electronic music?
We’re always trying to do something unique with our songs whether it’s for Violet Days, or not, I hope that’s what people like about it! Also, that the lyrics are relatable and mostly written in a conversational way.
Lina – Why did you feel it was time to step from behind the scenes and into the spotlight as Violet Days?
I always wanted to have my own project and sing my own stories and I knew from an early age that I wanted to sing and perform. When I realized I could also write my own songs that’s when I truly found my thing.
It took some time to find the exact vibe that we were going for in the sound so in the meantime it´s been perfect writing for others and having songs come out through that, but singing your own songs is the feeling I truly love.
Explain how it felt to make your official worldwide debut at SXSW performing the songs of ‘Made in My Head’ for the first time.
At first, we didn´t know what to expect out of the festival, we had never been. We have some friends that had played there before that gave us some good advice to help us have the best experience and we had a blast!! It was so much fun and we met some really amazing people and new fans there.
Why did you decide to form Violet Days?
I wanted to have a project that I could apply my songs on, and I wanted Violet Days to be my “alter ego” and outlet.
Lina – How did it feel to be nominated for Rookie Songwriter/Producer of the Year at the 2015 Denniz Pop Awards?
It was a great honor, it’s such a good initiative and a great push for new songwriters and producers to be put in front of so many inspiring people.
You have collaborated with top artists like Phoebe Ryan, The Chainsmokers and Shaun Frank- Which collaboration was the most memorable for you and/or which was the most influential in your subsequent original compositions?
I feel like all of these collaborations are memorable in their own way. Phoebe is a very close friend and we have so much fun every time we work with her. But I guess the time we went to one of The Chainsmokers shows in Stockholm is a good one, we had a little after party and a late night jam in a studio and ´Paris´ happened.
How do you think women can be better supported in the indie music industry?
I think that by getting the same opportunities as men, honestly. I feel like there are so many rooms where there are mostly men behind the computer, men writing and men pushing each other for the next opportunity. We should mix it up a little more and give women more credit!
What advice do you have for women who are actively or think about pursuing a career in music?
Listen to your gut feeling! Stay true to who you are and don´t let people try to change you into something you’re not.
What are your tour or show plans for 2019?
It looks like we’re going to do SXSW again and also some shows in Scandinavia and hopefully some tours as well.
What other projects are you working on for 2019?
We’re going to keep working with different writers and artists out of Sweden and US, but mostly the upcoming Violet Days music, since we’re creating the visual parts as well. That’s going to take some time which I’m super excited about.
Thank you, Lina and Kris, for the opportunity to interview you.
Thank you for taking your time. 🙂
You can purchase Made in My Head on Apple Music and Google Play
Stream the EP on Spotify.
Follow Violet Days on social media:
Twitter: VioletDaysBand
Instagram: violetdaysofficial
Facebook: violetdaysofficial
YouTube: Violet Days Vevo
Soundcloud: violetdaysofficial
Spotify Artist Page: Violet Days
