Paula Jivén – The Duality in Me

By starrymag | March 14, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I’d say I make Scandinavian pop in the left-off-center realm. I like the idea of being a broad artist with a broad sound, so the sound really depends from track to track!

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I grew up being a massive pop-girl. I just love a good pop-song! So, anything from Doja Cat to Britney Spears is always playing. But I’m also very influenced by artists like Regina Spektor or Aurora!

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Say That.”

 

A) I wrote “Say That” on my first writing-trip in LA. I had been looking forward to the trip for quite some time. I was doing things I had been dreaming of, writing with really cool people and taking meetings with big labels. But I couldn’t really enjoy it because I had this feeling that it was all gonna be over soon. This feeling was eating me up, and I felt like I couldn’t talk about it out of fear of seeming ungrateful. So, I did what I always do – I wrote about it!

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think it’s the simplicity of the song, it’s very easily digested. But also the honesty in “Am I happy? No.”

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video plays into the idea of materialism, of having all these things but still not feeling happy.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I almost always have a finished song before writing lyrics! I like sculpting a world that I describe. I often find myself rewriting the lyrics a couple months later when I have a firmer idea of the song.

 

Q) For your upcoming EP, The Duality in Me, what are some themes you will be exploring?

 

A) The EP is mainly written about things that were going on with me and my closest circle. I’m discussing loneliness, toxic friendships, mental health and narcissism.

 

Q) Jason Suwito lent a hand with production for this EP, but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I’ve been very keen to learn production, mainly to be able to speak the same language in sessions and fully understand what’s going on. I haven’t produced any of the tracs for this EP, but I’d say I like taking a big part of the process.

 

Q) What can you tease are some of your personal favorite tracks that listeners should check out on the EP?

 

A) I’m so excited for the final track! I think it’s my favorite song on this EP.

 

Q) Will there be a livestream or tour in the works for this new album?

 

A) It’s so hard to say with the current situation! I’m in rehearsals for a live-show and I’d really love to get to do some live stuff this summer.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from your music on The Duality in Me?

 

A) I hope anyone who listens to the EP will leave with at least one song they’d like to hear again. It’s such a broad collection of songs!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I actually haven’t really gotten to perform my music live! I’ve only been releasing during COVID. So, I’ve only gotten used to playing live on TikTok, which is fun, but I’m so excited to get to do live for real!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Great question! I’m a huge fan of Thom Yorke and, at some point, I’d love to create something with him.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I’ve been listening to Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman album lately! I find it a very empowering piece and it always makes me happy.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans? 

 

A) To me, it’s so important to create a healthy environment on social media for my followers to feel safe and empowered!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) That I’m forever thankful! It’s so crazy that I get to write music that people want to listen to!

 

 

 

Listen to “Say That”