Swedish pop singer-songwriter, creative director and activist Agnes Hustler has announced the release of her debut album, with 'Agnes Dei' available now.
The album was recorded between Reason Studios Stockholm and at Robyn’s / Icona Pop’s producer Patrik Berger’s studio, and is entirely produced and written by Female and Queer producers and songwriters, including Agnes herself, who added, “for anyone who claims there are no female producers, here’s a whole album made by women and queer people only.”
To help celebrate the release, and how Agnes continues to pave the way for pop music in Sweden, we wanted to sit down with her and learn a bit more about her sound, style, and passion.
Lovely to have you here, Agnes. Thank you so much for taking the time. Your journey is already so impressive, but where did it all begin?
"I’ve always been singing ever since I was 1-2 years old or so. Then it became songwriting in my teens, producing at nineteen. My family consists of big music lovers and choir singers so it all came very natural for me."
There are a lot of terms flying around to describe your sound, but how would you express it?
"Goddess pop. Empowering, holy, sensual and confident pop. Best of both worlds of power and vulnerability."
What influences most define your music?
"I listen to everything, but I’m particularly inspired by artists like Sia, Rihanna, Emlyn, Beyoncé and Tove Lo for this album."
Tell us about your new album ‘Agnes Dei’, what was the journey there
"Eversince I started my own record label and became my artist career in 2019 I’ve been going back to my roots, my great grandpa was a vicar and I grew up singing in church with my family. I’ve been searching and trying to develop my relationship with Gd and faith."
"All this happening in my early twenties, alongside experiencing and shaping my sexuality to the strong woman I am today. I am both a sinner and a saint. That’s how the album Agnes Dei was born."
"'Agnes Dei is my 21st century believing bisexual woman soundtrack. [It's] for anyone who claims there are no female producers, here’s a whole album made by women and queer people only.”
What is your songwriting process? How did it all come together?
"There’s not ‘the one’ songwriting process I always have. Each song has it’s path. But usually I have a message to convey, like the absolute urgency to change our lifestyle climate-wise as for ‘Heaven Underground’. Then I start playing piano, guitar or jump into the studio with a producer and from there we go forward."
What’s the most important thing for you when you’re writing a song?
"That it gets you hooked on a feeling and message. I can’t write a plain I love you baby or I’m heartbroken baby song. That’s just too plain Jane."
What’s next for you now the album is out?
"Continuing my tour across Sweden, playing at a bunch of Pride festivals. Playing more live and doing more song collaborations with artists internationally. I have so much music in the making…"
What would your dream collaboration be?
"Rihanna. The end. Haha"
What advice would you give to band’s who are looking to make it?
"Call me. Haha, no just kidding. Develop a strong mindset and think longterm and patience. Hard work is usually the key behind success, not a over-night happening."
What has been your best moment as a musician/band so far?
"All the women and non-binaries that have come up to me and told me how they got inspired by me and my music or how it helped them somehow. I feel like that’s the greatest success you can have as an artist."
The album as a whole showcases Agnes versatility as an artist, brimming with bravery and transcending the limitations of genre. The album’s debut single ‘Heaven Underground’ features fellow Swedish pop artist Leyonclou and sees them speak out about climate change and global warming.
Taking inspiration from the likes of Paramore and PVRIS, the track is honest and raw with a sarcastic, humorous edge in the lyrics. The message is further enhanced by Agnes and Leyonclou’s flawless and powerful vocal delivery.
'Agnes Dei' is out on all streaming platforms now.
Connect with Agnes Hustler,
