Cajsa Siik comes from a long, glowing line of Scandinavian singers who all share an uncanny knack for picturesque vocals over production that straddles the line between art and pop. Last year's album, Contra, was a beautifully wrenching paean to shattered love that earned her comparisons to her fellow Swedes Lykke Li and Robyn.
Last month, Siik released the first track off her double A side single, "State of Low" (which you can listen to below), a contained song that manages to be melancholy and hopeful at once. We caught up with Siik to find out where her music comes from, who she used to be, and where she wants to go.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
Strong, fragile, powerful, sensitive, cold, suggestive, and intense.
How did your career get started?
I guess it's been a process that started while searching for different ways to express. I was writing, painting, dancing, and then I discovered songwriting. It became my way to cope. My way to deal with all of this. So I kept on writing. I came to a certain point when I felt that I should record an album. So I recorded Plastic House. I found people along the way that seemed to understand what I wanted to do and who believed in something. And in me. Somehow the start of my “career.”
What’s your next project?
To fix myself. No, but I'm working on gathering some important ideas. Musically, visually and emotionally.
What are you most proud of so far in terms of your career?
I'm proud of that I've managed to be completely honest and uncensored when it comes to my songwriting. And that I managed to catch some of it on tape. I'm also proud of those very special people who helped me turn my vision into reality.
What famous person dead or living do most wish you could have as a roommate?
My dog, Siri. She's very much alive.
What is your favorite driving music?
Fleetwood Mac or Rage Against the Machine. Depends on the mood.
If you had to live in a past time, what do you think would be the most fun era and why?
Like many others I have this romantic picture of the 1960s, but I could also go for a long walk with Plato discussing the idea of democracy.
How do you wind down before bed?
It's not one of my favorite characteristics, but I often find myself eating insane amounts of salt liquorice.
When are you most relaxed?
After a gig. Hyper-excited and relaxed. At the same time. The best feeling.
What kind of person were you in high school?
I think that the people who knew me back then could give you a very honest answer to that question. But I'll give it a try. I remember feeling like a searcher and a bit all over the place. Like I wanted to break free. I also remember being quite shy and thoughtful.
Do you have any phobias?
People dressed up as stuffed animals. You call them mascots? I remember this one time when my parents took me to this fair and a giant pink bear came towards me and hugged me. I didn't hug it back. I ran the opposite way. I also hate to eat in big dining halls.
What’s a serious side of you that people are unlikely to know about? Either in terms of interests, hobbies, or personality?
I'm really into interpretation of dreams. I'm often dreaming these really spaced out surreal dreams and I write them down when I wake up. A few weeks a go I dreamt about whales every night for a week. Swimming with whales, eating with whales, talking to whales. I wonder what that means.
What are some of your favorite Internet “memes” of all time?
I saw this one yesterday of a bear with open jaws and snow on its face saying: “I fucking love cocaine!” It was kind of funny.
How do you hope to grow as a creative person?
Keep on searching and exploring without fear. Feeling free. The more you do and see the more experience you get, negative and positive. I think fear is the most common reason why people stop growing creatively. I want to grow fearless and free.
