Molly Nilsson: The Swedish Singer-Songwriter Redefining the Music Industry
A Life of Independence
Molly Nilsson, a Swedish-born singer-songwriter, has established a cult following while working outside the music industry’s norms. For 16 years, Nilsson has been her own manager, booking her own tours, and has never hired a publicist. She has also pressed her own records and hawked them around record stores herself. Her dedication to independence is evident in her latest album, "Un-American Activities," which is her most nakedly political record yet.
Early Life and Influences
Born in 1983, Nilsson grew up in a family of trade unionists. Her postal worker father and mother, who worked for Ikea, instilled in her a sense of social consciousness from a young age. Nilsson attended marches with her parents and later formed a band with friends, funded by a stipend from the Swedish government. This early exposure to music and activism laid the foundation for her future artistic endeavors.
The Birth of Dark Skies Association
After graduating high school, Nilsson thought she wanted to become an illustrator. However, she eventually decided to pursue music instead. In 2003, she moved to Berlin, where she felt liberated by the city’s avant-garde art scene. A year later, Nilsson accidentally became pregnant and had an abortion, which left her feeling empowered and motivated to create music. She began making laconic, spartan synth tracks about lonely parties and forlorn romances on a keyboard she found in her rented apartment.
The Rise of Dark Skies Association
Nilsson’s early releases, including the compilation CD "These Things Take Time," were self-funded and self-distributed through her one-woman record label, Dark Skies Association. She continued to release albums at a yearly clip, while working odd jobs to fund her art. The 2011 release of her fourth album, "History," was a turning point, and gig bookers started emailing. Nilsson took time off from her job as a guard at an art gallery, but never returned. "I had the feeling like, ‘This is temporary,’" she said. "And then the years pass, and people still want to hear me sing."
Michael Kasparis and Night School
In 2010, Nilsson met Michael Kasparis, a buyer at a London record store, when she dropped off some of her records. Kasparis began helping distribute Nilsson’s albums through his fledgling indie label, Night School. The two became friends and partners in crime, working together to promote Nilsson’s music and defy the industry’s expectations. "She loves sharing the work, but also sharing the enthusiasm — having a partner in crime and being like, ‘OK, we’re taking on the world now,’" Kasparis said.
Un-American Activities and Beyond
Nilsson’s latest album, "Un-American Activities," is her most political work yet. The album-length exploration of McCarthyist blacklisting draws lines between the persecution of leftists and socialists in the ’40s and ’50s and the rise of the far-right today. Nilsson’s songwriting has evolved significantly since her early days, and she has become more open about her politics. "I don’t need to lure people in — I’m just going to call it ‘Un-American Activities,’ I’m going to have a song called ‘The Communist Party.’ It’s quite clear and open — I don’t have to hide anything," she said.
Conclusion
Molly Nilsson’s remarkable journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to independence and artistic freedom. By forging her own path, she has managed to build a loyal following and create music that resonates with those who share her values. Her latest album, "Un-American Activities," is a powerful statement of her defiance and a testament to the power of music as a force for change.
FAQs
Q: What inspired Molly Nilsson to become a musician?
A: Nilsson’s early exposure to music and activism, as well as her experience of being pregnant and having an abortion, motivated her to create music.
Q: What is Dark Skies Association, and how did it come about?
A: Dark Skies Association is Nilsson’s one-woman record label, which she founded in 2004. She started releasing her own music and self-distributing it through the label.
Q: How has Molly Nilsson’s music evolved over the years?
A: Nilsson’s early music was characterized by its hazy synth-pop sound, but over the years, she has become more open about her politics and incorporated elements of metal and industrial music into her work.
Q: What is the significance of "Un-American Activities," Nilsson’s latest album?
A: The album is Nilsson’s most political work yet, exploring the themes of McCarthyism, blacklisting, and the rise of the far-right. It marks a significant departure from her earlier work and solidifies her position as a leading voice in the music industry.
Q: How has Molly Nilsson maintained her independence in the music industry?
A: Nilsson has managed to avoid the mainstream by self-funding and self-distributing her music, working with like-minded individuals, and rejecting commercial tie-ins and other industry expectations.
