GAEYA

GAEYA is a Swedish artist and visionary creating immersive musical experiences that invite audiences into deeply transformative journeys. She chatted to us about her new EP ‘Growth’ and more: 

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

Music has always been the central part of my life since I was a toddler, so I can’t really remember the very first memory. From when I started to walk and talk, I’ve always been singing and dancing. I have a memory of when I went up on a big stage at the age of 6 for the first time, in front of 1000 people. That gave me the confirmation for myself on how much I love making music and that this was going to be the thing I wanted to work with in life.

 

When did you begin songwriting? 

Songwriting came a bit later for me. I had been writing a few songs when I went to college, but it wasn’t until years later when I had been performing other people’s music for a long time and I felt like I wanted to add more to it. I felt like I had more things to share and when GAEYA came about it was really the central part to start writing my own song. And I really love the process.

 

You have your new EP ‘Growth’ out now. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?

It’s been a long journey and a short one at the same time.

Both Higher Ground and The Lucky Ones have been part of our live performances for several years, and it has been challenging to find the right sonic direction while continuing to evolve and gain new perspectives along the way.

When we finally decided to complete the entire EP, it was refreshing to step back and listen to the songs with new ears. We stayed open to new ways of expressing the themes of growth and transformation, which made the process both exciting and inspiring.

I always try to follow where the music wants to lead us rather than forcing a song into a preconceived sound. For me, the most important thing is listening to what the song itself wants to express.

 

Where did you record the EP and who produced it?

Most of the EP was recorded and produced between our home studio and Vintage Loft Studio in Sweden, together with producer and musician Anders Rane.

Vintage Loft Studio is a cosy, vintage-inspired studio located in the beautiful countryside of Västra Götaland. It’s surrounded by nature and provides a very inspiring environment for creativity and reflection.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

One particularly beautiful memory is when Anders and I rented an old cabin in the forests of Värmland while working on The Lucky Ones.

The cabin sat beside a stunning lake, and we spent our days recording, swimming, walking through the forest, and watching the sun set over the water. There were several magical moments during that trip when we felt we truly found the heart and sound of the song.

It’s one of those experiences that reminds you how much environment can influence creativity.

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

 

For our latest recordings, particularly Different In My Time and Emptiness, we used a Neumann M49V microphone paired with a Neve 1073 preamp.

That combination was truly a game changer for the vocals. We’ve worked with many excellent microphones over the years, but this setup delivered a remarkable depth, warmth, and authenticity that allowed us to keep the vocal processing to a minimum.

It’s a beautiful pairing that has shaped the sound of these songs and will likely become a key part of future recordings as well.

 

Which of your new EP tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

 

Happiest: The Lucky Ones. Despite its serious message, it carries a sense of hope, empowerment, and possibility.

Angriest: Higher Ground: There is a deep frustration underneath the song regarding the direction many aspects of society are heading, but it channels that energy into transformation rather than blame.

Most reflective: Emptiness. It is a very introspective song that invites us to sit with ourselves and listen to what lies beneath the noise.

 

Who were the musicians who were on the EP with you?

 

Almost all of the instrumentation was performed by Anders Rane.

He is an incredibly talented pianist and multi-instrumentalist, and it’s a great pleasure to create music together. On The Lucky Ones we were also fortunate to have our friend and fellow artist Harriet Nauer contribute backing vocals to the choir sections.

I love inviting friends into the creative process, and I hope we’ll do even more collaborations like that in the future.

 

Does the EP’s title have a specific meaning/significance?

 

Absolutely.

Growth is really the heart of this EP. Each song represents a different stage of personal growth and transformation.

The EP continues the story that began with Awakening, which I see as the first step in a larger trilogy that will eventually culminate in the album Paradigm. So in many ways, growth is both the theme and the thread running through every song on this release.

 

Was it a difficult EP to write?

Both yes and no.

The songs themselves came very quickly. Looking back at the original improvisations, around 95% of the melodies and 85% of the lyrics were already present in the very first takes.

The real process often begins long before the songs emerge. There is usually a period of inner reflection happening beneath the surface, and once it’s ready, my role is simply to tune in and translate those feelings and ideas into music.

The production process, however, takes much longer. That’s where a great deal of experimentation, refinement, and creative decision-making takes place. It’s also where much of a song’s character is shaped.

 

Who designed the EP artwork?

The artwork was designed by me, while the original photograph was taken by Emma-Klara Sandberg.

I wanted the visual expression to communicate one of the central ideas behind GAEYA: that we are not separate from nature—we are nature.

 

 

One of the tracks is the single ‘The Lucky Ones’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

The Lucky Ones was written as a song of hope, empowerment, and unity.

At its core, it is about remembering our own strength and recognizing that we are the stewards of our lives. Together, we have the power to influence the future by changing the stories we tell ourselves and by creating the world we wish to see.

The song is a reminder that we all possess free will and that human beings are incredibly powerful when acting from a place of compassion and love.

I believe every person on this planet is worthy of a life built on love, connection, and hope.

 

 

The track is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind it and who directed it?

 

The music video was filmed at a beautiful location in Sweden called Kinnekulle, an area known for its rich biodiversity and fascinating history.

The specific place where we filmed is the site of an old oil shale processing facility from the 1800s. At the time, people extracted oil from alum shale, but it quickly became clear that the process was both highly toxic and economically unsustainable. The operation was abandoned after only a few years, yet the foundations of the buildings remain as a reminder of humanity’s impact on the landscape.

Even today, the area carries a distinct smell, and the water appears pitch black with rainbow-like colours dancing on the surface—evidence that traces of pollution still remain.

What fascinates me is that despite everything, nature continues to reclaim the space. For me, the location symbolizes both the consequences of human greed and the incredible resilience of life itself. Nature has not given up.

The video serves as a reminder that when we prioritize endless economic growth over the ecosystems that sustain us, we risk destroying the very foundations of life. Yet it is also a message of hope. If we recognize that the future is in our hands, we can choose a different path.

Everything we depend on comes from nature—from the air we breathe to the technology we use every day. The question is: what do we give back?

Because ultimately, the separation between ourselves and nature is an illusion. We are nature.

The video was directed by Anne Hyrefeldt and myself.

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

 

I live in the county of Västra Götaland in Sweden.

If I had to describe it in five words, they would be:

picturesque, idyllic, natural, mythical and historical.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026?

Yes, we are currently planning performances in the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands later this year and into 2027.

We look forward to announcing dates soon, so stay tuned through our website and social media channels.

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

 

I hope people leave feeling empowered and more connected to their own hearts.

If I can inspire even a small sense of hope, unity, and possibility within someone, then I feel I have done my job.

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

 

I love combining electronic elements with indigenous and world music instruments.

I’m also a big fan of spacious reverbs and effects that create immersive sonic landscapes. Creating atmosphere is very important to me.

In recent years, my vocal effects pedal has become an increasingly important part of my live performances. It allows me to expand the voice beyond traditional singing and create textures and soundscapes that support the storytelling.

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

 

I think I would choose The Legend of the Ice People (Sagan om Isfolket) by the Norwegian author Margit Sandemo.

It’s a magical and mystical book series that follows the same family from the 1500s through generations, weaving together history, folklore, mystery, and the Nordic landscape.

As far as I know, it has never been fully adapted into a major film or television series, but I think it would make an incredible production. With nearly 50 books in the series, there would certainly be plenty of room for music!

 

How do you look after your voice?

 

For me, vocal health begins with overall wellbeing.

I focus on maintaining balance through nutrition, movement, rest, and staying connected to my body. Releasing tension is especially important because when the body is relaxed yet supported, the voice becomes both stronger and freer.

I also try to use my voice every day through singing, humming, or gentle vocal exercises.

At the same time, I’ve learned not to overanalyse things. Listening to what my body needs in each moment is equally important.

Ultimately, the foundations of a healthy voice are hydration, breath, and consistency. When those elements are in place, everything else becomes much easier.

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

 

My music isn’t directly influenced by any single artist, but there are many musicians whose work inspires me.

I love the Ukrainian group ONUKA, whose blend of electronic music and traditional influences is incredibly inspiring. I also listen to a lot of world music from different cultures, as well as artists such as Sting and Kate Bush, both of whom have a unique ability to combine artistry, storytelling, and innovation.

I always encourage people to explore music from different cultures. There is so much beauty and inspiration to be found beyond our usual listening habits.

 

 

What makes Gaeya happy and what makes you unhappy?

What makes me happiest is seeing joy, kindness, and compassion in everyday life.

Spending time in nature, watching animals, observing the changing seasons, and witnessing the beauty of life unfolding around us always fills me with gratitude.

I find great happiness in meaningful conversations, creativity, community, and seeing people support one another and the planet.

What makes me sad is witnessing injustice, exploitation, and the harm that is being done to people, animals, and ecosystems around the world. The greed and short-sightedness that often drive many of our modern systems can be difficult to witness.

Yet despite that, I remain hopeful.

Every day I see people choosing courage over fear, compassion over division, and action over apathy. When people begin to reclaim their own voice and live according to their values, real change becomes possible.

And that gives me hope for the future.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Wilful and Sullivan Publicity

GAEYA’s latest EP ‘Growth’ is out now.

Listen Here: https://gaeya.hearnow.com/growth

Official Website: https://www.gaeyamusic.com/