As the first tones of “Ocean” enchant us; the freshness and unique voice and vibe of Hanna Yaeger makes us even more curious about the young talent. We asked the 19 year old Swedish singer and songwriter for an interview.
Photographed by Erik Djurklou
Who do you consider an influence on your music?
Those who’ve had a bigger impact on my music is partly Kehlani for the playfullness in her melodies, the Swedish artist Håkan Hellström for the storytelling in his lyrics and Foo Fighters for reminding me that it’s about having fun with what you love and trying shit out even though it doesn’t work out as well as you thought. I mean have you heard Dave Grohl’s laugh? It’s so freakin comforting! And I’d say the mood of my songs are most often influenced by Stockholm, and our distinct changes in seasons here.
Music can… be very convincing. If you feel like a badass mafia-chic someday for example, the Suicide Squad album can definitely convince you that you are.
Tell us about your single “Ocean”
I wrote it when I got tired of Instagram, a period I think most people my age have gone through. So I started writing about the way people strive for “the ideal life”, wanting people including myself to be aware of that glamour, success and fame is not always the three magic words to a happy life. I’m not saying I’m much different from any other people, I just think it’s an important thing to have with you. In short, be able to see the difference between a built up world and the real one.
“My dream is to reach out to people through my music, and give them the same support as music has given me through both my best and my worst times. “
Besides music, what makes you feel good?
I love going up north of Sweden. Trees, fresh air and open landscape. And people up north usually don’t speak when they don’t need to. That can actually be nice sometimes, even for me haha! But I also love the feeling of waking up early, drinking my morning coffee, head into the city and see the city slowly waking up and get back into its pulse. I’m really a fan of both, because both of them makes me feel good and leaves me re-charged in it’s own ways!
If you could learn one language overnight, what would it be?
I’d say Sami. Such a beautiful but, sadly because of our Swedish history, almost forgotten language.
What are you dreaming about for the future?
My dream is to reach out to people through my music, and give them the same support as music has given me through both my best and my worst times. Even if it’s about feeling like you’re not alone to have a sucky 9-5 job, or if it’s about reenforcing the feeling of having the best freakin 9-5 job there is, this is where I get my kick. To be able to do that to the extent that I dream about on a daily basis, I constantly dream about becoming a professional artist who can work a stage four times as big as my apartment, entertain an audience twice the size the popularity of my hometown, meet awesome and inspiring people along the way, and to get to work with the best.
“I wrote “Ocean” when I got tired of Instagram, a period I think most people my age have gone through.”
What can we expect next?
You can expect a fast growing Yaeger putting my yellow claws into the business, haha.
Words to live by? Have fun while you can.
Hanna Yaeger on Spotify
all photos by www.erikdjurklou.com – @erikdjurklou
