Linnea Södahl, better known as Nea, is a Swedish singer and songwriter. With over 800 million streams as an artist and 2 billion as a songwriter, Nea is one of the most acclaimed songwriters in Sweden having written songs for Zara Larsson, Tove Styrke, Tinie Tempah, Felix Jaehn, Twice and Axwell, among many others. Her debut as a solo artist came with the 2019 single “Some Say,” followed by a debut EP and some big collaborations, which have established Nea as one of the top rising artists to watch. Her forthcoming debut album, with the first single from it, is expected to be released later this year. The single, released February 3rd, is called “A Lover Like Me” and sets the stage for a new chapter in her career.

Tell us about your career; how did you first come into the music industry?
Honestly, it feels like I’ve always been singing and writing songs. I still remember little songs I wrote when I was 6 or 7 years old. The path to find my way into the actual music industry was longer though, I grew up in a small town and knew nobody. Long story short I moved to Stockholm and released a song independently, that eventually got me signed as a songwriter.

Was there ever a ‘big break’ in your career?
Yes, my breakthrough as a songwriter was definitely when I co-wrote “Lush Life” for Zara Larsson. From being somebody who for years had been out in the cold knocking on doors, I was finally let in to the warmth, ha-ha. As an artist, my breakthrough was with my debut single “Some Say.” It was a crazy experience as a brand-new artist to release a song that got so big and loved by so many.

You’ve written for many other artists in the past. Is there one songwriting project or song you have written for another artist that stands out the most?
I mean, working with Zara literally changed my life because I had the honor of working with her so early in my songwriting career, and it opened many doors. Another artist I’ve been writing with lots and adore is Skott. She’s also one of my closest friends so that makes it extra fun. But I’ve worked with many great artists, I feel lucky.

Tell us about your first live performance as a solo artist. Where was it and how did it go?
“Some Say” blew up during the pandemic so it was really bittersweet to see it climbing the charts all over Europe and not being able to perform live! I did one gig at a Norwegian Festival, ByLarm, before the pandemic though and it went sooooo badly due to technical issues with the hearing. etc. So, one part of me was relieved that I couldn’t perform more back then. NOW however I’m excited to hit that stage performing the music.

How would you describe your approach to performing live? What are your favorite parts about it?
Like I mentioned I haven't performed that much because my biggest opportunities got canceled during the pandemic, and last year I mainly worked on my upcoming album. However, I did Lollapalooza this summer and a couple other festivals, and what I love the most is when you forget yourself and dive into the music. Dance and let the songs speak through you.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your career as a singer-songwriter?
Honestly time. I’m trying to work 100% as a songwriter and 100% as an artist, and it’s hard to juggle sometimes. But I absolutely adore what I do so in many ways I feel blessed to have that problem.

Whose work as a singer-songwriter do you most admire? Who are your top influences?
Many of my influences are 90s/00s artists like Alanis Morrisette, Cardigans, Lily Allen, Fleetwood Mac, but I also love more current artists like Lana del Rey, Rihanna, Tove Lo, Khalid, Raye.

Discuss your new single “A Lover Like Me.” What inspired it, thematically and sonically?
It’s really one of those rare songs that wrote itself. I had the idea for the concept, of not being satisfied with the selection of lovers out there and you want somebody perfect--like yourself A self-love anthem. And Daniel Ledinsky whom I did the song with played some chords. Two hours later we had written it. Very intuitive and fun from start to end.

When and where did you write the song?
We probably wrote it in April or so in 2022. We were in Daniel's studio in a dungeon in Stockholm where we always work from.

How would you define your style as a vocalist?
I have a pretty soft and silky voice. As a songwriter I’ve sometimes been so frustrated that I don't have the 'typical pop vocal’ because many times when I’ve sung the demo on a song, the artists haven't been able to hear themselves in it since my vocals have been too characteristic. Now, as an artist myself, I see that a characteristic voice isn’t always a bad thing.

What are your plans for your future career as an artist and songwriter?
I’m releasing my debut album in autumn 2023 but before that I’m putting out a few singles, which I’m so excited about. As a songwriter I have a bunch of upcoming releases with other artists too, but I don't dare to namedrop here not to jinx it lol.

Social Media.
Instagram: @neasongs

Interview Questions by Julieta Guerra, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine

Swedish Singer & Songwriter: Nea