Hiya Sjana Rut, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What was life like for you before you got into music?
Music has always been a part of my life in one way or another, so I’ve never really known life without it—thankfully. It’s been a constant companion, shaping how I see the world and express myself.
What’s the live music scene like in Reykjavík/Iceland right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
To be honest, I’ve been quite focused on my own journey lately, so I haven’t had the chance to fully keep up with everything happening in the scene—but I do try, and I’m aware of how things are evolving. The music scene in Iceland has always been rich and creative, with new talent emerging all the time. Right now, there’s a powerful wave of women in music making their mark—Laufey is a great example of that.
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
I think it’s a great opportunity for artists. It’s a lot of work—you have to be quick on your feet to keep up with trends and algorithms—but there’s a real appetite for authenticity now more than ever. It’s definitely a double-edged sword, but I truly believe that if you stick to your artistic vision and trust your gut when approaching a project, things eventually fall into place. When opportunity meets hard work, it pays off.
How do you manage engagement on your socials?
I’m putting myself out there more than I used to, so I’m still learning. I try to engage with people as much as I can, but I also value peace and balance in my daily life, so I intentionally stay off my phone a lot. It’s about finding that middle ground.
What’s your view on the music industry today?
The industry is constantly evolving—trends come and go, and it all seems to move in cycles. It feels a bit like the wild west at times, and it can be hard to navigate. But my approach is to stay focused, drown out the noise, and commit to becoming the artist I envision. It’s constant work. You have to be sure this is what you really want, because it’s very demanding.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I’ve been building something meaningful on my own terms for the past nine years. Now, I finally feel like I’m in a place where I don’t crave anything external—I’m just doing something that feels right and makes sense to me. At the end of the day, artists should be satisfied with their own work—otherwise, what’s the point?
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned recently as you progress with your music?
There’s no such thing as perfection—only progress. I’ve learned to be patient and content with what I have at the moment. Right now, I’m more excited than ever to make new music, because I’m not stressing or overthinking it—I’m just letting things unfold naturally.
What was your best experience on stage?
One of my favorite moments was competing in a high school singing competition back in 2016. It was such an incredible experience—sharing the stage with other great musicians and feeling the energy of the room. I’ll never forget it.
What was your worst experience on stage?
There are a few contenders! It’s a toss-up between always getting my very long hair caught in the guitarist’s or bassist’s instrument, or the time I broke my toe right before going on stage during The Voice Iceland in 2017. Honestly, both are hard to forget, haha.
Tell us something about you that people might be surprised to know.
I’m actually born in Sweden, which a lot of people don’t know, and I have a Norwegian last name. I love exercising and baking—you could say I work out just so I can keep up with my sweet tooth!
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yes! It’s called Game Over. Like my previous work, it’s raw and honest, but this time it leans into rhythmic synths and a colorful beat—straight out of 80s nostalgia and video game culture. It’s playful but grounded in emotion.
What was the recording process like?
It was freeing. I really let go of overthinking and just had fun with it. That mindset shift changed everything for me creatively.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Letting go and enjoying the process. That might sound simple, but it’s huge. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make everything perfect instead of letting the music breathe.
Would you change anything now that it’s finished?
Not at all. I captured exactly what I wanted to. This song is exactly what it’s supposed to be.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the world?
Thank you for listening—truly. Every stream, every message, every bit of support means the world. Whether you’ve come out of something heavy or you’re just here to dance, this one’s for you. Keep going.
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