With over 20 million streams to her credit already and 7 Top 15 New Music Friday placements on Spotify, Lilla Vargen is Ireland’s fastest rising new artist.
Having recently released her current song ‘Cold’, which has over quarter million streams already, Lilla continues what looks set to be a breakthrough year by sharing the track’s official video.
She said:
“I wanted the video for ‘Cold’ to tell the story of abuse in relationships. This is a story that thousands of women are living every day. I’ve had similar experiences and wished that I could have looked at that relationship more objectively. Even if things look okay on the surface, it doesn’t mean they are”
Hailing from Ballymena, Lilla Vargen left for London to follow her calling in music. She writes songs rich with emotion and empathy, a quality that builds a connection with a following that suffered or survived the issues that she explores.
With a big year ahead of her and rising international streaming stats, Lilla is already making quite the impression. Early tracks such as ‘Why Wait’, Solitary, and ‘Downtown’ have accumulated millions of streams, while a major European tour as guest to Dermot Kennedy included two huge Dublin shows at the 3Arena plus two nights at London’s Eventim Apollo.
Read our interview here:
Introduce yourself and tell us an interesting fact about you!
"Hi my name is Lilla Vargen, and an interesting fact about me is that this is not my real name!"
You’ve had several Top 15 New Music Friday placements on Spotify and reached over 20 million streams. Do you think playlisting is helping massively with discovering new artists and talent and is there anyone that you have your eye on as another rising artist or One to Watch?
"I think playlists have really helped new artists to be seen, and it is such an amazing way to discover new and exciting music. I really love Aaron Smith, I discovered him through various playlists."
You’ve recently released your latest single ‘Cold’ alongside a powerful video which interprets the lyrics. Why did you decide on the theme for the video?
"The song was written about a difficult time in my life involving a complex relationship and I really wanted to use my platform to create something that could help someone or that people could relate to. I think it is so powerful, and I have received many messages from people across the globe who say the video / song really spoke to them."
You worked with award winning Irish director Locky on the video. What do you like most about his style and did the video meet your expectations and more?
"I love how real he makes everything look, if that makes sense! He has a real knack for casting amazing actors and for finding fantastic locations. He always captures emotional moments well and I think he did an amazing job with this video."
You recently supported fellow Irish singer Dermot Kennedy on his European Tour. What did you take away from that experience of playing such iconic venues to packed audiences?
"It was such an incredible experience. I learned a lot both on a performance side and also about general touring life. I really just tried to enjoy every moment as much as I could. And after the first few shows, when I got on stage I really took my time and looked at the audience and tried to hold on to the feeling, so I could remember it all after. It was beautiful and touring with Dermot and his fantastic team was a dream."
Your headline tour which was supposed to take place this month has unfortunately been postponed due to Covid-19. How are you going to spend the time that you would have been playing shows and what can fans expect from your live set when you get to hit the road?
"I am currently writing as much as I can and trying to take a bit of time out. I’m also doing some live streams on my instagram and planning for the future as much as possible! The live show is going to be so great. We are working on some special surprises for it, and I will be playing brand new songs along with some golden oldies! I can’t wait until we can all get out there again and enjoy live music with friends."
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