You studied to become a doctor alongside your successful music career. How come you decided to still keep your ‘day job’?
- Years ago, I tried writing songs full time for a couple of months, but I found myself running out of ideas really quickly in the morning and then semi-panicking the rest of the day. I think I need to work up some creativity doing something else, and also I need to read, watch movies or just be around people to get good ideas.
It resulted in a job as a doctor at the emergency unit at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm and later at S:t Görans Hospital in Stockholm, what has it given you?
- My dream job, I suppose? I'm a science geek! I also love meeting people and trying to figure out how to best help them out. This job combines all of that.
You started writing songs as a 14-year-old. What drove you to it?
- I really, really wanted to be in a band back then, but I was such a lousy guitar player (I still am) so I had to find another way of earning a spot in a band. I decided to write songs instead, and eventually found a band that were tired of playing Nirvana covers. And I just kept writing from then on. I prefer writing at home by the piano or the guitar. But if I'm in a studio with other people (and wine), that setting works too.
How do you switch between standing in an emergency room and on stage?
- Haha, the settings aren't that much alike, really! But sure, I think the performing I've done through the years has given me a sense of calm in work situations that might be considered stressful. It's a team effort regardless.
Do you have a story from the hospital that sticks with you?
- I think everyone working with a health profession of some kind has plenty of stories that stick. I've been in scary, funny and heartbreaking situations that I'll never forget, but I'll keep them to myself.