Getting To Know... Isak Daun

Following on from a string of impressive offerings over the last year, Stockholm-based singer and songwriter Isak Daun is now back at it with his shimmering new delight 'What If I Do?'

Channelling a wonderfully broad and spacey aesthetic throughout, 'What If I Do?' makes for a brilliant and enticing return. Filled with its rich and soaring atmosphere, breezy textures, and his own impactful voice at the helm, we can definitely hear the bold and uplifting grandeur he is bringing to this new release.

So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

I actually got a trumpet as a gift when I was 12 but I traded it for an electric guitar, an Epiphone Les Paul. Haven't stopped playing since.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

I grew up listening to all the 90s stuff like Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam to name a few.

What was the first album you remember owning?

Embarrassing to say but I bought my first CD in Tokyo, 2013. Muse Hullabaloo Soundtrack. I don't think I had a record player growing up so I had an MP3 player that had some early stuff from Coldplay and Linkin Park.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

Well probably Grace by Jeff Buckley. The way he played guitar in that is something special and the depth of the lyrics are as well.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

Most of the time I sit with my guitar to find something interesting. On What If I Do? I immediately liked the dreamy chords and got so much inspiration just from that feeling. That momentum often helps continuing to build a kind of world around the song.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

I've been listening to Elbow a lot, so sad that they cancelled their Amsterdam gig this October. Other than that itʼs a lot of Radiohead, The Black Keys and more psychedelic bands like Tame Impala. The latter actually inspired me to take a slightly new direction in my latest release.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Probably Radiohead, that would be something to remember. They can open for me next time though.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

Just writing new songs, getting excited about that new riff or melody. And working with people and sharing that feeling of creativity. I've had more opportunities for that recently so you can keep your eyes peeled for more music before the year is out.

And what is the most frustrating part?

Getting stuck sucks. I love flow while writing, but it is more often than not that you just end up with a great verse or chorus and not a full song.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Thatʼs probably that you're gonna write a 1000 songs so itʼs not the end of the world if one doesn't turn out like you hoped. So just keep writing what you feel like.

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Isak Daun's new single 'What If I Do?' is available to stream now. Listen to it in the player below.