Finding yourself is a difficult path where you have to admit that you will never reach the end. Because there is no such thing as a ready-made personality, the waves of life are too strong, constantly spurring you on to new challenges, forcing you to adapt and grow. Elina Segall embodies this journey with grace and resilience, both in her life and her music. As she puts it, “Saying no to something means saying yes to yourself,” a mantra that affirms throughout her work.
Elina Segall, the independent Swedish producer, songwriter, and artist, has made a remarkable entrance into the music scene with her debut single, “Get You.” This song is an ode to her journey of self-discovery and liberation. Crafted in her North Hollywood bedroom and brought to life at Just For The Record in Los Angeles, “Get You” is an emotional journey about freeing oneself from the clutches of a destructive relationship. It’s a song that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever had to let go in order to move forward and is characterized by warm, smooth vibes that draw you in and make you feel seen and understood.
In our interview, Elina shares more about the inspiration behind “Get You,” her experiences as a woman in the music production field, and her vision for the future with Femme Frequency, a collective she founded to support female and gender-expansive artists.
photography by Elina Segall
Congratulations on your debut single “Get You”! I love the warm, smooth vibe of it. Can you tell us more about the inspiration and creative process behind the song?
Thank you so much! “Get You” was inspired by the journey of moving on from a destructive relationship and finding peace in acceptance. I wrote and produced the song in my bedroom in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, and recorded the vocals at the beautiful studio Just For The Record. The writing process was quite organic, and the entire song came to me as soon as I started writing. I knew I wanted to challenge myself in rhythmic lyric writing, and the first verse is a testament to that. On the other hand, the music production required a bit more time and reflection. The creative process is usually like that for me; the melodies and lyrics are instant, and the production phase requires more trial and error to find a sonic landscape that conveys my vision and message.
You mentioned that “Get You” captures the liberating feeling of acceptance after a destructive relationship. Can you share more about how your personal experiences influenced the lyrics and tone of the song? How do you hope “Get You” will resonate with your fans, especially those who may be going through similar experiences of relationship struggles and self-acceptance?
“Get You” is a reflection of me gaining clarity and providing myself with a resolution instead of forcing consensus. My personal experiences have always been the main source of inspiration for my music. I hope my music can be a source of relief and trust for anyone going through similar struggles.
For a long time, I was under the impression that letting go only equaled loss. But I learned that the process of letting go is much more than that. Relationships can be incredibly complex and sometimes damaging, but there’s strength to be found in letting go. Saying no to something means saying yes to yourself.
“My personal experiences have always been the main source of inspiration for my music.”
Growing up on a horse ranch on a small Swedish island is quite unique. This would have been my dream upbringing as I love horses so much (smiles). How has this influenced your music and artistic vision?
Oh really! I agree, horses are such remarkable animals. The Swedish Island life is multifaceted, to say the least. It goes from chopping wood during the dark, snowy winters to swimming in the sea on warm, sunny days. So, my upbringing has affected my music and artistic vision a lot. Specifically, it has given me a strong sense and appreciation of authenticity that I hope comes through in my art.
Growing up, I spent every day in the stables with the horses, and it became a sanctuary for me. This is where I would find the balance between letting my mind wander, staying present, and singing. It is hard to describe the connection you can create with a horse. But if you take the time to get to know one, you will find they all have unique quirks and personalities, just like us. This has taught me to pay close attention to subtitle expressions and signs, a vital skill in creating impactful art.
You’ve become known for your Sunday Session covers on Instagram. How has social media played a role in building your career?
Social media, especially Instagram, has been instrumental in building my career. The Sunday Session covers started as a way to overcome my insecurities and share my love for music. It’s an excellent platform for connecting with followers directly, sharing my art, and reaching new listeners. Seeing how the Sunday Session covers have helped me find a community has been incredible. Many of my followers have stayed with me for years. I am thrilled to know that they appreciate my creativity in all its forms, whether through covers, interludes, clothing designs (thrift flips), visual storytelling, or my original music.
“Trust your instincts and focus on honing your craft. There will be situations where you question yourself and feel out of place, but keep focusing on the things you can control.”
Scrolling through your Instagram feed, it spreads a very calm and nostalgic vibe. Does this also reflect your personality in general?
Yes, I think it does. I tend to be reflective and grounded. I have always been fascinated with design and enjoy creating aesthetically pleasing content. My Instagram feed is an extension of my creativity and taste, and I value quality over quantity. I love capturing my experiences through different media like analog film photography, videos, graphic designs, and music. You will always find me traveling with more electronic equipment than clothes (laughs).
You’ve founded Femme Frequency to support female and gender-expansive artists and producers. What inspired you to start this collective, and what impact do you hope it will have on the music industry?
Femme Frequency was born out of a desire to create a supportive and empowering space for female and gender-expansive artists and producers. I was inspired by my own experiences in the music industry and the challenges I’ve faced as a woman in this field. On my first day at the music production program in Los Angeles, I was the only woman in a packed auditorium. There’s still a significant gender gap in music production; for example, only 3,4% of all music producers are women. I wanted to help bridge that by providing resources, mentorship, and a platform for all people to showcase their talents. I hope Femme Frequency will encourage more individuals to pursue careers in music production and create a more inclusive, safe, and diverse industry.
Can you talk about your experiences as a woman in the music production field so far?
Being a woman in the music production field has its unique set of challenges, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. Sometimes, I have felt underestimated or overlooked, but these experiences have made me more determined to succeed. I’ve had to work hard to prove myself and earn respect in a predominantly male industry. However, I’ve also met many supportive and inspiring individuals along the way through collaborations and mentorships. My journey has taught me the importance of resilience, self-belief, and the power of community, such as Femme Frequency.
“For a long time, I was under the impression that letting go only equaled loss. But I learned that the process of letting go is much more than that.”
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the music production industry?
My advice would be to trust your instincts and focus on honing your craft. There will be situations where you question yourself and feel out of place, but keep focusing on the things you can control. It’s a noisy industry with a lot of opinions. But if there’s one thing that I’ve learned, it is that there is no right or wrong – the only thing that matters is if it sounds good.
In the beginning, music production can feel overwhelming, like there’s too much technical information to take in. But I promise you that feeling will pass if you keep using the tools and start trusting your ears rather than your eyes. Easier said than done, I know (smiles). Oh, and embrace your “mistakes”, you might stumble upon gold.
Where do you see yourself in around 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself as an established creator, music producer and exploring new ways of expressing myself. I will have made a significant impact with organizations such as Femme Frequency by supporting and elevating unheard voices in music worldwide. Ultimately, I want to keep creating unique, heartfelt art that stands out from the masses in an industry that’s becoming increasingly saturated by the day.
The most important thing in life is?
Hard question! There are so many things. But to me, authentic relationships and creativity are the most important things in life. Embrace your unique journey and try to find ways to bring your ideas to life —and horses, of course, haha.
Thank you <3
Thank you! It was a pleasure sharing my thoughts and experiences with you. <3
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www.instagram.com/elinasegall
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