Q: “Lies” is an incredible breakup song. What was your creative process in making this song?
Helmie: I wrote Lies when I was studying at uni in England. I had just gone through an unexpected breakup and felt betrayed. I sat down at one of the practice rooms and decided “right I wanna write about this but not make it into a sad ballad, I wanna challenge myself to write something upbeat with piano and strong vocals”. The song was written in that moment. First arranged for a live band, then demoed in England and finalized when I returned back to my home Finland.
Q: Did any real-life events occur in your life that inspired the song?
Helmie: Yes. I was seeing someone at the time and fell for them really quickly. I was planning on going home (to Finland) for Easter break and he kept on promising me that the distance wouldn’t change anything, we were going to have more stories to tell each other once I returned. However, 3 days before I was bound to fly back to England he rang me and told me he didn’t want to see me again. It made me feel like everything he’d been saying was a lie and so I wrote Lies.
Q: Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you decided to follow your path as a musician?
Helmie: Music has always been a part of my life as I come from a musical family. I’ve loved playing piano with my sisters and singing along to every song coming from the radio in the car. However, it took me a long time to decide music was something I could pursue. I let my insecurities define what I wanted for my future for a long time. I had a conversation with my boyfriend at the time about five years ago and he asked me “what would you do if you didn’t have to think how much money you were making or what other people thought?” I said “I’d sing”. That moment changed everything for me, I realized if music makes me so happy I’d be silly not seeing where it can take me.
Q:We love the unique beat in “Lies”. Who are your biggest influences?
Helmie: I try to listen to as many genres as possible. I love discovering new artists and unique sounds. I also feel like I can be easily inspired by people I’m surrounded with, everyday conversations and the nature. However, artists I always seem to fall back to are indie goddesses Leon and Lxandra, amazing songwriters Oh Wonder and rnb talent Sabrina Claudio. I also love Finnish folk music and bands such as Okra Playground.
Q: What is coming up next for you?
Helmie: More music! I’m constantly writing and planning on getting a couple more singles out this year. Also hoping I get the chance to do a live gig soon enough. Been missing that so much!!
Q: Q: What would you like to tell your supporters out there?
Helmie: Thank you so much! It literally means the world to me having people listen to my music. I’m happy to discuss anything to do with music, mine or someone elses! So much love all the way from Finland xx
Interviewed by Shoshana Silow
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