For those new to Ninsun Poli, she’s a Swedish singer-songwriter, who made her debut at Sweden’s Hultsfred Festival in 2004.
Ninsun has been described as “incredibly impressive” and “The next Swedish hope for soul music”. She’s set to release a new EP in the UK next month: “Great Leap Forward” is a Scandi-pop record with a difference – rather than the melancholy undertone currently fashionable with Nordic artists, it’s an upbeat song with an empowering and inspiring message.
We were lucky enough to catch up with this Swedish-Assyrian artist, to find out a bit more about her and her music.
Thank you for speaking to us! Please briefly give us the Ninsun Poli story, for any of our readers who aren’t familiar with you?
I am Assyrian, born and raised in Stockholm Sweden. Music is my passion. I sing and write my own music, and I have been ever since I can remember.
You’re an Assyrian singer living in Sweden – has this had any influence on your style?
Yes it definitely has. Growing up with both Assyrian and different types of music has broadened my musical mind. I’ve always had to juggle with finding a good balance of both being Assyrian and Swedish at the same time and it comes through in my music. That has made me very open minded in both music and in life.
You started out singing soulful songs a la Amy Winehouse, but now you’re better known for your Scandi-Electropop sound – what brought about this change?
I never want to put myself in a box where there’s no room for change. I like trying new things and new sounds, that’s what being a musician is to me. I was 18 when I first released my EP “For Real” which has a very soulful sound. It’s been 10 years since then, in these years I have grown and changed and found a way to write electro pop music with a lot of soul in it.
Who do you cite as your musical influences?
Nina Simone, Gossip, to name a few.
Talk us through “Great Leap Forward”. It seems to a very positive message to it, about moving on regardless of circumstances – what does it mean to you, and how did you come to write it?
I wrote this song together with Peter Ågren and Peter Moren. We sat down and talked about life, the good, the bad and thats how it started. It’s about not being afraid of the unknown. Its about seeing the good in people. Its about equality. It’s about keeping an open mind and not living in the past, but living in the now and daring that great leap forward into the future.
Tell us about your collaboration with Familjen – how did that come about?
We knew each other before Familjen, Johan T.Karlsson produced my EP 10 years ago and had worked together with other projects before that. He asked me if I wanted to sing on a couple of his songs and thats how it started. I was so happy to be apart of that, as I am a big fan of Familjen!
What three songs do you play most often right now, and why?
I just discovered a new swedish band called Amason, they have a song called Duvan which is on repeat right now. Future Island – Season…still a favourite! D’ Angelo – Really Love.
Who would be your dream collaboration, either living or dead?
Michael Jackson!
And finally, where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
In a happy place still making music.
“Great Leap Forward” is out in the UK on April 20. For more information about Ninsun Poli visit her Official Website. Ninsun will be performing at The Islington on 30 March. Contact the venue for details regarding tickets.
