...in our evening paper, Expressen. It´s an interview with a Swedish artist called Miss Li and she talks about really good stuff that I know well. The pressure on yourself going on stage, the pressure to always look happy, the difficulties of judging yourself to hard and the harder side of being an artist. And about feeling that you want to give up. I really love that she speaks about these things, cause it´s as she says: you´re support to be happy and thankful if you are an artist...
She did this interview due to her being in a Swedish TV-show at the moment where a couple of famous Swedish artists have a week in the Swedish island, Gotland, and interpret each others songs and talk about artist life and so on. Here´s a clip from this season:
(Miss Li is the girl with green-white dress)
And here´s a video with Miss Li:
Here you go, my translation (done freely):
Miss Li: "I think I am useless"
Miss Li suffers from self-loathing, she tells in tonights episode of "Så mycket Bättre" while her tears are falling.
The singers only moment without anxiety, according to herself, is on stage.
- I often think I am totally useless. Sometimes I feel like just giving up on everything, she says.
In "Så mycket bättre" she´s gotten lots of credit for her strong and often emotional interpretations of the other artists songs. At the surface she seems to be happy and content.
But in tonight´s episode, the viewers and the other artists get to know another side of Muss Li, or Linda Carlsson which is her real name. The 30 year old rising star tells openly about her self-loathing and her tears are falling around the dinner table.
The emotions have grown since her artist life started appr. 6 years ago.
- People expect me to be happy, I can't live up to that. I am not like that, she says when Expressen talks to her.
Only on stage she can get away from those emotions.
"Happy when I am on stage"
- I am happy when I am on stage and that´s the only moment I can rest from my anxiety. It´s a free zone for me, she says.
Her self loath is strong and comes from her being hard in her judging of herself.
- I often think I am useless. I fight with that up until the last second before I go up on stage. There have been many times when I say I never will be able to manage to get up on stage again. I judge myself to hard, she says.
Close to giving up
She has been close to giving up several times.
- Sometimes I just feel that I´ll give it up, I can't do this life. But then I continue, cause I am not competent in any other area, and write lyrics, she says.
At the same time the life as an artist is far from glamorous and are tearing both on body and soul, she says.
- It´s a hard way of living. It might seem glamorous when we are eating good food in Gotland, but I don't think I´ve had a single glamorous moment during these six years of being an artist. You struggle constantly and sometimes you wonder if this is how it´s meant to be. But you keep struggling, Miss Li says.
Said no three times
To participate in a show called "Så mycket bättre" with up to 2 million viewers were for a long time impossible. She said no three times before she changed her mind for this season.
- You get judged and that´s why I always try to keep myself on the side, as much as possible. I judge myself so hard so I can't take to be judged by a lot of other people also, she says.
Saturday, 10 November 2012
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damn... this is a really... "hard" interview, dunno how to say it otherwise... really impressing that she talks about it like this. Amazing. I hope, and I beg, it's not that you have to "act" happy, right? just wondering.. ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a great evening, dear.
xx
This is something a lot of people do not understand about being an artist. I'm sorry I keep talking about my brother but I only know of this problem through him. He has struggled his entire life with what he loves to do (sing!). He is his own worst enemy because he is so critical of himself. Sometimes I have to stop him and say, "Wait - you did great! Stop it!!" Because he will over analyze every little thing about a performance. He also has trouble with figuring out what HE wants to do and not what everyone ELSE wants him to do. He wants to please people so much that he often becomes unhappy when he realizes he's not doing something for himself.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how we are that way as people. The more kind-hearted you are, the harder it is it seems.
Be strong Anette! Never give up on your dreams, whatever they may be! You have lots of supporters who are willing to follow you in whatever direction you decide to take. Even if that just means blogging for awhile. :)
Lots and lots of Love,
Desi from Missouri
Thank you for that translation. It might help people understand the life of an artist, something we can only imagine. We all believe what we see, and that's why sometimes some of us might be a bit pushy and complain about the behaviour of the artists, who are not thankful enough.
ReplyDeleteI hope you weren't that unhappy with NW anyway and that you are now in peace with yourself if there was any trouble going on.
Have a nice evening!
Also, I think this is the main reason why a lot of people don't "make it" in music or any other entertainment industry. People don't realize how true this is! It is very hard to be successful and deal with all of the bad things that come along with the good things as well. Not only that, but all the hard things that come along with trying to "make it", and all the things that get sacrificed and compromised. It takes an incredible amount of perseverance to do anything in life, but to be an artist or a singer, it is EVEN more so! Lots just give up, because they don't see how it is worth it.
ReplyDeleteI respect and admire anyone who has the strength to get as far as they dream, and be able to talk about it too!
Love, Desi from Missouri
Thanks for sharing. I can relate to that. I'm a writer and singer, suffer from anxiety and depression and feel like giving up all the time. It's so hard believing in yourself when others don't.
ReplyDeleteHeey,,
ReplyDeleteI found this, and there are some questions I'd like to have an answer on. (don't take them really serious. hahah)they're really random. hahah
1. What’s your favorite candle scent?
2. What female celebrity do you wish was your sister?
3. What male celebrity do you wish was your brother?
4. Can you do a split?
5. How old were you when you learned how to ride a bike?
6. What would you name your daughter if you had one?
7. What was your favorite TV show when you were a child?
8. What did you dress up as on Halloween when you were eight?
9. Have you ever taken karate lessons?
10. Do you know who Kermit the frog is?
11. What’s the first amusement park you’ve been to?
12. What language, besides your native language, would you like to be fluent in?
13. Is your father bald?
14. Have you ever had Indian food?
15. What’s the name of your favorite restaurant?
16. What would your parents have named you if you were the opposite gender?
17. If you have a nickname, what is it?
18. Who’s your favorite person in the world?
19. Can you whistle?
20. Do you take any pills or medication daily?
21. How many times have you been to the hospital?
22. Have you ever seen Finding Nemo?
23. Where do you buy your jeans?
24. What’s the last compliment you got?
25. Do you usually remember your dreams in the morning?
26. What flavor tea do you enjoy?
27. How many pairs of shoes do you currently own?
28. How old were you when you found out that Santa wasn’t real?
so... this is what I do on a random saturday evening; I look up weird/random questions. haha
xx
Anette, I hope You are OK due to today concert and the movie premiere. My thoughts are with You but I know that You are strong person and You go through this situation.
ReplyDeleteTake care, Magda
Dear Anette,
ReplyDeleteI am Anna from Hungary. I read this and I know this is hard. Another view: where I live to start a band, especially a metal band is really hard, because of talent spotters and music sentiment or how should I say it. That's why I dare to write to you but I don't want to seem like "hick" so sorry for that.
I would like to show you my band's first EP. We are Thristana from Hungary and we play symphonic progressive metal. I think that so many bands send you dmeos but I thought... the chance is always there. The situation in Hungary with this music is very hard, we try to do it on an international level. We are working on our next album now and try to do it better and better. I was thinking a lot that should I write to you or not, cause I don't want to disturb you with this, but I hope you don't mind if I send it to you here, cause I didn't find official e-mail of you.
This is the link for the music: http://soundcloud.com/thristana
If I am not inconvenient for you I have some questions like:
What do you think about it? Is it catchy enough? Do you see any future
in it?
Our official e-mail: info@thristana.hu
Thank you so much for your kindness, advices, and support!
I am so grateful and hope, the album appeals to you!
Thank you so much again! :)
Best Regards,
Anna
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHey! I took a listen, and I think it's great. I have downloaded the ones you put available to download for my iPod :)
DeleteDon't be afraid to travel abroad to record professionally; Europe has a much, much better metal scene than here in the US. We are big on Country and Pop; metal doesn't usually make it big here.
Very best of luck to you.
Hello Anna! I enjoyed a lotthe songs form your band... :) And teh vocals are really good :)
DeleteHi!So...if you were impressed by the words of the swedish singer i guess is because you felt the same sometimes..i think is pretty normal..to be in thee spotlight in front of thousand people adoring you..and the feeling of emptyness and loneliness in your hotel room..too much difference between those two situations in too little time...the feeling that all the love the fans showed before is superficial and temporary.."would they love and adore me the same if i'm not on the stage and not a rockstar..do they love me the same simply for what i am as a human being?Maybe is all untrue..".I think an artist have ti live with it...thinking that every job has a bad side..a miner working 30 yrs in a mine surely feels even more badly..a real artist is sensible..sometimes weak in a way..this is sometimes painful,but every masterpiece comes out often from this kind of emotion..no?Ciao Anette..:-)
ReplyDeleteHi Anette! Reading this interview, I would like to ask you how do you feel when you are on stage? and how do you feel minutes before goingo onto the stage? I've never been on a real stage, but I feel kind of free, it's a really nice feeling because I love singing and I've never thought to give up.
ReplyDeleteLots of love from Argentina :) Take care!
Natalia
Hello Nettie! I think it was a good thing that this artist told about this problem. Sometimes, as a fan of a band or an artist, we forget that the people in front of us is only a human being, with emotions, moods, lack of sleep, headache.... We sometimes think that artist are gods and we ask a lot of things from them, being beautiful, healthy, dynamic, smiling... This interview is a good thing, it puts us on the right path. I hope you feel not so bad, I guess the past times were hard for you and I wish you will find serenity in your solo career. We will follow and support you! Kisses from Lille!
ReplyDeletemy dear, you have posted some very sad and difficult lately. Are you really okay? sometime you ever felt useless as Miss Li? It may just be my impression, but if true, you should not feel that way. You are a great person. A great singer and that brings love and happiness to many people. For me, one of the most important people in my life. I can not describe the love I feel for you. I hope one day I can tell you that personally give you a hug and take some pictures with you haha =)
ReplyDeleteSee you later my dear.
Anette, It's a shame what happened to you with NW, disappointment must have been great. I had high hopes of seeing and listening to live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Pay my ticket to enjoy your beautiful voice and good music NW now I'll just have to settle for good music. Success in your life! Much peace and happiness for you and your family! love from Argentina!
ReplyDeleteHello Anette!
ReplyDeleteI just come back from Helsinki to see Imaginaerum!The movie is soooo amazing! I didn't expected this! And... Seeing you in it, made me cried. I was thinking about you and I miss you!
Can wait to see you again on stage!
Lots of Love! <3
Kiveen.
Kiveen; Hi and thanks;=) And so kind of you to write me such nice words, so appreciated;=) Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteFlor: Hi! yeah, it´s sad, but I do hope you will enjoy them still. Take care!
Mathews: Hi! I am just fine, no worries;=) Just thought this interview said so many things that I have felt these years, with having pressure on yourself and from others. And that its not an easy road to travel being an artist.
Cleo: Hi! yeah, and one thing I always get tired of hearing is that an artist should be so happy and content all the time. Well, there´s also a lot of hard things with being an artist and good that she opens up about it;=)
Natalia: Hi! I´ve struggled with this pressure she talks about and also a stage fright that is a bit better now, but I still always think about what people will think when I am on stage and mainly I judge myself to hard.
Fulvio: You wrote exactly the things I think;=)
Anna; Hi! You´ve gotten some good comments already but it sounds good so just continue do music;=)
Magda: Hi! Yes, I am a strong person;=) Thanks!
Elize: Hi! Let me get back to this when I have more time;=)
Marie: Hi! Yeah, and also its hard if you believe in yourself but none else does. That can be really hard too!
Desi; Hi! Its a very hard world and from what I have learned you need to have very strong elbows! and being sensitive is not the best thing to survive.
Lucinda: Hi! there will always be good things and bad things with every job, and so was it with NW too;=)
Elize: Hi! I feel like her in so many ways and have done for these 5 years so yes, I do recognize myself. But I am sure she and me are not the only ones who feel like this among the artists and musicians;=)
Well Anette...i'm happy to know that you think the same.You know better than me for sure!:-)I' ll tell you something maybe shocking:for me is not important to see you on stage and to know that you're touring all the world.Your singing can caresse and even"scratch" my soul and that is what hit me everytime i hear you sing.But that was to me just a way to get a communication with you..and that's is important for me,it's enough.Obviously i would be glad to know that you have that enthusiasm to start again..because everybody like good music..but i'm happy to know that you are happy,living and enjoying life in a simple way with your family and friends.I' m happy to know i'm living a parallel life with a special person i'll never meet,but that i respect for what she is as a person and not only because of music.Is a feeling i feel..and i've never been wrong till now about people..:-)Believe it or not this is what i think..strange thing for a fan..maybe,no?:-)-Have a nice day!Fulvio
ReplyDeleteHi Anette,
ReplyDeleteI think the reason why artists feel this way is because they have high expectations from their fans which they can't always exceed. After all, we're only human and can only take in so much at once.
I understand that it can be hard and even more so when on the road but, there's a saying that Youtuber ShayCarl always talks about which is "happiness is a choice". You can choose when you want to be happy, despite the situation you're in. You don't always have to choose to be happy but it does make a difference to your day.
Amelia X
Hi Anette! Yep, I'm done. Yesterday, we were at Hartwall... Tried to be objective, but no. New "maschine" is not for me. I missed all the nuances you had and the sensibility of your voice <3 The newspaper and media here keeps telling, how the audience accepted the new singer well, but it's not the whole truth, I'm not the only one missing you. Really wondering and waiting to hear what you are taking up next, and hoping to hear your voice again in the future! Your "Deeper down" in the movie made my cry my eyes out, thanks for that ;) Take care,
ReplyDelete-Mia
Mia: Hi! You dont know how your words touched me and as you say, media always has their "favourites" they love;=)And you know, the plan for yesterday with me singing was to do the whole album from Taikatalvi to Song of Myself and no other songs. Guess that plan changed. And I also love what Petri did with Deeper down, so much more beautiful than the original. He´s a true professional;=) And I promise to tell when you can hear me, and as I´ve already stated, I´ll perform in just some weeks with my solo songs;=) Say Moi to Suomi from me and hyvä päivä;=) Hugs!
ReplyDeleteYep, the plan had changed... I heard of your plan, and was waiting for it, cause Turn loose the mermaids is one of my favourites and never heard it live :( I had so mixed feelings walking away from the hall... One era has definitely ended. Hugs!
DeleteThis makes me so sad to hear. I would've just died to hear Mermaids from you. I do hope one day you will sing it like Tarja still does some NW songs. But that is up to you.
Delete-Desi
Hej!
ReplyDeleteI know Miss Li and this is a very interesting topic and something Ive been wondering too about artists. How do they cope with living in the public eye,possible stage fright, being criticized but also praised. Will it not mess up their head and will they not start to mirroring them selves through the eyes of the fans.
Im such a private person I know I wouldnt be able to take it, I even feel un easy writing my own opinions to a public page like this.
I agree with many comments written above so I wont repeat them.
But I just want to say about yesterdays Nightwish concert that I miss you. Floor Jansen may be the so called technically perfect singer for a band like this and Im sure she appeals to all the metal fans as she so "metal" but in my heart she can never top you.
I love your interpretations and emotion.
I was supposed to give an ovation to you during the movie but I couldnt even move. Gosh the contrast was so huge, to hear you sing slow love slow and scaretale after the concert. I think no one can top you with those songs technically, emotionally, how ever.
And during the most sentimental part of the movie hearing your sweet voice filling the whole arena with the track deeper down, me and my friend we both just cried!
And after the movie everything felt the same as when I heard of your departure, like it feels so wrong and so torn apart.
Nightwish will always be my favorite band, no matter what and I know its no use to complain. And in the end this is a matter of personal opinion too.
Anyway, never feel useless with what happened in Nightwish because you have touched countless of people. Always remember this.
Karoliina; Heheh, we two cry babies... I was trying to keep my sobs quiet but hearing you, could't hold back ;)But just as you say, the contrast was huge (and too much for me ;) Listenig to Floors Scaretale made me think of Anettes voice in it and like my son (6 years old) it says "Mum, you're listening that auntie with that witch voice again" :D And that's my point exactly! Anette, you have a amazing ability to empathize in what you're doing, that really is your gift. I always enjoyed seeing you on stage, being so "real" and yourself instead of trying to act on stage like "Xena" :DD Don't let the "back stabbers" get you down, be proud of what you have done with NW and definitely, keep singing!
DeleteAmelia: Hi! yes, and being an artist or musician is a sensitive profession since you are judged for something that comes from the heart. When I worked in "normal" jobs I never got sad if I got critizised for my work, but being a singer I am very sensitive for what people say. Guess its because it comes from my heart and giving so much from the heart and then getting hard critique is really hard.
ReplyDeleteand what you say about choosing to be happy is so true! I do believe we can "tell" ourselves to be happy or unhappy and in buddism they say that life is misery and pain so when you get a happy moment, enjoy it, cause its only short glimpses;=) True! So lets choose to be happy!! Enjoy this day!
Fulvio; Hi and thanks;=) I truly hope I wont let you down;=) I will do my very best always and always try being nice to everyone, even those times when it is really, really hard. But I do belive in karma and are thefore careful with what I do in life. Take good care and thanks again for your really sweet and kind words;=)
ReplyDeleteHahah it's okay. There were 50 of them, so I saved you from a lot of useless questions. (not that those are really... normal. haha)
ReplyDeletexx
Maybe you're tired of hearing it, but we really really missed you at Hartwall last night. <3 And you did just an amazing job with Imaginaerum that those songs truly are "your songs".
ReplyDeleteThe movie was quite weird to me ;) but that was expected... You were the best part! I love Slow Love Slow, so it was a wonderful moment with you and the apple. ;)
Anyway, I hope you're happy and feeling that things are going on the right direction.... Hope that whatever you have gone through, has made you stronger. Hugs!
THK: Hi and thanks so much for your kind words;=)yeah, the movie is a bit weird, but I guess you got it in the end, that what was I did;=)
ReplyDeleteAnd after rain comes sunshine and I am sure I will have many things I can learn from this in my future life. All we do and all that happens is a lesson to be learned so we don't do the same things over and over again;=) Sleep well and thanks again;=)
Elize; Haha, ok, puh! Those you wrote were enough;=)
Hahaha Yeah, I thought so...
ReplyDeletethis was the most horrible one: "If you had to for some reason, which of your internal organs would you eat?" I was like; "ermm... lets delete that one. it makes no sense."hahah
This is a very touching interview.
ReplyDeleteI think I somewhat understand this woman. It is so hard to be what others want you to be, although I certainly have smaller problems than all you celebrities. I just have to live up to the expectations of my parents, teachers and friends; you have to hit the expectations of the whole world.
Thanks a lot for sharing, I think it is really important that we all think about what we do to "our" stars by wanting them to be the way we want them to be... After all, singers and actors and so on are just humans like all of us. (Well, not QUITE, there are some geniuses out there that just cannot be quite mortal, but you know what I mean.)
Love, Betty