As seen in Guitar Girl Magazine Issue 11 – Spring 2020 – SoCal Inspired

I was born and raised in a small town no one has ever heard of in Sweden, but nowadays, I spend my time in LA. I play bass and guitar both for myself and for other artists, and I am also a songwriter, but since this is about tone, let’s focus on my playing!

What is your definition of tone, and how has it changed over the years?

Honestly, I’m a super simple, less-is-more-kinda gal. I love the warmth of a tube amp and when the tubes naturally break. That’s probably my all-time favorite tone. Maybe add some reverb, but that’s it. However, as a writer, I have to do a lot in the box when I’m in sessions, so I have to rely a lot on good plugins. I love a big, fat sound, so lots of times, I layer the real bass with a super low-end synth bass.

Which guitars, amps, and pedals are you currently using and why?

I have an Orange TH30 with a 2×12 cab, but I’m really lazy, so I usually bring my hubby’s Supro to gigs these days. It has a really nice, clean, warm tone. I have a Hall of Fame for reverb, Carbon Copy for delay, and an Archer Ikon for overdrive. Also, my hubby is a guitar tech, so let’s just say between the both of us we have quite a few toys at home, so I switch a lot.

What about strings?

For guitar, I use 10-46 because I like to strum pretty hard, but it’s still slinky enough for bends. I usually use D’Addario.

For bass, I use 45-100, D’addario as well.

Are there certain recording techniques you prefer in the studio?

Nope, I love experimenting, so anything goes!

How do you keep your sound consistent onstage?

I don’t (haha)! Constantly changing!

What does your practice consist of?

I write every day, Monday through Friday, as soon as I’ve had my morning coffee, read my book, and meditate. It’s my ritual. Sometimes it sucks, and I might write one word or note, but to me, it’s all about being consistent. I don’t sit around and wait for inspiration to hit, cause then I might be waiting forever. With that being said, sometimes that means me @#&!@#& around with a guitar riff, other times bass lines or melody and lyrics. Lately, I’ve been all about fat bass lines, so recently, the bass has been in the spotlight. I suck at just straight up practicing, and I only do that when I have to learn songs for a gig or something.

What is your advice for young women who hope to work in the music industry?

Do it (whatever it is to you) every day, and don’t compare yourself to anyone! I say this as much to myself as I say it to you. There is a saying “luck is when opportunity meets preparation,” and I always remind myself of that. It’s easy to get caught up in the things you “have to do” to be successful, but at the end of the day, your music has to come first, always.