Diandra Interviews Maja Kristina: Becoming A Genuine Star

Can you be a genuine star? Yes, you can be a “star” or a massive artist or you can be genuine, but can you be both. This is the question for rising generation of pop artists singing to emotional, mental, and spiritual struggles while neon-leopard cat-suit, on a stage, with pyro-technical effects and visuals of them driving a Lambo fueled by money. The entertainment industry runs on glamor and the idea that a person can be a god/goddess amongst humankind. Yet, stars like Maja Kristina want to lay their hearts on the line, and make accessibility the new exclusivity. Hence, in our interview, she discusses the importance, as an artist, of having a team that sees your vision but also let’s you be raw. 

Diandra:  Your songs have been called “confessional.” What is one song of yours that you were surprised by what or how much you revealed of your heart? 

Maja Kristina: Actually, one of my coming singles reveals a side of me that I rarely talk about. Maybe, because I’m not very proud of it or simply because being overly jealous isn’t very attractive… Anyhow, I don’t think I’m alone in feeling that way sometimes. And I think a lot of people struggle to keep their cool in situations where it feels like you’re losing your mind simply out of jealousy. Of course, my latest single, Idiot, is also very confessional; telling the story about an abusive relationship I was in and, furthermore, how I finally said enough is enough and got out of it. 
Maja Kristina – Idiot

Diandra: Your songs are often cited as “rawly emotional.” What are some of the emotions you attribute to your songs? 

Maja Kristina: A lot of times, it’s anger or sadness; not because I’m a particularly sad person, but mostly because I find that writing Is very therapeutic when I’m going through something. I’d like to think that I write about life as I live it, with all the emotions life has to offer. Sometimes, it’s sadness and, other times, it’s feeling absolutely fearless. I know that the things I feel and struggle with in life are not unique; many others fight the same battles and feel the same things. Therefore, I always strive to put those emotions in writing, in hopes, that other people can recognize themselves in my music. 

Diandra: Often your music is described as “Scandipop,” how do you relate or see the title/ genre? How would you define your music? 

Maja Kristina: Well… Yes I’m from Scandinavia and yes I do pop music. But to me, that description doesn’t really paint a clear picture of what my music is like. I would probably refer to my music as Edgy-pop, mainly because I’m not only looking to deliver a catchy pop tune but also seek to tell a story with my lyrics. I want It to be raw and most of all real and relatable. 
Maja Kristina – No Fake Love (Lyric Video)

Diandra:  With your father being a popular songwriter, how did he influence you as a creative and what has been his best songwriting advice? 

Maja Kristina: I grew up surrounded by music, with bands like The Beatles, The Who and The Eagles, But other than that we didn’t talk that much about music at home. Which I’m truly grateful for today, because a lot of times I feel like having a parent pushing you to pursue something sort of kills the fun in doing it. None of my parents ever made me take piano or singing lessons, instead I got to explore It all on my own. Learning how to play different instruments and compose my own little songs. As far as advising goes, I would say the best advice I’ve gotten from both my parents is just always to follow my heart. 

Diandra: What is your favorite childhood memory with music? 

Maja Kristina: Ohhh, that’s a hard one. I’ve been to so many great concerts and experienced so much incredible music, but, now that I think about it, I would say that my favorite childhood memory with music is – Maja, eleven years old, playing guitar, writing songs and singing her heart out in her room. If it wasn’t for her and all those hours of writing and singing, I wouldn’t be where I am today. 

Diandra:  Writing songs about love and self-discovery, what is one thing you learned about yourself during a relationship? 

Maja Kristina: I’ve learned a lot about myself these past few years, but most of all I’ve learned the importance of self-love and knowing your own worth. To not ever let anybody run you over or make you think less of yourself. Definitely not saying that I’ve mastered any of these yet though, but It’s something that I make sure to remind myself of everyday. It’s really true what they say, about needing to love yourself before you can love someone else. In the aspect that no one, other than yourself, can ever fix you or make you feel whole. It’s all up to you. 
Maja Kristina med låten “Idiot” – Malou Efter tio (TV4)

Diandra: How has writing music taught you how you want to be loved and be loving towards others? 

Maja Kristina: Like I said before, writing is very therapeutic. You get to really dig deep inside your mind, trying to figure out all of the different emotions and why you feel them. Recently, I learned that in order for me to feel loved I have to feel seen and appreciated. Really just not feel like I’m being taken for granted. Knowing that, the way I try to show my love towards others is simply just by listening and being present. Showing them that I see them. Appreciate them. Because sometimes, that’s all you need. 

Diandra: Do you feel that to be creative, you have to grow or rather the process of making art, I.e. songwriting, naturally pushes you to grow? 

Maja Kristina: I would definitely say that the process of writing pushes me to grow. Through my music I keep discovering new things about myself all the time. How previous experiences has affected my way of thinking and feeling… How something or someone that hurt me in the past might have left me more on guard. Most of my lyrics are self-lived, and I feel like my growth and creativity go hand in hand as I continue to explore both myself and my surroundings. 

Diandra: With tracks like, “No Fake Love” and “Idiot,” how would you describe your truest self? 

Maja Kristina: First, I thought I’d describe my truest self as a perfectionist. But I’m actually not anymore simply because. after a while, It drives you insane and you never get to feel the satisfaction of being pleased with your work: because you never are. Also, perfect Isn’t fun and music should be fun. So instead now, I would describe myself as honest. With my songs, I’m not looking to alter the reality or turn it into something prettier. Because sometimes life isn’t pretty, and, sometimes, that needs to be felt. For example, the feeling of being so fed up with Fake Love and needing something real, Or just getting out of a bad relationship and regaining your strength. 

Diandra: How do decipher and keep clear what is true to you as an artist, especially with so many influences and desires over who should be as an artist? 

Maja Kristina: Growing up I learned the importance of staying true to yourself and that’s something I’ll hold onto for the rest of my life. I always wanna be able to stand for everything I put out into the public: whether that’s through my music or in other commercial aspects. My brand and my name is truly me: flaws and fears and everything. And I don’t mind exposing all of that as long as It’s true and genuine. I feel very lucky to have a team that truly listens to me and my opinions. I think it’s important, especially entering a profession, where It’s easy to loose yourself, to have a team that’s on the same page as you are when it comes to how you should sound and look. And I’m truly lucky to have that.

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