Before the release of her debut single in 2013, No Gun, Naomi Pilgrim used to sing backing vocals for artists such as Lykke Li. With her successful solo debut, she caught the opportunity to make her own music, to sing her own songs and speak her own mind. Pilgrim’s self-titled EP, released early the following year, was just as well received as No Gun and the acclaim created anticipation for her next release. That anticipation has been rewarded, because Pilgrim has shown us that she is an important artist, being able to point out social injustice with her pop songs. It is a beacon of hope, knowing that music can still be a powerful thing and that a song can still change something in this world of ours.

When you meet her, you are instantly drawn in by her contagious positivity. Sitting outside in the spring sunshine, the Swedish-Bajan singer starts off our interview wearing a pair of beautiful big sunglasses, which she removes halfway through. They go very well with the casual street style she is rocking.

Her new EP, Sink Like a Stone, has just been released and we’re discussing the inspiration behind its title track, which has already received lots of attention since it came out on April 15. Although the subject of the song is a dark one, Pilgrim’s positive message shines through.

“Sink Like a Stone comes from my frustration about Eric Garner [the African-American man who died of a heart attack in New York in 2014 following police brutality],” she says, “but also about prejudice in general. I think all prejudice is so unfair – it’s not a good way to live your life and it harms people.”

When she utters the word “unfair”, the effect an event like Garner’s death has had on her is palpable. She seems like a person with great empathy for others, something she brings to the fore with her artistry. In the middle of our conversation she starts singing some of the words to Mama, another track on the EP, to help explain the meaning of the song – “Maybe someday it’s my turn.” The track is her way of honouring her beloved mother and also communicating that it is possible to help your fellow man when you have been blessed with a good life.

“I was born with a privilege, because I was born in Sweden,” she says. “We haven’t been involved in a war for more than 200 years and that means we are in a position to do good things for the rest of the world. And many people do. That makes me ask myself why am I an artist? What is it that I want to do? Is it because I want to make music and be important? What is my ‘why’?
“My friends and I all have good energy, we have lived lives and we have things to say. Not everybody has the chance to make their voice heard.”

Pilgrim feels she can make a difference in the world by taking a stand as an artist. As a co-founder of Falling Whistles in Sweden, she is making a difference. The non-profit organisation is campaigning to bring peace to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by investing in projects that create sustainable jobs and stability at a community level throughout the war-ridden country.
The EP’s final song is I Wonder. Pilgrim explains that it’s about longing and wondering if a relationship really feels right. The three tracks obviously provide an interesting mix of subjects and, together, they create a forceful entity.

For Pilgrim herself, this summer looks set to be one to enjoy and remember. One of the high points will be her slot at the Stockholm Music & Arts festival next month. She will perform on Trädgårdsscenen, a stage that will be headlined by Patti Smith each night of the three-day event.
As Pilgrim looks forward to playing her new material during the coming months, we can look forward to listening to what her songs have got to say.

Sink Like a Stone EP is out on Cosmos. Stockholm Music & Arts, July 29-31, Skeppsholmen

Credits:

Words by Filip Lindström
Photography by Oskar Gyllenswärd
Styling by Emma Thorstrand
Hair and make-up: Lillis Hemmingsson
Photographer’s assistant: Ellen Nykvist
Stylist’s assistant: Alicia Rosati

Special thanks to Lee Jeans

Fashion Credtis:

1 Crew-neck sweatshirt and Ultimate on-pocket shirt

2 Oversized bib and Printed woven t-shirt

3 Western Shirt

4 Graphic T-shirt and Bib skirt

5 Oversized bib and Oversized t-shirt

6 Rider jacket and Skyler jeans

7 One-pocket Shirt

All available at lee.com

Freddie Meadows grew up in Åhus and London, places that aren’t really associated with waves. Perhaps that’s what led him to discover something as un-Swedish as surfing. At the age of 13 he started wave riding and soon became consumed by a fascination with a sport that had no rules and the close connection to nature surfing brought with it.

“The feeling that hit me right away was that you come into contact with nature in an incredible way – more than with any other sport,” he says. “Waves can travel huge distances across our oceans – at times, 5,000km – and then you get the chance to be part of the final chapter of a wave’s journey before it disappears forever. That energy does not exist in any other sport.”

After many years on tour and many competitions – among other highs, he scored a fifth place in the European Championships for under 18s in 2006 – Meadows is currently on a sabbatical from the contest world. Instead, he is at home in Sweden in search of a little magic in the Baltic Sea. And he is always ready to jump in his car to drive to where the waves are. “Sometimes I only have two hours to get my stuff together before I have to go. As each opportunity comes so rarely, the feeling of missing something can be pretty hard to deal with. All I think about is how to time it as best as I can.”

Over the years, Meadows noticed that, in order to win, it was necessary to go against the morals and respect that is so deeply connected to surfing. So, instead of touring, he followed his dream to find world- class waves in Sweden. And, in October 2014, he found them. “I went on my first trip in the woods, in the wilderness. And there, by the furthest part of the coast, I found a sort of balance. It was as if it were fate. I saw the best waves I had ever seen in Sweden – so big, heavy and perfect. It was exactly what I was looking for. I named the best one Valhalla.”

He thinks that Sweden’s surfing culture is exciting because of what can be found in places where you’ve never seen waves before. Surfing in Sweden is better than people think. “We have a fairly large community here,” Meadows says. “But because of our circumstances, we end up always in the same places. But Valhalla meant that I discovered something I had never seen before in Swedish waters, which makes it so exciting.”

When pushed to talk more about why he semi-retired from competitive surfing, he mentions feeling a strength within him. “I thought, ‘Let’s ignore all of the things that I have lived for, and instead focus on new projects.’ It was natural, because I love being creative. Film and photography have always held a deep interest for me. So I decided to do what I’ve kind of wanted to do my whole life – surf the magical waves here in Sweden, and then document it all with the right people. It’s when I’m on these adventures that I am at my happiest. I hope that what we produce can inspire people the way I’ve been inspired.”

Even though he now surfs 100 days a year, compared with the 300 days he used to just a few years ago, he is happier than ever today. “I feel so content when I’m in my car, heading to a place with the hope that there may be good conditions for surfing. I get so excited every time I go back to places that I know already – it’s like seeing an old friend. I hope I have inspired people to not only surf, but also to go out and discover. Go out and look for waves yourself. Anything is possible. That’s the best thing about surfing – the adventure.”

And the future?

“I hope and believe that I will keep going with all these exciting projects for the next three to four years. Then, perhaps, I’ll start competing again. Who knows?”

What is your preferable style when you’re not wearing a wetsuit?

“I like dressing comfortable and casual but at the same time being well dressed.

Credits

Words by Fredrik Wallin

Photography by Oskar Gyllenswärd

Surf Photography by Fredrik Skogkvist & Calum Creasey

Film by Damaspirit

Styling by Maria Barsoum

Grooming by Sherin Forsgren & Kevin Murphy

Special thanks to Velour By Nostalgi

1- 2 Bendix Jacket, Désiré Sweater and Standard Special Weave Shirt

3-4 Dion Jacket

5 Cornel Coat, Bertin Jacket, Fredrik Sweater and Dickie Shorts

6 Marc Bomber Jacket, Standard Safari Shirt and Adan Chinos

7 Zipped Shirt Jacket

All items are available at Velour.se

Ana Diaz has a lot on her plate. Since the release of her debut album, Lyssna del 1, in early February, she has done tons of interviews and photoshoots, all while still working as a songwriter and running her own label, WINWIN Recordings. When we meet, it’s in an industrial studio, where one of these many shoots has been going on for at least four hours, and it looks as as though she’ll be there for several more. When she breaks for lunch, I ask what she thinks of the clothes, which at that stage of the shoot means an all-white ready-to-wear outfit. “If I could take this with me, I would,” she says. “I usually just wear black and comfortable clothes. I know what I like, but I have no interest in searching for it.” She enjoys the transformation, but couldn’t imagine the life of a model, being constantly judged by appearance. The relaxed, natural feel of Lee Jeans she wore for The Forumist’s shoot seems a perfect fit for her in more ways than one. “It’s interesting, a different perspective on the music business,” she says while we wait for the photographer to return to the desolate studio.

Diaz has written songs for international artists for years, including Wyclef Jean, Sounwave, Britney Spears and One Direction. She talks about their “sessions”, the meetings with other writers, where their mutual talents fuse together. It can be an intimate moment, writing with a stranger, who is then replaced with a new stranger the next day. It sounds intense.

Diaz has lived in Detroit, London, LA and Seattle, but has now moved back to Stockholm, which she calls “a mother”, a comforting place for her. Does her writing change depending on the city she is living in? “No, I don’t think so. The colleagues change, but I stay the same. I still recognise my own work, although I’m a part of all these different constellations. I’m always good at starting collaborations up,” she says. “Detroit sometimes feels grimey and London can be draining, Seattle is quite peaceful. One thing I love about London, which I don’t see as much of in Stockholm, is the diversity. In London you can hear 13 languages on your way to work in the morning.”

While living in London, Diaz booked visits back to Sweden for writing sessions for her solo work.
The poet Daniel Boyacioglu was one of the main collaborators for what eventually became Lyssna del 1, a pop record with trap elements and revealing lyrics in Swedish. Boyacioglu, who features on the track Simma Själv, has previously released music through Robyn’s label, Konichiwa Records. He’s a talented poet and artist who could be called Sweden’s answer to Saul Williams, the American rapper known for
his blending of poetry and alternative hip-hop. Diaz thinks so, too, and says that boosting Boyacioglu’s music career might be the next item on her to-do list.

Before that can happen, though, there are many things still on the agenda: the follow-up solo album is being finished – shaped by about 12 producers; and she is working on Snow Culture, a duo she has formed with Oskar Sikow, a former member of electro group Kate Boy. Diaz plays a Snow Culture song on her phone and we remark how the Kate Boy sound in the industrial electro pop seems noticeable.

“I think it is Oskar that is noticeable,” she says, encouraging us to listen closely as the track goes in to a Phil Collins-esque guitar solo. “We’re shooting a music video in LA in March and then I’m coming back to Sweden for the release of my second album. After that, Snow Culture will do an EP.”

Diaz describes the work of a songwriter as “being Robin to someone’s Batman”, assisting someone else with your own talents. Ever since she chose to start making music of her own, instead of being the eternal Robin, she has been asked the same question: “What’s it like being known now?” Just because Diaz has stepped into the limelight and put on her Batman suit, it doesn’t mean we know anything about her.
“I am in constant motion, I’m changing all the time,” she says. “No matter how much of me I share, my inner sphere will never be seen by anyone but myself. I could publish a diary and still not be seen for who I really am.”

Credits

Words by Filip Lindström

Photography by Oskar Gyllenswärd

Styling by Emma Thorstrand

Hair and Make-up by Lillis Hemmingsson

Special thanks to Lee Jeans

Fashion credits:

1 Oversized Rider Jacket and Bib Skirt

2 Bib Logger in White Denim and Classic One-Pocket Shirt in Tencel

3 Slim Rider Jacket in Moon Wash and a Lighter Shade

4 Classic One-Pocket Shirt in Light Denim and 5-Pocket Boyfriend-fit Shorts

5 Oversized Lee Tank Top with stripes

All items are available at Lee.com

What’s it like being a young artist in Stockholm — is it a place that inspires you?
“It’s inspiring to be surrounded by so many talented and creative friends. It seems like there’s a music studio in every basement here. I also like living in a big city because it contains more different kinds of people.”

The video for your single Samma Gamla Himmel has a mysterious Swedish forest in the background. Are you very attached to nature?
“I spent my childhood summers at a farm with my family. It was always the best time of the year. But I wouldn’t like to live in the countryside, because I would feel too isolated and restless. My life isn’t divided into weekdays and weekends, it’s almost like every day is both Saturday and Monday. That fits well with living in a big city, where there is always something happening somewhere.”

Do any of the sounds of Stockholm inspire you?
“The first thing that comes to me is the metro line — the monotonous voice on the train, all the people talking on their phones, the signal when the doors closes and the train starts rolling. It’s where I come up with a lot of ideas for new songs.”

You’re known for wearing comfortable hoodies, sweatshirts and denim. Would you describe your aesthetic as normcore? What is the recipe for a hipster-ish Stockholmer’s style?
“During my teenage years I tried out many different styles and cared a lot about my looks. I think my style now is a reaction to that. I want to have a more natural look and be able to just get up in the morning, put something on and leave.
Fashion to me is about being comfortable. It’s important that my clothes represent my personality. I like scruffy jeans and hoodies and I mostly buy clothes at vintage stores because I don’t like it when they look all new and ‘shiny’. My tattoos are a big part of my style — something that is 100% me. I guess there is no recipe if you are a true hipster!”

Do you remember your first favourite pair of jeans? What were they like?
“They were probably a pair in typical 1990s style. I’m wearing really nice jeans in a lot of pictures taken when I was about five years old. I want to have them now! My dream jeans would have a high waist and straight legs and be black or light blue.”

You write, sing, produce and even direct your videos. What creative outlet would you like to try next?
“Photography is really hard, but it’s something I’d like to get better at. I also like letters, so maybe I should try out graphic design.”

What’s your favourite way of spending long, dark autumn evenings?
“Probably in the studio. I also enjoy going to yoga classes and hanging out at the climbing centre, practising bouldering.”

Credits:

Words by WERONIKA PÉREZ BORJAS

Photography by OSKAR GYLLENSWÄRD

Styling by EMMA THORSTRAND

Hair and Make-up: Lillis Hemmingsson

Special thanks to LEE JEANS

All Clothes by LEE.

1. Lee´s classic rider jacket and a Sherpa lining Jacket

2. Sherpa jacket. Chambray one pocket shirt with white dobby raised stripes. Split skirt in stretch fabric

3. A boyfriend Button down shirt in corduroy fabric. Jeans: Lee´s ultimate skinny fit

Scarlett in a coated fabric.

4. Jacket and Poncho inspired by Lee´s alaskan print blanket lining.

5. A classic chic BIB in lightweight denim

6. Jeans: Lee´s Bootcut fit Joliet. Boyfriend Sweatshirt and a vest based on the Rider

Jacket from 1931

All items are available at LEE