Life is a constant transition, a journey of learning and refining ourselves through the knowledge we gather. It leads us into the unknown, while at the same time guiding the choices we make.
No matter how things turn out, there is always an underlying reason for it all, something some might call destiny. As we approach the end of the year, a perfect moment for reflection, here is a fairytale-like story to offer a little inspiration.
Wilma Lidén may be young, but she already has an extensive background as an actress, with roles in roles in Solsidan, Karusell, Hassel, Zebrarummet and more. Deeply passionate about the creative process, Wilma admits that the downtime between projects can be the most challenging part of her career. A struggle that ultimately inspired her to embark on a long-awaited journey into music.
“For me, the hardest times have always been the periods between projects. The post-production depression. From one day to the next, being torn away from intense schedules, hard work, and digging into my own psyche to nothing. Absolutely nothing. Getting out of bed, drinking coffee, and reading a book? Who wants that? It’s been tricky for me to find routines and activities that work when I’m not working. I need an outlet for my creativity to function.”
At the beginning of 2023, Wilma found herself in a six-month break from filming. It was during this downtime that she began writing her own music, spending hours in sessions with different producers, exploring where it might lead.
“I knew I needed to do something creative to endure. I entered music with fairly low expectations. I’ve always dabbled in music but never taken it that seriously. I think I’ve been afraid that it’s unattractive to do two different things at once. But very quickly, I realized that writing music makes me feel good. I love to sing and what I created with my producers felt very me.”
Not having the luxury of hiding behind a character or a director was a big shift for Wilma. Standing on stage as herself meant opening up in a new, vulnerable way.
“Since my lyrics are so vulnerable and honest, there’s an aspect of inviting the whole world into my innermost self. I’ve always valued integrity and the line between personal and private. This feels like a big, important step. To throw myself out there like this.”
Wilma is now working toward the release of her debut EP. The sound has been crafted together with producers Chad Neale and Peter von Arbin, blending influences from the 80s and 90s with melancholic pop melodies. Drawing inspiration from artists like Raye, Kate Bush, Wet Leg, Sinéad O’Connor, Stevie Nicks, and Caroline Polacheck, she’s shaping a sound that’s unmistakably her own.
“I love a proper guitar solo and that organic, slightly dirty feel. Indie pop is probably what the professionals would call it. I want people to feel the full palette of emotions when they listen. I try to write relatable lyrics, even if some lines come from deeply personal experiences. As long as they feel something, my heart is full.”
My debut EP WHAT’S CUTE ABOUT HELL? explores the raw, unfiltered, and honest observations of the female experience, glorifying the darkness, the beauty, and the bruises. It’s about fearless honesty and the will to feel it all out loud. This is where obsession meets vulnerability in a world full of emotional danger.
Fashion has always been an integral part of Wilma’s expression, and it’s especially present in her artistic projects. She describes her style as “candy punk”. A mix of cute and bold.
“I love everything to do with visual expression, and it felt important to clearly invite everyone into my new world. Sometimes I wonder if I might be a nightmare to work with. I’m such a perfectionist, and I want the images in my head to become reality. But I’m so proud of everything I’ve created with my friends Paul Edwards and Sam Segerblom. It feels like a natural extension of my songs and my artistic identity.”
Even when she’s not on set or in the studio, Wilma rarely sits still. She laughs, admitting she’s “not particularly good at grounding herself and recharging. “Reading, spending time with friends and family, or crafting helps her unwind, but her mind never fully switches off. It’s always quietly in work mode. That constant drive fuels her ambitions.”
“I hope to play live a lot, release music that I like and am proud of, touch people, and grow as a person. I try to take things as they come, but I probably have pretty big dreams deep down. I imagine myself standing at the Royal Albert Hall with a symphony orchestra.”
Wilma Vidal’s debut EP “WHAT’S CUTE ABOUT HELL?” is set to release on January 9th 2026.
Talent: Wilma Vidal Lidén
Team Credits:
Photography by Lamia Karić / Rockson
Styling by Louise Dyhrfort
Words by Mattias Krtistiansson
Makeup and hair by Wanda Persson
Photography assistant: Amelie Karlsbro
Styling assistant: Klara Ekelund
Fashion Credits:
1) Earrings by LOWOOL. Jacket and skirt by Aniele Stroz. Stockings: stylist’s own. Shoes: talent’s own.
2) Earrings and necklace by Marland Backus. Top by Aniele Stroz.
3 & 4) Earrings by 886Lab. Shirt and stockings by J.Simone. Belts by INAN.
5) Belt vest and belt by INAN. Ring by 886Lab.
6) Shoes: talent’s own.
7) Necklace by ESKY SAFRASH. Belt by INAN.
8) Dress by MPAZ Studio. Earrings and bracelet by ESKY SAFRASH.