The UK country music scene is on a constant rise, thanks to new voices making their mark in the industry. Among these emerging talents, Bergendahl stands out as a must-listen. Hailing from Surrey in the southeast of the UK, she blends contemporary Nashville songwriting with 80s melodic synthpop and the modern European music landscape in her songs. Although her musical journey officially began a few months ago with the release of her debut single “Living Well,” her passion for music ignited during her formative years. “I started writing songs when I was seven and was meticulous about working on my craft growing up,” she recalls. After spending recent years building the self-confidence to showcase her talent, Bergendahl is now ready to let her voice be heard. Her first major step is her new EP, “Leafy Green.” This four-track project is deeply influenced by her personal experiences, with two songs addressing significant life themes and the other two reflecting on smaller, everyday moments.
“Leafy Green” is just the beginning of a broader artistic vision. Bergendahl is already at work on her second EP and promises a preview of it will be available by the end of the year. While busy creating new music, Bergendahl took the time to chat with InMusic, sharing insights into her career, “Leafy Green,” and more!
How would you define your music?
Sad synthy European country music – from the English countryside. Nashville but through a European lens and with 80s pop sparkle.
When did you discover your talent and what pushed you to pursue a career in music?
I started writing songs when I was seven and was meticulous about working on my craft growing up, I kept them all in a folder grouped into albums, always believing I’d start releasing them. When that started to seem like an impossible dream I lost a lot of confidence and started avoiding creating altogether. I decided to work at finding that self-belief again three years ago because I think as you get older, you see that it’s far more scary to be facing never having attempted the things you really want to do, than the possible failure that held you back.
With country music’s recent resurgence, how do you feel about the growing interest in the genre, and how do you see your music and career evolving in the coming years?
I think it’s wonderful that country listenership is expanding and that more artists are recognising it as a serious influence that they can use in a modern way. I hope it continues to open up further and that we see more diversity coming through and new stories being told. In terms of my own music, when it comes to writing I really value the freedom to write whatever I like and feels authentic so I would expect that will stay consistent. I’m an “albums” artist and consumer and this is how I plan, so as I release more material this will become a much bigger part of the story.
Can you tell us about your new EP “Leafy Green”?
With it being my first release, I wanted to “set out my stall” and demonstrate what I’m about so I picked songs that show different sides of my musical influences, so you’ll hear some distinctly country sounds mixed with 80s keys and some big European sadpop synths. The title comes from the classic description of the villages around suburban Surrey where I’m from as I wanted it to read like an invitation into my world. I’m so proud that it sets out who I am as an artist representing country music from this side of the Atlantic.
In what ways have your personal life and experiences shaped this project?
All four are very personal songs. Some of the songs are inspired by the big things in life like bereavement; Living Well is about pet loss and Feathers is about the loss of a friend to cancer. And others are about small things on the surface, like an encounter in a sushi shop that sent me spiralling into self-criticism (Thirty Affirmative) or a TikTok by an artist I love about his experiences with childhood bullying (Gatekeeper). If it makes me feel something, I’ll write about it.
Which song on the EP is your personal favorite?
It’s so tough to pick but I think there’s a little bit of extra magic in Gatekeeper. Just after it came out, I saw on my Spotify for Artists that one listener had played it 17 times in one day, and I was so proud!
What’s next for Bergendahl following the release of “Leafy Green,” and can we expect more new music or projects in the near future?
Absolutely! I have another single coming out later this year, a taster for my next EP which I’m currently recording.
What is a message you would like to give through your music and why?
That you don’t have to look or sound a certain way to take your place in the world. Art and self-expression is for all
Write here something you want to let people know.
It’s your life, do the things you want to do!!
Listen to Bergendahl‘s “Gatekeeper” from her new EP “Leafy Green”on our Spotify playlist:
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