ISABEL GUZMAN CHATS TO DONTSTOPTHEPOP

How are you doing today?

I am great, thank you! Just bought myself a new hardware to my computer since my last one crashed...you live, you learn!

Thank you for taking part in this Swedish Season. What Swedish singers, or producers, have recently influenced you and your music?

Hmmm....I have to think hard on this one. I have always looked abroad for inspiration but I can say that I am very proud of many Swedish acts and producers. I think Roxette made killer popsongs, Neneh Cherry was really cool back in the days, Robyn is kicking ass right now, Christian Walz is a real wonderchild himself. I love the productions of Klas Åhlund, both with Teddybears and Robyn and Bloodshy & Avant is probably the best we have right now. And who writes bigger hits than Max Martin?


Its been sometime since we all fell hard for the demo versions of Love Song and Wrapped in Plastic. What has been happening since.


Well, I released my EP last year called Kill The boy and after the promotion work was done with that I went in the studio to finish my album, which most likely will be released after the summer.

Tell me how has your ‘sound’ altered since those early days.

I think I left the light disco-sound and moved on to more heavy beats....I think it suits my lyrics better. But i'm still pop....I will always be.

Lets talk about your album. How is it coming along?

I am in the process of recording songs with the Tortuga boys and in the meantime do a few collabs with other producers.

We know Tortuga are on board but are you at liberty to talk about other contributions from other songwriters?

Yes, I really hope so. I have a few writing-sessions booked in the near future and I already worked with Steve Andersson this winter.

With Steve Anderson-what did you produce together?

We wrote a beautiful 6/8 ballad together which will be on the album. It is called Far side of the moon and is very personal.

What was it like working with Steve?

It was easy. You never know what to expect when you are writing together with someone, but it was really easy and we clicked.

When do you expect we’ll hear new music from you?


Oh, I am going to speed this process up, I promise you that. Some time this summer I hope I'll be able to upload something new to Myspace.



Ah, so are you planning a sequel to the hugely applauded (and well-received) Kill The Boy EP? Or are you heading straight towards the album now?

No I am going straight to the album...I can't wait.


Did you enjoy Popjustice Live in London last year?

It was so much fun!!! I completely adore the British audience, they really made me feel welcomed and missed. As soon as the album is ready I'm sure I will set up a few dates in England.

You performed one particular song The First Time at Popjustice Live. It was pretty epic! It’s a polemic dance song. Perhaps rather relentless. Whats happening to it?


Actually, I've felt lately that I do love that song, but its not for me. The way things are heading with the album it doesn't have a place on it. I am sure some other artist will do it justice.

And whats happened to the amazing Wrapped Up In Plastic?


Plastic is being re-shaped...it's still on the album but we have to look through the production to make it fit.

And, Lovesong?

Love song is SOOOO GOOOOD!!!! You dont have to worry....still has that pop feel to it.



Okay Isabel some silly, but hard, questions now!

• Reebok or Addidas ?

Adidas, of course!! It's my dog's name and I love the stripes.

• Tuesday or Thursday?

I'm going with Tuesday. It's earlier in the week and you can still get a lot of things done.

• Neneh Cherry or Robyn?

Hard to compare those two....different decades. Neneh was so cool and Robyn is really talented and inspiring.

• Norway or Denmark?

Denmark. I have family there and in Greenland so I feel at home when I hear Danish. But I'd love to visit the north of Norway sometime. I hear it's stunningly beautiful.

• London or Stockholm?

Both! Love the big city pulse of London but Stockholm in the summer is beyond words. So clean, you can swim in the waters that runs through it and you have water everywhere and it's so green. I love my hometown.

• Pop or RnB?

Definitely pop!!!!! Always pop!

• Stuart Price or Timberland?

Stuart Price!! I would love to work with him someday.

And lastly…a serious question! I’ve been asking all Swedish musicians this question. I asked Rosanna this question and she said it was the low levels of sun. What do you think makes Sweden particularly a key country that has contributed so many great pop songs. Whether it be Robyn, September, The Cardigans, ABBA or The Ark, Army Of Lovers, Max Martin, Ghost…and you….the list is pretty much endless. What do you think is put in the water?….is it the education system? Is it the sun? What makes Sweden such a productive country of pop?

I disagree with Rosanna. :-) I think the low levels of sun only makes you more tired and not anxious to make music at all. I think that what all Swedish songwriters have in common is the the melodies. And we are brought up with them, starting with ABBA. From an early point we have gained the confidence that our small country in the north is able to produce and export music all over the world. We have seen it happen so many times that we have no doubt that we can do it ourselves. And you forgot Roxette on that list...their song 'It must have been love' has been played over one million times on American radio.

On a more personal level how did you come to pop music?

It started with Madonna. I used to sing to her albums and in seventh grade I decided to start a band with some girlfriends. No one could play but we got better. And the first time I set foot in that rehearsal studio I new it was my call.

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So there it is. Steve Anderson & Tortuga! & of course Isabel. The album is on the way and roaring to go! Bring on Autumn 09!