About to Pop: Erik Hassle

By Ashley Iasimone Posted Dec 8th 2009 12:10PM

Who: Erik Hassle
Album: 'Pieces'
Song: 'Hurtful'
Hails From: Sweden
For Fans Of: Mika, Maroon 5

Why He's About to Pop: With four Grammy Award nominations in Sweden (Best New Artist, Best Male Artist, Best Album, Best Artist), a UK tour with Mika to come and the upcoming release of his debut album in the US, Erik Hassle is on his way to finding international success. The 21-year-old singer writes catchy pop music, but with a soulful edge. Hassle -- who grew up in a small town in Sweden, surrounded by music and listening to soul records -- tells PopEater that "American soul held me in a grip for many years."

The current single from Hassle's album, 'Pieces,' is a tune called 'Hurtful,' and it has already been featured on MTV's 'The Hills.' Hassle says that his favorite song from the record varies, "but the ones that I like to play live I usually feel attached with. 'The Thanks I Get' has been our ending song throughout my whole last summer tour, and I have had many magical nights with that song." Keep an ear out for that song and others when Hassle hits the road and releases 'Pieces,' in February 2010.

Watch Erik Hassle's 'Hurtful' Video

Seven Questions With Erik Hassle:

What inspired you to write your single, 'Hurtful'?

I was still in school when we wrote 'Hurtful,' and my life wasn't really going anywhere. Then, I got the opportunity to come down to this studio in Stockholm to work with some really special people. That in itself was really inspiring.

What's your favorite song from your debut album?

It varies, really. But the ones that I like to play live I usually feel attached with. 'The Thanks I Get' has been our ending song throughout my whole last summer tour, and I have had many magical nights with that song. It was always our goodbye to the audience.

Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?

The first record I ever got in my hands was a collection of greatest hits by a Swedish '80s punk band. It was really political, but the songs were awesome and the singer had a really rough, soulful voice. After five years of shouting punk, I found a few old soul LPs in my friend's dad's rehearsing studio. American soul held me in a grip for many years.

What new artists are you currently listening to?

At the moment, I am listening to Miike Snow and Dirty Projectors. And the Strokes always have a few gigabytes in my iPod.

With your versions of ABBA's 'S.O.S.' and La Roux's 'In For the Kill' on YouTube already, what other songs would you like to cover?

Right now, I am thinking about doing a version of an old Swedish song. It's called 'Sarah.' [It is] a song about a girl, but she is a very beautiful girl.

You've supported Mika before, and you'll be touring with him in February. What are you most looking forward to with that tour?

I just watched a clip from the last time we were on tour in Sweden, and I just miss it. I could spend the rest of my life on the road. And also, I'm looking forward to join Mika's dress code on our last gig together.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career in music so far?

That is probably our final show in Sweden this summer. We were almost dead after months of a busy schedule, and we played in London the day before. The gig was up north in Sweden, and with no sleep, the circumstances were not optimal. However, 4000 people showed up, and we played like we would never get the chance to play again.

Tags: Erik Hassle, ErikHassle, Maroon 5, Maroon5, Mika