Inger Fridolin (perfoming with name INGER) is a young musician and songwriter who has started to perform on big stages. In 2017 participated she in a competition for young musicians called “Noortebänd 2017” where she made it to the final. In this year she released two singles “Again” and “Notice You”. In addition to music, she enjoys playing football. Inger has even represented youth national team, has been top-scorer in different leagues and now she is a highly-rated coach. Her colourful background is the reason why I chose to interview her so we all could understand her life a bit better.
You are active football player, musician, songwriter and you have to graduate high school as well. How much do you even have free time and when you have it, what to do you choose to do?
I have to be honest, I don’t have much free time. I could say that I’m that type of person who enjoys getting things done and I don’t really like to rest. But in my opinion, there is always free time. It’s all about time planning skills. For example, even with my tight schedule I find time to be together with my loved ones.
Why did you choose football? Why not basketball or tennis, for instance?
Something brought me to football when I was 5-6 years old. I can clearly remember how I always had a ball at my feet when I was young. I really enjoy playing other sports as well but nothing can come close to my love for football.
Do you have any further plans with football or does music take up the most time now?
I know that I can’t be a professional player, even though I wanted to become one, but knee injury changed the way my life rolled out. I hope that I will still be connected to football, specially as a coach. I love to see the joy in children’s eyes when they get to play. As their coach I want to help them as much as possible so they could achieve their dreams.
Music or football?
If I could choose both.. I can’t compare those two. For me doing both keeps me balanced – as a musician I’m alone on the stage but as a footballer I get to be part of a team.
I think that we can agree that your career started after participation in the competition “Noortebänd”. Why did you decide to participate?
It actually started when my school teacher sent a mail to everyone which encouraged everyone to participate. At first, I did not come on board but later on I decided to give it a try. After the competition contacted me, I sent them a demo of my song “Friends”. Still, I have to be honest that I wouldn’t have taken part in competition if it weren’t for my family and friends who encouraged me. Now I’m happy that I took a chance and I definitely do not regret it.
Do you have a performance that you recall as your favourite?
I’ve had these magnificent and heart-warming performances a lot because I’ve been performing to people who are sincere and warm. One of my huge favourites was performing at Intsikurmu winterfestival and also a performance to school students because it was absolutely heart-warming to see and hear how 200 people sing together with me.
Is there some kind of ritual that you do before every performance?
I have one funny thing that I do. I look into the mirror and say to myself “I can do it” and smile. That smile means a lot to me because first I show my positivity to myself and then on stage I can spread it with other people as well.
Are you a bot frightened to be on stage? Do you have any tips for those who are afraid?
A year ago when I started I was afraid but I can say that now I’ve become used to it. For those who are afraid I recommend breathing exercises and keeping the mindset “I can do it”. It isn’t that hard when it’s what your heart wants it!
Who or what inspires you? What do you write your songs about?
I’m most inspired by nature and people surrounding me.
You are also know for your covers on different artists’ songs. That means, that you must have some artists that dominate in your own playlists. Who are they?
In my playlists you can find mostly Ed Sheeran, Khalid, Bon Iver and Lauv.
Do you have any tips for those who want to make it in their field but are too afraid to take the first step?
I think that the most important thing is to believe in yourself. You have to have strong will even if things don’t work out right away. Im sure that positivity helps as well. In my case, I got the strength I needed from my loved ones, so I recommend talking aboout your ambitions with family and friends because that’s one of the best ways to get more motivation.
Lastly, if you would have a chance to say one sentence that every single person in the world could hear, what would you say?
Dream big because those dreams come true!
Aniiratak 