- Words Notion Staff
19-year-old Swedish artist Dione talks the creation of her debut EP, Phases, writing melodies in her sleep and the highs and lows of love.
At just 19 years old, Dione is making waves with her evocative storytelling and raw emotional honesty. Her debut EP, Phases, offers listeners an introspective journey through the highs and lows of life, likened to the ever-changing phases of the moon. Dione’s artistry is marked by her ability to capture complex emotions and craft universally resonant narratives.
Phases is a soulful exploration of growth, pain, and resilience. Each track on the EP represents a distinct “phase” of life, reflecting the experiences and emotions that shape who we are. Through vivid lyrics and amazing productions, Dione invites listeners to embrace the cyclical nature of existence, finding beauty in both light and darkness. The EP is executive produced by Swedish top producer Elias Wirkkala.
The project opens with ‘Moon In The Light’, a song about embracing life’s highs and lows. The line, “I know that you’re going through phases,” is a poignant metaphor for life’s cyclical nature. Dione uses the imagery of the moon—sometimes bathed in light, sometimes shrouded in darkness—to remind us that challenges, like moonlight, are transient. The song encourages listeners to find solace in knowing that bad days, like the moon’s phases, will pass, giving way to brighter moments.
At the heart of the EP, the single ‘Killerz’ stands out with its hard-hitting production paired with lyrics that delve into emotional struggles and haunting dreams. This track masterfully balances soft vulnerability with intense energy, showcasing Dione’s ability to convey powerful narratives through infectious melodies.
The EP concludes with the hauntingly reflective ‘If I’m Gone’, which delves into life’s darker corners. In this track, Dione explores vulnerability with raw honesty: “I go through phases just like the moon, and it has a dark side. If I’m gone, just know I smile by habit, not by choice.” The lyrics lay bare the complexity of human emotions and the quiet resilience that often goes unnoticed.
We sat down with her to get the inside scoop on the influences behind the EP, mastering the art of storytelling, and the impact she wants to leave on listeners.
Phases launches on January 10th across all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer, Youtube and Tidal.
Your debut EP Phases explores life’s cyclical nature. What inspired you to use the moon as a central metaphor throughout the project?
The moon felt like a good metaphor because humans experience different stages in their lives, just like the moon goes through various phases. I thought it was a cool and fitting way to tie everything together in my EP, Phases.
The opening track, ‘Moon in the Light’, is so evocative. Can you talk about the writing process for that song?
I was 19, in LA for the first time. My first session there was with Saint Kid in his studio away in Silver Lake. It was also the first time we’d met but we instantly vibed. There was this creative spark that made the whole experience feel so natural. We ended up creating the song in about an hour. Later, back in Stockholm, I brought the track to Elias Wirkkala (the producer), and we finished it together. It’s a song that holds all the excitement and newness I felt at that moment. It’s really special to me.
What’s one phase of your life that shaped you the most and influenced the creation of this EP?
A big phase for me was the self-discoveries that came with falling in and out of love. It taught me how life can shift so quickly. One day I was in love, the next day those feelings weren’t the same. Similarly, I experienced moments where everything in life seemed to align perfectly, only to have it all fall apart a month later.
The single ‘Killerz’ has such a unique energy. How did that track come together?
The idea actually came to me while I was half asleep. A melody started playing in my head, so I woke up and quickly put together a simple production on my computer to capture it. I worked on the intro and the bassline, kept singing, and eventually the verse just came to me. The next day, I brought the idea to Elias. I told him, “I have this crazy idea,” and when I showed him, he added his magic to it. We ended up finishing the song the same day!
‘If I’m Gone’ closes the EP on a haunting note. What message were you hoping to leave listeners with?
I wanted to leave listeners with a reminder that all these emotions are part of being human. I go through phases, and just like the moon, they have dark sides. If I’m gone, just know I smile by habit, not by choice.
At just 19, your storytelling is incredibly mature. What shaped your ability to write with such depth?
I spend a lot of time reflecting on the things I write. I like to revisit my thoughts and explore them deeply, which helps me connect with my emotions and experiences on another level.
The production on Phases feels cinematic at times. How involved were you in shaping the sound of the EP? How was it working with Elias Wirkkala as the executive producer?
It was a beautiful experience working with Elias. He’s unbelievably talented and such a genuine person. He really understood my vision and helped bring it to life in the most amazing way.
Your influences range from Michael Jackson to Justin Bieber. How do you blend those inspirations with your own sound?
I see them as inspirations for what I want to achieve with my music, creating something that inspires people, just as they inspired me. I want to be like Michael Jackson but for this generation.
How has your personal growth influenced the themes of Phases?
Phases is a reflection of my life’s stages, growth, relationships, falling in love, and all the ups and downs that come with it. I’ve learned so much while creating this EP. I met new people and gained insights that I didn’t have before, all of which are embedded in these songs.
What do you hope listeners take away from Phases?
I hope listeners can connect with the music and see parts of their own experiences mirrored in the songs. I also want them to hear something fresh, something they can’t put into a box.