Marie Dahlstrom - Safe Place (EP) + 10 Questions

Danish singer and producer Marie Dahlstrom today releases her new EP 'Safe Place' via her own label JFH Records.

The new EP follows her critically acclaimed debut album Like Sand released in May 2020, and her collaborative EP ‘4inARow’ with London-based producer Dan Diggas and Canadian rapper Aligo, released in January 2021.

'Safe Place' is a stunning 5 track EP moving from soul to R&B with incomparable ease. Written during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 whilst Marie was pregnant with her son, it follows her journey as she temporarily moved back to Denmark, finding time to appreciate the world around her and reflecting on the things that matter most to her and her family.

The EP includes its lead single "He Is", penned for her son before he was born – the track is a breathtaking R&B-tinged lullaby, uniting soft keys with a stunning string section (courtesy of friend and collaborator Sipprell).

Regular collaborator Dan Diggas also features on the project, with his contribution on "Need You, Pt. 2" – a soothing, groove-laden cut, fusing elements of R&B and hip-hop, also featuring the talents of Philadelphia rapper Dayne Jordan.

It's title track, '"Safe Place" - a sweetly personal soulful R&B cut, hints at the importance of appreciating the people we love most, bring forward spiralling electronics, delicate keys, and R&B-flecked percussion.

Marie sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Singing in choir when I was a child, and starting music school, I think. It was just a natural discovery of the singing voice and wanting to become better.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

My heroes are Dwele, Musiq Soulchild, the Foreign Exchange, India Arie and that whole era of music. Also Lizz Wright and Lars Jansson are some of my favs in jazz. Some current artists that I love are Blxst, Joyce Wrice, D Smoke, Elijah and Solomon Fox, Linda Diaz, Dan Diggas, Dayne Jordan.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

I have not really faced any problem tbh. What I love the most about music, is creating it. So this has been a perfect time for me to work on songs, whilst being pregnant and in lockdown.

4. How would you describe your sound?

R&B.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

My proudest moments are when I get messages from real people, telling me how my work helped them through rough times. This is the power of music, and for me connecting with people like that is really what its all about.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Be consistent. Don't compare yourself, and don't let yourself be influenced too much.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Yes, all of the current artists I mentioned in question 2!

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

No Lost Love, Blxst. Black Habits, D Smoke. Overgrown, Joyce Wrice.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Running, playing tennis, cooking, nature in general.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

My Headphones, Notes on my phone and voice memos.