For Swedish singer-songwriter Carolina Miskovsky, music has always been present, although in different shapes – a companion, a career, a burden, a refuge, and eventually a source of pure joy again.
Her story is one of reinvention: from childhood band rehearsals, to early industry success, to burnout, to journalism, to rediscovering music on her own terms. Today, she creates with more freedom and happiness than ever.
Growing Into the Industry
Carolina’s musical life began early. In her teenage years she was already writing songs as well as performing regularly with her childhood band Explain, as well as with her sister Lisa and their band Honung Konung. This way, Carolina learnt the realities of being a musician long before she understood the industry around it.
“Music was never something I decided to do – it was just always there.”
She eventually landed a publishing deal and later started her own record label in Umeå. It was a bold move, supported by a local real-estate company committed to investing in culture. Suddenly she was not just an artist – she was the entire operation.
“I wrote the songs, booked the band, managed the project, stood on stage… everything. It was fun, but it was also brutal.”
Her debut album received strong radio support and media attention. But behind the scenes, the pressure of doing everything alone took its toll.
“I burned out. Completely. I realized I didn’t fit into the industry’s expectations. I’ve always been an outgoing person, but all that buzzing around, all the networking you’re supposed to do, getting to know people because it’s ‘good for you.’ – I’ve never been that person, so I just didn’t feel at home there.”
Stepping Back
After leaving the traditional industry path, Carolina shifted focus. She studied rock engineering and later on, journalism, worked at SVT, and allowed herself to rediscover life outside music.
Nature became her grounding force.
“The mountains are king. When you sit up there and see how small you are, your problems shrink too.”
Slowly, creativity returned, but this time, as a possibility without pressure.
A New Chapter: Music Without Pressure
In 2018, Carolina reconnected with nyckelharpa (eng: ‘keyed fiddle’) player Daniel Pettersson. Their sound is stripped and honest: nyckelharpa, guitar, and voice. They tour, write, and record together – but always on their own terms.
“I’ve never felt this much happiness in music before.”
As Carolina rebuilt her relationship with music, Kulturakademin in Storuman became an important part of that process. Here, she has been working as a mentor for young music professionals, as well as for a project aimed at helping musicians build sustainable careers outside the big capitals. For Carolina, the work here has reinforced her belief that a meaningful music life is built on joy and not pressure.
Finding Your Path in the Music Industry
Carolina is clear: you don’t find your artistic identity immediately. It takes time, mistakes, and experimentation.
Her advice to emerging creators:
- Follow your gut – “If it doesn’t feel right, it will never become right.”
- Try everything – “bands, genres, collaborations, roles.”
- Stay open to others, but listen to yourself – “1 + 1 can become more than 2.”
- Use your setbacks – “You have to break down and get back up. That’s when you learn.”
She believes mistakes are essential, and not detours.
“If you like where you are today, you have to thank the mistakes that got you here.”, she says.
Looking Forward
Carolina dreams of continuing to evolve as a songwriter, guitarist, and performer. She wants to record a full-length album, explore new creative territories, and keep writing music that feels honest.
“I want to keep evolving and finding new ways to express myself. It’s never too late to learn something new.”
Her future is nowadays defined by curiosity rather than ambition, and her message to other creators is clear:
“It doesn’t matter if three people love it and everyone else hates it. What matters is that you do it because you love it.”
Read more news