Breaking into the music industry is rarely straightforward. For some, it takes countless attempts; for others, endless nights in the studio or emails that go unanswered. For Finnish-Swedish songwriter Anna Timgren, the journey has taught her one essential truth: you just have to keep going.
Today, Anna is considered one of Finland’s most successful music exporters to the Asian market - an area that has naturally become her creative home. But despite international releases, impressive streaming numbers, and a steadily growing network, she describes her path as anything but obvious.
Starting from Zero – and Writing Her Way Forward
When Anna talks about how she got to where she is today, her story is grounded in humility and determination. She’s clear about one thing: hard work isn’t just recommended – it’s required.
“You can’t write ten songs and then sit and wait for something to happen. Sure, you can… but realistically, it’s about writing a hundred songs. And then continuing. And continuing.”
This mindset has been shaped not only by her passion for music, but by a clear understanding of how the industry works: you can’t control when success arrives, only how much energy, time, and heart you’re willing to invest.
Finding Her Niche – and Following It Fearlessly
Much of Anna’s career took shape through stepping outside her comfort zone. Traveling gave her not only new collaborators but also a sense of direction, an understanding of where her sound fit naturally.The Asian market eventually became that place.
“You find your niche,” she says. “And when you do, it feels right. Then you just want to keep going.”
Handling Pressure, Expectations, and the Inevitability of Setbacks
Every creative career comes with pressure – both internal and external. Anna emphasizes a crucial point: expectations need to be realistic. It takes time to get cuts, time to receive payments, time to build a name.
“It’s important not to expect too much too quickly,” she says. “Music is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Setbacks will always appear, but Anna’s philosophy is simple: when you consistently put in energy and time, results will show, eventually. Not just in music, but in anything worth pursuing.
The Secret to a Strong Network: Genuine Connections
When discussing networking, Anna highlights something often overlooked: chemistry. Traveling introduced her to many people, but only the ones she genuinely clicked with became long-term collaborators.
“You feel pretty quickly if you have the same vibe. When it feels right, you move forward.”
She also underlines the importance of reliability – a trait she sees as central to her work ethic. If she promises something, she delivers. If something changes, she communicates.
“People appreciate reliable people,” she says. In a fast-moving industry filled with broken promises, this becomes a real superpower. Talent is valuable, but persistence, reliability, and passion are what truly sustain a career.
Anna’s story is a reminder that success isn’t random. It’s built on choices, connections, and countless hours of work.
Dreams for the Future – A Long, Sustainable Career in Music
Looking ahead, Anna’s dream is simple: she wants to continue. Continue writing, continue creating, continue making a living through the craft she loves. It’s a dream many musicians share. But Anna’s journey proves that it’s possible – regardless of where you come from or when you start.
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