Linköpings-Posten 101201
By: TOBIAS JOSEFSSON
No doubt you have seen her on film or on stage. You’ve probably heard her unique voice singing one of all the unforgettable songs that have been created. However, you may not have read about how Helen Sjöholm’s musical career began or how she is as a person.
Helen Sjöholm has released a new album; Euforia, and in connection with the launch of the album she makes a visit in Linköping in February. That´s partly why we have a chance to familiarize ourselves with the little song bird, which has many different talents to alternate between.
– I am a singer who likes acting and I am right now in the middle of my life with family and job, says Helen about her current situation in life.
– The job and family is what fills my time, as for so many others, she says, explaining that touring and artistry is a central part of the entirety.
– I need it in my life to being a good parent and a complete person, even though the family always comes first.
Singing has always been there
The Norrland girl who has recently passed 40 grew up in Sundsvall and lives at the moment with her husband on the outskirts of Stockholm. As a child you could hear when Helen was nearby and she was always on the go.
– As a little girl, I was loud and full of energy, and I still am, she says with a twinkle in his eye. Early it was obvious that singing was something for her to do, maybe it was a good way to find an outlet for energy and the noisy acting.
– I can´t say when I started singing, because I’ve always done it. I started to sing in a choir when I was eight years old and at the same time I also started to sing more at home. I sat and composed for myself at the piano, took out all the impressive 80th century ballads and sat at home singing…
Humanity and Environment
Since then, the singing has always been part of her life in one way or another. We, who are the beneficiaries of her various talents, have experienced her voice together with Benny Andersson’s orchestra, in musicals such as Chess and Kristina from Duvemala, also as an actor in for example So it is in Heaven.
– The music and artistry is a big part of my life. I love to rehearse, come up with new ideas, try my way, play in various performances and give concerts, says Helen. In addition to the music and the family she mentions a few other areas that interest her.
– I have a passion for humanity and a more gentle treatment of our environment. I’m trying, in the small, to do what I can and supporting several organizations in their work.
Easy to enthuse
That Helen has many talents, I have seen several times by now. But are there any more hidden talents that people don´t know about?
– No hidden talents. If so, they are really hidden, says Helen ingenious and adds:
– But I’m good at doing many things at once!
Speaking of people, I also wonder if there are any specific people that she would like to emphasize as significant in one way or another.
– There are many people, other than my immediate family of course, that have meant a lot to me over the years, both in leisure and work. It’s almost hard for me to discern. I´m easily influenced by others and easy to enthuse.
In ten years…
Within the world of music, there are many people who are worthy of mention, but Helen lifts up a person a little extra – Martin Östergren, which is both a pianist, arranger and composer.
– I have worked with him for almost 15 years. We always come back to each other, both on a personal and on a musical level. Such things don´t happen very often in life, she says, and continues:
– My grandmothers are also very important for me, even now when they are no longer in life.
Finally, we are looking ahead by Helen herself speculating about where she is in ten years.
– I hope I live the same life as now, but certainly less work than today and that I take slower walks. I also hope to have a good health.
Helen Sjöholm:
Full name: Marie Helen Sjöholm Granditsky
Born: July 10, 1970
Grew up: Sundsvall
Lives: Stockholm
Family: Husband David, son Ruben
Best characteristics: Empathetic and listening
Want to get better at: Saying no
Dislikes: To describe herself in three words
A free Saturday night: I spend it at home with my family