Swedish pop riser Diana Pilquist returns with her sophomore EP ‘at some point in time…’, a shimmering collection that dives into the messy beauty of life, heartbreak, and growth. At just 21, Diana has already begun carving out her own lane in pop, blending confessional storytelling with glossy, disco-tinged production that nods to both her musical theatre roots and the golden pop lineage of ABBA.
Anchored by the striking emotional centrepiece ‘Lost Feelings for You’, the EP showcases Diana’s ability to turn raw honesty into melodic anthems. The track opens with warm synth chords and delicate guitar, before swelling into soaring choruses where she reclaims her independence with biting wit and powerful vocal runs. It’s both playful and poignant, a song about heartbreak that finds freedom in self-discovery.
So with the new single out now, we joined her for a chat to discuss the origins and influences behind her distinctive sound.
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Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you got started in music?
I come from a family where music always played a big part in our lives. My mom loved to sing and play the piano, and my dad would often sit with his guitar and play whenever he could. Both my sister and I loved to sing and dance when we were kids. We used to perform for our parents in the living room and pretend we were on stage. When I was 13 years old, I started writing songs. I would sit with my guitar every day after school and just play for hours. At the same time, I was also involved in musical theatre at a local theatre. Now, as I work as an artist, I can really see how beneficial it was for me to start performing so early on in a professional setting. My artistic style draws inspiration both from the singer/songwriter perspective and from musical theatre – the glamorous and fun side of performing.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both past and present?
My biggest musical influence is definitely ABBA. I’m such a huge fan of how effortlessly groovy and melodic their music is. The way they combine disco with a clear pop sound is so inspiring. When I was younger, I listened a lot to Taylor Swift. She’s always been my biggest inspiration when it comes to songwriting.
Later on, as I started to develop my disco/soul sound, I became inspired by bands and artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire and Gloria Gaynor, but also newer artists like Olivia Dean and Dua Lipa.
Are there any specific artists or bands that have had a significant impact on your music style or approach?
When I make music, I always try to create something that fits me as a performer. I like to make music that the audience and I can dance along to. Something that’s easy to sway from side to side while you listen. I love big shows and big performances, and I try to let that reflect in my music. Artists that I think are very good at this are, for instance, Benjamin Ingrosso and Sabrina Carpenter, and they’ve both been big inspirations for me.
Could you share any memorable moments or experiences that have shaped your musical journey so far?
When I first started releasing music, I had a hard time putting into words what type of music I wanted to create. I loved everything from rock to country to soul, and it was hard to decide which lane to take. But I’ve always known that I want to be able to dance and be a performer. As I explored that path more, I realized that what I’ve always wanted to do is make pop with a hint of disco. I love the whole concept of disco — not only how it sounds but also how it looks visually. Once I realized that, I sat down at my piano and tried to write a disco song. That’s how my song “Top of the Moon” from my debut EP (Disco Daydream, 2024) was created.
How do you express your personal experiences and identity through your music?
When I write music, I try to draw inspiration from parts of my life that have defined and shaped me. For me, songwriting is an outlet for my emotions. Something I really love about making music is when people tell me that they relate to the lyrics I’ve written. I grew up listening to a lot of happy, feel-good music that my mom always played, and I want to create feel-good songs that bring happiness to others when they listen.
Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a female musician, and if so, how have you overcome them?
I’m very lucky to come from Sweden, a country where equality is taken seriously. That being said, I still experience inequality in the music industry. As a young woman just starting out, I’ve had experiences with men in the business who clearly don’t see us as equals. What I’ve taken from those experiences is that trusting your gut is essential for surviving in the music industry, and always believing that you can handle it. Having faith in yourself and being able to say no when something doesn’t feel right is so important.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
With the new EP “at some point in time…” I’ve tried to capture the feelings of being young and trying to find your way forward. We all have different experiences, but what I love about music is that one person’s story, put into a song, can become someone else’s remedy for healing a heartbreak. Even if it’s not the exact same experience, music connects emotions and I think that’s really special. For instance, on this EP, there’s a song I wrote about my mom’s passing (Eyes on Earth). What I hope is that Eyes on Earth reaches people who are going through grief, and comforts them with the message that they’re not alone.
Can you talk about your creative process and how you go about writing and producing your music?
I write most of my songs acoustically, like I have done since I was a kid — either on guitar or on piano. Then I take the song to a producer and talk through my vision and the emotions I want to convey. I love being in the studio and working closely with the producer as the track takes shape. When we feel we have a strong production, I record vocals. I love creating harmonies and ad-libs, and I think that’s something that really makes the music come alive.
How do you hope your music will resonate with your audience, especially with other aspiring female musicians?
I hope to be an artist who inspires other women to chase their dreams. I also hope to be someone that women and young girls can look up to and feel encouraged to be themselves and dare to stand out. For my audience in general, I hope I can create the songs they need to hear. For me, music has always been a form of healing, and just as my favorite artists’ songs have done for me, I hope my music can help heal others too.
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Listen to Diana Pilquist’s new EP ‘at some point in time…’ below.