Swedish single stays true to 1960s era of retro pop
Swedish pop singer Nova Miller released her new single “Do It To Myself,” bringing back the sounds of the 1960s and kick-starting her popularity.
Miller’s music is not new to the pop genre. Every song contains a sound that has not been heard often or has not been heard before. Her vocals and instrument choice bring a new but old perspective to the pop genre in the form of “retro pop.”
In documents received from MOXIE, Nova Miller described why she likes “Do It To Myself”: “My favorite part of the song is the ‘California Dreaming’ reference like the layered vintage vocals that take you all the way to summer and back.” She often mentions other songs, like “California Dreaming” by The Mamas and the Papas, in her music through sound or lyrics.
Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Nova Miller has spent much of her life on stage dancing, performing, acting, and singing. Music has always been part of Miller’s life, as she traveled with her parents while they toured and even performed for the Crown Princess of Sweden. She was discovered by a music executive in a Stockholm dance studio at age 12.
Miller’s music and sound is one that blends new school pop with vintage aesthetics. Her use of strings and harmonies make her sound brilliantly unique. In “Do It To Myself,” my favorite part is the jump from the pre-chorus to the chorus. The sounds blending together make it an ultimate bop.
The song conveys a message that can be seen as dark to some people but positive to others. “It’s about being a creature of habit when it comes to relationships and not even giving the other person a chance to hurt you because you’ve already messed it up for yourself,” Miller said. “Basically, it’s that ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ thing but I’m working on myself and things can only get better.”
On Jan. 15, Miller released a music video to pair with the song. The music video takes people on a time travel with her elements of vintage graphics and illustrates the classic 1960s era of pop.