We recently connected with Amanda Hammarström and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

My first paid gig was in Hollywood at this cozy bar with beautiful lights, setting the perfect vibe. I sang soul songs with my band, and we hosted the night, wrapping it up with a jam session where anyone could jump in and play with us. I’ve always loved performing, and since this was also my first gig in LA, it felt extra special. After the show, I was euphoric—I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be, doing what I was meant to do. We ended up playing there for a few more weeks, and it’s still one of my favorite memories.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Amanda Corell, a 25-year-old soul singer from Sweden with a deep love for music and storytelling. I blend the soulful depth of the ‘80s with the fresh modern twists of today, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and current. My lyrics are powerful and straightforward—I strive to put words to the emotions and thoughts that so many of us experience.

My songs explore themes of psychological battles, while others celebrate female empowerment. They maintain a balance between heartfelt moments and uplifting, empowering anthems, with the intention of making listeners feel both understood and empowered. My biggest inspirations are Aretha Franklin, Adele, and Alicia Keys—artists who infuse raw emotion and power into their music.

My passion for music began at a young age. After studying vocals at a music-focused high school, I pursued courses in songwriting and music business. I spent years refining my craft through private lessons and performances. Seeking new opportunities and creative freedom, I moved to LA after the pandemic to study at Musicians Institute and pursue music full-time.

After graduating, I worked closely with the CEO of Advanced Alternative Media, where I gained valuable insights into the music industry and had the opportunity to connect with major labels. I also worked as Production Lead for Breaking Sound, organizing live showcases at some of LA’s best venues, which further deepened my understanding of the industry and helped me build strong connections with fellow professionals.

One of my favorite performances in LA was at Bar Lis, a stunning venue filled with insanely talented musicians. The energy that night was electric, and it reminded me why I love performing so much.

Now, I’m back in Sweden for a short time, but I’ll be returning to LA soon to focus on writing and releasing new music while performing at different venues. In the meantime, I’m building my presence on social media and growing a solid fan base. You can find me on both TikTok and Instagram at @mandiissen. What sets me apart is the raw emotion I bring to my performances and songs— I want my audience to feel every lyric, every note, just as deeply as I do.

My dream is to stand on the Madison Square Garden stage, backed by an incredible band, singing my most meaningful songs in a beautiful gown. And I’m working every day to make that dream a reality.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve always struggled with perfectionism—feeling like nothing I do is ever good enough. It has often held me back, creating anxiety that makes it hard to fully embrace my passion. Over time, I’ve been working to unlearn the idea that everything has to be perfect and instead practice kindness toward myself in every situation. I’m learning to appreciate that imperfections are what make art unique and compelling. It’s still a journey, but I try to remind myself daily to extend the same patience and understanding to myself that I would to someone else.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think the most rewarding part of being an artist is having an outlet to express myself and channel my emotions in a meaningful way. It’s also about connecting with like-minded people and finding an audience that truly understands me. Sometimes, words alone can feel limiting, but through music, emotions become clearer and more deeply felt.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mandiissen
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/amanda-hammarström-927b0b210
• Other: TikTok: @mandiissen

Image Credits

Kendra Marquez
Jazmine Rachiele