Meet Elise Hybbinette in Sherman Oaks

Image by: Bea Helman

 

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Hybbinette.

Elise, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was raised in Stockholm, Sweden and have as long as I remember been involved in music, singing and theatre. I began taking singing lessons at the age of 13 and also studied piano, guitar and dance. My parents were always very encouraging, and even though I always enjoyed learning more academic subjects, I knew there was something magical about music and the arts.

I started doing more musical theatre and had the lead role in a production of Fame in 2013; between rehearsals and shows, I went to audition for Berklee College of Music and a few months later I found out that I got accepted! I decided to defer for one year to take a Songwriting & Production course at SAE Institute, Stockholm and get more familiar with the songwriting and music scene in Sweden.

In 2014, I packed up my life and moved across the Atlantic to study at Berklee in Boston. Going to Berklee was a great experience for me and really opened up the possibilities of what I could do in music. I learned more about music production & recording, developed as a songwriter and also learned more about the music business. More than anything I met a lot of incredibly talented people, who are some of my closest friends today and who I collaborate with on a daily basis.

I moved to Los Angeles to have an internship at a music PR firm and to learn more about that side of the industry. Even though I really admire the hard work that goes into PR, I realized it wasn’t for me, and I’m much happier being on the more creative side. So after my internship was up, I started writing more music, having sessions and also performed under my artist name “Lusse” around SoCal and Vegas. Now I’m very excited to say I’m about to release my debut single “Doubts”!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I believe life always gives you challenges, no matter what profession you’re in. Being on the creative side I would say that one of the biggest challenges for me has been to set up my own goals and deadlines, as well as time management. Even though I feel very lucky to be able to do what I love, it takes a lot of work and determination to find the right people to collaborate with and then finish up the projects you start.

In today’s world of social media it’s also possible to connect and share your work with so many people, but it can be hard to find an authentic and fun way to share your work and progress. When you are starting out you definitely have to learn how to wear different hats and not only work on your music, but also find a way to market yourself, network and learn how to deal with all other aspects of the music business.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
For the past months I have been performing around LA and also been working on music with great songwriters and producers – I’m currently working on an EP and my debut single “Doubts” will be released on September 13th. Fellow Berklee alumni Hope Brush helped me produce this song and the wonderful Greg Wells mixed it.

“Doubts” is a song that I wrote as a kind of motivational speech to myself and anyone else who is second guessing or doubting their work or choices… being in your early twenties I feel a lot of my friends, and me included, are all figuring out what it is to “be an adult”, what we want to do with our life, how to make a living etc. Especially being a creative I think it can be extra challenging, not knowing where your next pay-check or project will come from.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think I have always found myself pretty lucky, even though I’ve had losses & struggles in life (like most people), which some might think of as ‘bad luck’. I like to think of things happening for a reason and if you have ‘bad luck’ it helps you grow and develop into the person you are today. We all have our own struggles and the only thing we can control is how we deal with them. I try to have a positive mindset and see the possibilities instead of the obstacles, even though it can be hard at times.

But in general, I think I have been very lucky to be surrounded by so many supportive, generous and wise friends and family members. I’m very grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and I’m excited for what life will throw at me next!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lussemusic.com
• Email: lussemusic@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lussemusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lussemusic/

Image by: Bea Helman

Image by: Tiago Pinhero

Image by: Tiago Pinhero

Image by: Bea Helman

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