About

I create music under the name Lillesve, which loosely translates to “Little Sweden” in Swedish. The name comes from where my great-grandparents from Sweden chose to homestead in Manitoba. No one lives there anymore, but the land remains, along with a small graveyard where my ancestors are buried. I like to think of myself as a little Swede. That connection to place, memory, and heritage is at the heart of this project.

I started learning music on the piano when I was five years old and later studied flute in high school. Guitar, ukulele, and penny whistle came later — instruments I picked up on my own out of curiosity. Piano eventually became the foundation of my songwriting, shaping how I build songs and tell stories.

In 2006, I won the Canadian Radio Star songwriting competition and performed my original song in Toronto in front of Brian Foster, Ron Sexsmith, and Andy Kim. The experience was overwhelming and deeply grounding. It clarified something important for me: I wanted to create music for my own fulfillment rather than pursue it as a traditional career.

My music sits in a folk-pop space built around piano, subtle textures, and intimate vocals. I often write about time, memory, nature, and dreams. I try to keep my lyrics universal and non-gendered so anyone can find themselves within the story.

I’m deeply hands-on with every part of the process, from writing and recording to production and visual branding. I value honesty and leave room for the human elements that make music feel alive. Perfectionism does slow me down, and learning to finish songs is an ongoing part of my creative journey.

Lillesve is for people who feel deeply, appreciate the beauty of nature, and honor the memory of those who came before them.