Delore: “Music - whether writing, listening, or especially singing - has always been my biggest emotional outlet”
Still new to the scene, independent Finnish artist Delore recently caught my attention with her dark and delicate sophomore single Game of Lies. A sonic departure from her debut release Aileen, it showcased a musician undaunted by experimentation and unafraid to bare her soul.
Intrigued to learn more about the musician and her artistry, I was over the moon when Delore agreed to an interview!
Chatting with us about her first two singles, the struggle to not compare oneself to others, and why she simply couldn’t ignore the call to make music, please give a warm welcome to the highly gifted Delore!
Hi Delore, thank you for taking the time to chat with us! It's so exciting to have you here! OK...let's kick off with an easy one...who is Delore and when did your love affair with music begin?
I don’t know if this is an easy question, haha, but I’ll do my best! Delore is my musical project - my creative outlet for processing difficult emotions. The name comes from the Latin word dolor, meaning pain, which felt fitting given the themes I explore in my music. In a way, Delore is like my dark alter ego.
I’ve loved singing and writing for as long as I can remember, and I always dreamed of being a musician. But life doesn’t always follow the plans we make in our heads, so it took me a while to finally gather the courage to go for it. And now, here we are!
Your most recent single, Game of Lies, was my introduction to your sound, and it's a tune I still listen to daily. I know the song delves into themes of deception and emotional manipulation, but what else would you like our readers to know about your latest track?
At its core, Game of Lies is also about self-worth and learning to believe in yourself. Even when someone tries to make you feel small, worthless, or used, you have the power to take that experience as a lesson rather than a definition of who you are.
Some relationships exist to teach us about ourselves. I wrote this song about a turning point of when I realized I no longer wanted to accept that kind of treatment and that I wouldn’t tolerate it from anyone moving forward.
Aileen was your debut single, released towards the end of last year. How did you know it was the tune you wanted to use to introduce yourself to the world?
That’s a great question!
Honestly, it wasn’t an easy decision, but Aileen holds so much emotion for me - from the moment I wrote it to this day. It felt like the perfect way to introduce myself and my music, immediately pulling listeners into my world. It showcases my sound, my writing style, and the kind of music people can expect from me in the future.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences? Who did you grow up listening to? And would you say that your tastes have changed over the years?
I’ve been heavily influenced by '80s music - some artists I discovered through my parents, like Queen and Depeche Mode, and others I found on my own, like Meat Loaf and my all-time favorite, Michael Jackson. Another huge influence was The Phantom of the Opera. When I saw the film in 2004, I was too young to fully grasp the lyrics, but the orchestral music and melodies absolutely blew my mind. That blend of theatrical and pop elements definitely shaped my own sound.
Even though I still listen to the music I grew up with, my taste has expanded a lot over the years. I love discovering new artists, exploring different genres, and constantly seeking inspiration from fresh sounds.
What do you love most about being a musician? And on the flip side, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced so far?
Music - whether writing, listening, or especially singing - has always been my biggest emotional outlet. There have been countless times when a song made me feel understood or when writing helped me process emotions I struggled to express. That, to me, is the most beautiful part of being a musician - transforming feelings into songs that not only help me but can also make someone else feel seen in their own experiences.
One of the biggest challenges, though, has been allowing myself to be seen and heard. I’ve struggled with insecurities about my songs, my lyrics, and my voice, and I’ve found it hard not to compare myself to others. Even now, I still get nervous when sharing new music or performing. But my love for music and singing always outweighs the fear.
German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” What would your life look like without music and what fills your days when you’re not busy creating?
Wise words! I actually tried living a life “without music” for a while - I had a different career, lived on a Mediterranean island, and by all accounts, was living a good life. But I was always daydreaming about making music, and one day, I realized I couldn’t keep ignoring that calling. If I hadn’t had that moment of realization, I’d probably still be pursuing a different career.
Outside of music, I’m very family-oriented, so I love spending time with my loved ones whenever I can. But I’m also quite introverted, so I really enjoy my alone time - whether it’s staying in with a book or a movie or going for a walk in nature.
If you were allowed to collaborate with any musician or band, who would you choose and why?
The list is so long! But if I had to pick just one right now, I’d say Lady Gaga. She’s such an artistic powerhouse - not just musically, but visually as well. And beyond her talent, she seems like a genuinely authentic and fascinating person.
Thanks again for taking the time to chat with us Delore! It's been great getting to know you better! Before we say farewell, what comes next for you musically?
This has been lovely—thank you so much!
We’ve been working on a beautiful music video for Aileen, as well as some new music, and I’m so excited to share more about both very soon!
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