Nesbitt is an artist that 1883 has continually supported over the last few years and why wouldn’t we? The Scottish singer has a gift for crafting emotive pop tunes and each album so far has been a grand combination of lush vocals, relatable lyricism and infectious melodies. Today, the artist has unveiled her third studio album, Älskar. It’s a record that sees the singer-songwriter at her most introspective and the LP celebrates life in all of its complexities as well as love in every form imaginable. There are heartwarming moments found throughout the project and that makes perfect sense when you realise the word Älskar means to “to love” in Swedish.

So to tie in with the LP’s release, Nina Nesbitt has curated this week’s 1883 On Rotation playlist and filled it with a mix of songs she adores and some tracks that have inspired her latest release.

Hoppípolla – Sigur Ros

This song was a big inspiration behind the closing track on my new album, Älskar. Whenever I listen to this song I’m instantly transported to a Nordic winter. It sounds like flying over snowy trees. I love that I can’t understand the words in Hoppípolla, which lets me create my own narrative.

Dancing Queen – ABBA

I grew up listening to ABBA most days. My parents bought me an ABBA greatest hits karaoke CD which I used to sing relentlessly in our living room. Dancing Queen has always been my instant feel good song and I’m pretty sure I still sound like a dying cat trying to sing it. For me, it’s the perfect pop song.

Hide And Seek – Imogen Heap

This is obviously another classic. Imogen has always been such an inspiration to me as a female producer. I didn’t have many role models when I started out but she has always remained one. I love how she thinks outside the box and has such a beautiful way with melodies & lyrics.

Eagle When She Flies – Dolly Parton

I heard this song on a Dolly Parton documentary I was watching one evening. I instantly fell in love with the bird concept. Dolly is one of my favourite lyricists and I’m forever inspired by country music. This was a huge inspiration for my song, ‘I should be a bird’, on my new album.

The Mother – Brandi Carlile 

I got into Brandi Carlile in 2020 (very late I know) and instantly fell in love with her songwriting. It’s not often you hear women writing songs about things like motherhood. I think so often songs are about the same things, or said in the same way, I love when people pick a different kind of subject and deliver it in an interesting way.

This Is Me Trying – Taylor Swift

Obviously I have to include a Taylor Swift song. I remember being so down and bored in lockdown but then Folklore surprised us all. I absolutely love this new direction she’s taken and this is probably one of my favourites from the record. Taylor is an artist and songwriter who is constantly evolving and I think she always does it so well.

We’ll Never Have Sex – Leith Ross 

I came across Leith’s music on tiktok – how Gen Z of me. I think she’s an incredibly talented artist and writer so I just wanted to add it to the playlist in hope that more people discover her! her lyrics are really interesting and beautiful.

I Should Be A Bird – Nina Nesbitt

Over time, i’ve learnt that i’m a huge ’empath’, which has turned out to be a bit of an issue for me. I absorb other people’s emotions too easily and take on their problems as my own. I feel such a great responsibility to fix things for everyone and if I can’t then I’m left with a horrible feeling of guilt. I was inspired by Dolly Parton’s ‘Eagle When She Flies’ lyric initially, I just think it’s a really beautiful concept

A Case Of You – Joni Mitchell (James Blake version)

Joni Mitchell’s Blue album was on repeat for a good six months of this album’s writing phase. I’m in awe of how she paints such clear pictures with her words. She was a huge inspiration for my song Colours Of You. I wrote it while staying in California for a few weeks and listening to Blue made me feel like I was back in the 70s – or what I imagined it to be like. I’ve added the James Blake version because her album isn’t on Spotify anymore.

Thumbs – Lucy Dacus

I discovered this song last year and loved it. I’m a huge fan of Lucy’s storytelling. I feel like I’m reading a book when I listen to her music.

Honestly? – American Football

This song reminds me of sitting at a picnic bench in the middle of the woods with my boyfriend. I found myself struggling for inspiration during the lockdowns due to lack of experiences, so this was a place I’d go to take a breather.

Intro by Cameron Poole