Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Bengt Isaksson
Bengt Isaksson is making an attempt to release AI-generated music. He hopes you enjoy what you hear and invites you to add his songs to your playlists. Please feel free to share his music on your social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok — it would make him very happy if you helped spread his music. A few singles and albums have already been released, and he hopes you’ll listen and enjoy them. Of course, more music is on the way — this is just too much fun!
About Bengt Isaksson
Bengt Isaksson lives in Örnsköldsvik, a city he has called home since 1992. Originally from Västerbotten, he moved to Långviksmon as a child. After a few years living in other municipalities, Bengt relocated to Örnsköldsvik for work and has since found his place in the city. He describes Örnsköldsvik as a town that offers a harmonious balance between beautiful natural surroundings and proximity to an urban center.
Bengt has a deep passion for music, reflected in both his attendance at live performances and his extensive record collection. He is particularly interested in Westcoast AOR music (http://www.westcoast-music.com) and has contributed over the years to promoting this genre through his blog and other channels.
Now, Bengt is finally releasing his own music. It stays very close to the AOR style, and his first album is entirely in Swedish — but he plans to release English-language songs in the future.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I remember listening to records at home as a kid — artists like Chicago, Toto, and Boz Scaggs. Those melodies and harmonies made a big impression on me and shaped my love for the Westcoast sound.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
It started when I realized I could combine my own stories and emotions with the kind of smooth, melodic production I grew up with. Over time, it became a way to express myself and connect with others who share that same love for well-crafted songs.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My latest project blends classic Westcoast/AOR influences with modern AI-assisted production. The lyrics are written with help from ChatGPT, and the music is created with Suno — a combination that lets me bring my ideas to life in a fresh way while staying true to my roots.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
It’s melodic, smooth, and nostalgic — a modern take on the late ’70s and early ’80s Westcoast sound. Think layered harmonies, warm guitars, and soulful vocals.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
That creativity doesn’t depend on having a big studio or expensive gear. With today’s AI tools, inspiration and ideas matter more than ever — technology just helps you shape them.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Suno for generating musical ideas, ChatGPT for lyrics, and a good pair of headphones.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’ve really been enjoying Tomi Malm — his productions have that perfect mix of sophistication and emotion that I admire.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My music reflects where I am in life — entering a new, more relaxed chapter after many years of work. It’s about slowing down, enjoying the moment, and appreciating good melodies and stories.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope they feel warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of calm — that my songs bring them back to a time when music was full of heart and craftsmanship.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
That it’s never too late to create. Music has no age limit — as long as you have something to say, you can express it in your own way.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Something intimate — maybe a small Westcoast/AOR festival by the sea, where the audience truly listens and connects with the music.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
David Foster or Jay Graydon. Their production style and sense of melody are what inspired me to start creating music in the first place.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
You can find my music under WestcoastAOR on Spotify, iTunes, and all major streaming platforms. More info is also available at https://elasticstage.com/westcoastaor, and you can follow me on Instagram and Facebook at WestcoastAOR. I also have a personal website where I share more about my music and projects: https://isaksson.eu
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
To keep writing and releasing songs that celebrate the Westcoast sound — and to collaborate with more great voices and musicians who share the same passion.
