Nicklas Sahl
Danish pop artist Nicklas Sahl has just released his latest single “Trampoline”. Catchy and colorful, the new single explores the feelings of being a people pleaser and forgetting our true self in the process.
“I’m a real people pleaser–I all too often put others’ needs ahead of my own and am hyper-aware of whether the people around me are okay. At its core, that’s of course quite sympathetic–a sort of social, human superpower–but I also know that my obsession with pleasing others often leads me to become the person I think others want me to be, instead of just being myself,” he says.
Sahl is now getting ready to drop his fourth album so make sure to keep an eye on him !
But for now, let’s stream his new smash, “Trampoline” - out now !
Photo credit: Bobby Mandrup
Hi Nicklas, how are you? What's your story?
Hi, I’m good, thanks!
Long story short: I was born, picked up a guitar, and never let go. I released my first songs in 2018, and things took off quickly from there. My first 4 or 5 singles became big radio hits in Denmark, I started selling out shows and festivals, and did a few tours abroad. Since then, I’ve released three albums—and now I’m starting to release music from my upcoming one.
"Trampoline" is your latest single - what's the inspiration behind this song?
With this song—and future releases—I’m trying to explore my weaknesses without being too self-critical. I tend to be really hard on myself, but weaknesses often come with strengths and unexpected upsides. Trampoline, for example: it’s about my habit of being a people-pleaser. In the song, I call myself a "proficient pleaser"—someone with years of experience. It’s a serious topic with real consequences for me, but I also show how being a pleaser can be sympathetic, kind-hearted, stupid, and funny all at once. I’m learning that the more I can see my flaws not just as problems to fix, but as traits with depth—even humor—the happier I am.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this single? Who helped you create it? When did you start working on it?
I wrote the song myself and finished it while on a solo trip to Lisbon earlier this year. At first, I loved it—but also thought it was kinda rubbish (artistry can be emotionally confusing like that sometimes.) I sent it to my producer with a message saying, “This probably sucks, but hey, check it out.” He replied saying it might be one of the best songs I’ve ever written. As soon as I got back from the trip, we went straight into the studio and finished it together.
What made you want to release "Trampoline" as a single?
Originally, I had another song lined up as the first single—Love of My Life, a beautiful, heartfelt ballad. I was set on it. Then I had a meeting with my booking agent, played him that and Trampoline, and he said, “Why not lead with Trampoline? It’s way more of a summer track. Save Love of My Life for later.” I told him there was absolutely no way that was happening. Then I slept on it… and woke up with this brilliant idea: I should release Trampoline first, and save Love of My Life for later.
I'm also a people pleaser and I've been learning to set boundaries and say "no". What's your biggest challenge?
Sometimes I say “yes” to more than I can handle, which ends up creating a lot of stress. I’m also learning that it’s okay to speak my mind, set boundaries, and ask for what I deserve. And interestingly, the more I do that, the better people seem to respond. People-pleasing can actually make you come across as uninteresting or hard to read—because you’re often trying to be someone you’re not. And that confuses people more than it pleases them.
What are the biggest lessons you have learned since the beginning of your career so far?
Don’t let anything get in the way of your passion—that’s what I keep reminding myself. There’s so much noise about what it takes to “make it” as an artist: chasing algorithms, jumping on trends, sticking to a specific genre. I’m sure there’s something to gain from playing that game—and sometimes I do—but only if it feels right, fun, and/or authentic. Music has always been my biggest passion, and I have to protect that. Protect it from things I can’t control, things I don’t care about, and things that drain the energy I need to keep creating. I’d rather have less (commercial) success than lose touch with why I started in the first place. Don’t let anything get in the way of your passion.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
My manager is one my greatest advisors. He’s taught me the value of patience and persistence—probably the two most important skills in the music industry. A music career comes with highs, lows, and a lot of “what now?” And the answer to all of it is typically patience and persistence.
I’ve recently started investing a bit in stocks. Not the sexiest thing to mention in an arts interview, maybe—but honestly, I’m learning so much from it. In general, a stock is a lot like a music career: full of ups and downs, but if you’re a patient and persistent investor over time, you’ll eventually see the payoff.
What are your thoughts on today's social media? How does it impact your career?
In general, I think it’s like an untamed, mad dog running around without a leash. But as a tool for musicians, social media can be both incredibly challenging and incredibly powerful. Some artists take to it naturally; others really struggle. It’s sad when amazing musicians get drowned out by the noise of great self-promoters.
That said, these platforms do give artists incredible opportunities—to reach a global audience, connect with fans, and share their work directly. I recently heard an interview with the Danish Prime Minister where she was asked if social media is to us now what cigarettes were when they first came out. Her answer was that it might actually be much worse.
In your opinion, what would make the world a BETTER place?
Sometimes we need to realize that the easiest way out isn’t always the best one. We live in a world obsessed with optimization, growth and constant efficiency. And personally, I find a lot of it exciting, fascinating, and useful. But I still hope we’ll always feel the need to live, explore and create out of passion, curiosity, and joy—even if for instance a computer can help us do it a trillion times faster and more “correct”.
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