META METAL FACT CHECK with ERIKA
Real full name: Anna Erika Malmsteen Wagenius
Occupation: Singer, songwriter, lyricist, journalist, author, bad influence(r )...
Age: 58 and fierce!
Height: 162 cm ́s
Years active as professional: 35
Number of albums: 8 plus 2 (-ish?) compilations/ greatest hits
Current favourite band: The Halo Effect
Longtime favourite band: Queen
Relationship status: Single
Children: 3
Tattooes: 7
Dream date/hall pass: Tom Sjöstedt (Swedish celebrity chef)
Last item bought: Nude nail polish
Favourite food: Seafood
Favourite shoes: Converse wedge sneakers
Favourite colour: Leopard pattern!
Favourite quote: "You can ́t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you
are and change the ending" C.S Lewis
Hi Erika and thank you for taking time to talk to RockUs.
Why was "Hell and back to you" not included on the "United States of Erika" -album?
- When I curated the album I felt that it needed another midtempo song instead of one more ballad.
That’s when my guitar player Erik Henriksson and I wrote "Choking in my silverspoon" and I
decided to put "Hell and back to you" on hold. After the album was out and it got rather rave
reviews from critics - for the first time in my career, more or less, ha ha - and more importantly
from my fans, I decided to release it as soon as possible as a "thank you for the lovebombing" -
pressie.
What is "Hell and back to you" about?
- It’s about a toxic relationship. When every red flag is up but something also keeps drawing you
back in instead of leaving.
Is that something you have experienced yourself?
- Sadly yes. Most adults have, haven’t they?
Is that the reason you are single nowadays?
- In part, I guess. I’ve been single for a couple of years now and I’m happy with that. But I’m
open to meeting someone, but also cautious.
What are the most important things in a possible new partner?
- A man who is ambitious and has created a life for himself that he enjoys. He has grown-up kids
and time to spend with me. He is taller and, more importantly, richer than me. Sounds shallow
but I know the other way around sadly just doesn’t work so... A sense of humor is important and
I prefer a man with a healthy dad bod over a fitness freak; I can’t stand men who are overly vain
ha ha ..!
When will your next album be out?
- Realistically in 2026. I have dipped my toes in the songwriting pond already, but I’m not gonna
rush it.
