Modest Needs is the musical moniker of Thomas Modig, a singer-songwriter from Uppsala, Sweden, and with his reflective new single, ‘Ett bättre jag’ (‘A Better Me’), now out, it’s the perfect time to learn more about him and his music. “Ett bättre jag” is an uptempo country-pop song sung in Swedish that explores turning your gaze inward, understanding why you are the way you are, and daring to meet the boy you once were. The chorus says it best: same eyes, a different outlook.
Can we start with some background: what has your musical journey been that brought you to where you are today?
TM: My name is Thomas Modig. I grew up in Alunda, a small village about 30 km outside Uppsala, Sweden. My musical journey started with my uncle, who taught me to play guitar when I was around 15. He had his own recording studio in his basement, where I spent a lot of time as a teenager. I started writing my own songs early and combined that with playing in various cover bands.
Your new single, ‘Ett bättre jag’ (‘A Better Me’), is an upbeat, country-infused track. Can you expand on the story behind it?
TM: ‘Ett bättre jag’ (‘A Better Me ‘) is about finding your inner boy, taking him by the hand and explaining that nothing was his fault, that he did his best, and that he deserves to be seen and loved for who he is. From there, you work on yourself. You are still yourself, but a better version of you.
Who do you hope will listen to and understand the song’s deeper message?
TM: I think quite a lot of people can recognize themselves in what I’m trying to describe in the song, and maybe it can inspire others to start working on themselves too. It’s still a bit of a taboo, and many people find it hard to talk about.
What are some of the influences that help guide you when you make music, both fellow musicians and perhaps those outside it?
TM: I find the inspiration for my music in my everyday surroundings. Most of the time, I start from myself, my reflections and thoughts about what is happening around me and within me.
Finally, do you see a time when you are a full-time musician, or are you happier with a foot in both the regular and artistic worlds?
TM: I haven’t really thought about it at all. I run my own business in the construction industry, which I really enjoy, and so far music has been a kind of inner outlet for me. I never had a childhood dream of becoming an artist, but of course I wouldn’t say no if the chance came to take my music and songwriting to the next level.
