Simon Kölle is a Swedish composer and producer known for his dark, cinematic music. He has written music for films, TV series, games, theatre, and more. Now, his music is also available in the Cora Music library, ready for creators to use in their own videos. We spoke with Simon about how he got started, what inspires him, and what music means to him.

Introduce yourself and tell us about your musical background.

I fell in love with music as a young child. I got a tip from Cornelis when he heard me sing as a child and said, "Nice, but now you're just missing the feeling." That idea of emotion has been a recurring theme throughout my creative life.

I played in some local hard rock bands but instead focused more on sports and theatre, directing and writing plays. I got seriously into film music through role-playing games as a teenager, which led to many soundtrack CD purchases.

In my 20s, I stopped touring with experimental theatre and returned to music. It began with radio drama and instrumental cinematic music, combined with studies in dramaturgy, writing, film, and theatre.

I started a band called Za Frúmi, making dark, narrative instrumental music. It wasn’t big in Sweden but gained a following in Asia and was featured in Wired Magazine. We also ran a music company for 10 years.

As CDs faded, I moved into film scoring, starting with a film for SVT. It was a dark, socially reflective drama about youth violence. A film that was later shown in schools for many years.

I became known for dark, imaginative music, which led to similar projects including, unexpectedly, a teen horse TV series.

After that, it felt like nothing was impossible. In 2016, I debuted in Hollywood with a Netflix-topping action film. Since then, I’ve worked with artists like Kite and Moneybrother, folk musicians, choirs, and orchestras.

In 2013, I also became a film producer. I’ve now worked with nearly 50 directors, won around 50 international awards, and had music performed by the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. I also create music for games, books, radio, and more, and teach at both Stockholm and Linnaeus University.

How would you describe your sound and music style?

I imagine I can do almost anything, but my heart beats strongly for dark, atmospheric, imaginative, and frightening music. I take every job seriously, no matter the size, and deeply immerse myself in the sound.

What are your biggest inspirations in music?

I'm always searching for new music to fall in love with. I’m inspired by collaborations and challenges. It's incredibly motivating to roll up my sleeves and do a spotting session for a TV series or film. Working with musicians and helping them develop also inspires me greatly.

How do you start writing a new song?

It varies depending on if I'm writing for film, TV, games, or a regular song. For songs, I enjoy working with text and melody. For cues in films, there's typically lots of discussions and understanding about the music's function.

Which song has meant the most to you?

I don't have a specific song or piece, but if I had to choose one, it would probably be something recent. A good friend of mine lost several family friends in a fire tragedy. His mother asked me to write a piece to honor those who passed away, to be played at the funeral. A melody came to me immediately. I then asked the fantastic musician Daniel Reid to play soprano saxophone. The piece was performed at the funeral, where all five were buried simultaneously. It meant a lot to me.

How did you find out about Cora Music?

I met some people working at Cora during STIM’s 100th-anniversary meeting, where I proposed and delivered a speech challenging Epidemic Sound. I suggested STIM investigate launching a similar but fair and non-exploitative service. That’s when I heard about Cora Music and liked what I heard.

Why is it important and good to make your music accessible to creators?

It feels obvious. My music is usually tailored but often fits well in other contexts. It has already been used by many people in various situations. For instance, my old band's music has accompanied childbirth and even been a "companion" on the way up Mount Everest.

What inspires you outside of music?

Film, MMA, podcasting (I host 'Filmbranschpodden'), teaching, writing, and watching my wonderful daughter Hilma grow up.

What music are you listening to right now?

Tonight, I’m listening to Rainbow Girls, who I think are amazing. But I have various playlists for different situations. Today included children's music with my daughter, Rainbow Girls, Methro Nome, Karin Park, Kite, Maurice Jarre (soundtrack from Jacob's Ladder), Clues of Reality, Dodheimsgaard (DHG), and Fred Åkerström.

If you could work with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?

Lisa Gerrard, whom I've admired since listening to Dead Can Dance as a teenager. She would be amazing to work with. Locally, I'd love to work with Arja Saijonmaa. But there are many artists, and I find musicians and orchestras enormously inspiring. I'm currently playing with musicians from all over the world, which is wonderful.

Simon’s music is now available in the Cora Music library! Explore and use it in your videos.

Want to connect with Simon for a collaboration, lecture, or exciting film/TV project? Visit www.simonkolle.com or find him on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.