Creator Talk is a series by Cora Music featuring interviews and conversations with creators about how they work, think, and stay creative behind the scenes.
When Moa Boa bought an abandoned school in Skåne, Sweden, it wasn’t only about fixing it up. She wanted to do it with respect for history, sustainability, and tradition. What started during the pandemic as a way to share the process and keeps her mentally stable, has now become a YouTube channel followed by people from all around the world.
What inspired you to start your channel?
During the pandemic I started following several YouTube channels that inspired me. So when I bought my abandoned school in Skåne, it was obvious that I wanted to share how it went. I also developed an interest in building conservation and wanted to share my renovation philosophy with the rest of the world. How I try to build sustainably and with respect for history and traditions.
How do you keep your audience engaged and coming back?
Through genuine craftsmanship and the variety of projects I take on. I try to create personal videos and build a relationship with my audience.
How important is music in your videos?
Music is so personal, and that’s why it’s important for me to use it to strengthen who I am and the feeling I want to convey. It’s also important for keeping the audience engaged.
How do you choose the right music for your content?
I try to choose music that works well in the background, that’s easy to listen to, and that I think appeals to my audience (most of the people following my renovation are women over 45). I also sometimes want to share Swedish music culture and create a sense of Sweden, the countryside, and our history.
In my latest year-in-review video I divided everything I had done into the four seasons, with short segments marking the seasonal shifts. I introduced a song for autumn, for example, and then brought it back during that season whenever there was a need for music. It created a nice feeling throughout the whole video.
What do you like most about Cora Music?
That I find new Swedish artists and that it becomes a win-win situation where everyone benefits from using the music since we support each other.
Do you have a favorite track or artist from Cora Music?
What is one thing you’ve learned from growing a YouTube channel?
Even though it takes a lot of time to publish videos, it helps you stay mentally stable during such a long renovation. Because it forces you to reflect more and look back at what you’ve achieved, which motivates you. At the same time, you get a community that gives you support and energy.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
- Stories from the Cascina
- How to Renovate a Chateau (without killing your partner)
- Anna Lindgren
- Kinging It
- The Chateau Diaries
- Escape to Rural France
- Eva Zu Beck
- The Swedish Maker
Where can people follow you outside of YouTube?
Instagram: @old_school_moaboa
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