"I want my music to feel inclusive, relatable, and take up space in a heteronormative market." Manda Malina makes her mission clear with her latest track, SUPERMODEL.
Manda Malina Nilsénius, known as Manda Malina, is a Swedish pop singer, performer, writer, and all-time queen. She began making music at a young age in Sweden, rose to fame at 17 on X Factor, and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a college degree in behavioral science, all while continuing her music career. Talk about an unstoppable force—she’s a tempest of talent, energy, and pure hustle!
Manda’s music isn’t just about catchy melodies—it’s about creating a space where queer listeners feel seen. "Many of my experiences as a queer woman are similar to what other queer people have experienced, so I believe my songs create a sense of comfort," she says.
A Supernatural Phenomenon
What started as a songwriting session for The Eurovision Song Contest took a fabulous detour, and boom—SUPERMODEL was born. Produced by Dillon Deskin (Lostboy) and co-written by him, Manda Malina, and Deanna Villarreal, the track went from “let’s write a banger for Eurovision” to “actually, let’s serve queer pop excellence instead.” And honestly? Best plot twist ever. Now, it’s not just a song—it’s an anthem of empowerment, authenticity, and strutting like you own the runway.
For this release, the queer independent artist takes a bold step away from her usual sound, diving into a more vibey, intimate style of pop. "I wanted something unique, very different in genre than what I’ve done before, and to incorporate experimental pop electro influences with some 2000s pop sounds, and Dillon really captured my vision from the start," she shares.
There are times when finding the perfect track to set the mood feels impossible—but if you want to be that girl, SUPERMODEL is the answer. It’s pure c*nty energy—serving attitude, boosting the beat, and giving you that vibe that keeps you strutting like, well, a supermodel.
"We wanted the title of the song to really capture people's attention because that’s how infatuation and a crush or a love feels, you put that person on a pedestal and it feels like your supermodel. So I hope people wanna dance and feel empowered and happy listening to the song," she shared.
“I’m a very honest person, so I’m very authentic in my songwriting,” she shares. True to her words, her music is a clash between experimental and sentimental, personal, and deeply relatable, creating a safe space for listeners, mostly within the queer community. Creativity and peculiarity are her claim to fame, pushing limits and mixing up fresh sounds that are fun and upbeat. She’s always serving something new for the ears!
“I’m ALWAYS in the pop-box, and I experiment by blending pop with electronic music, R’n’B, Europop, and every now and then sprinkle a ballad into my repertoire.” But if she really has to choose one, she says, “I’m an electropop girly.”But even with the artistry behind her track, being an independent queer artist isn’t always smooth sailing. “I started doing music really young in Sweden, went from blowing up on X Factor to getting signed, then moving to LA and eventually becoming independent—getting to know myself all over again through heartbreak, trauma, and finding my footing. It’s been a journey, but I’m very grateful for it,” Manda shares.
A Love Letter Through Music
And speaking of inspiration, Manda’s found hers in the most beautiful way. One of her singles, “Her Ocean,” is dedicated to her Filipino-French-Spanish wife, Elena Heuzé—an actor and pet photographer who captures precious memories. In the music video, the couple shares a tender moment by the shore, dressed in simple whites, as if wrapped in the softness of love—pure and simple. The album cover and music video don’t just capture their love; they transform it into a full-on visual and aural experience. “Her Ocean” isn’t just a song—it’s a love letter.
As a part of her four-single project, with SUPERMODEL as the first to be released, she’s dropping more tracks that reflect her glow-up over the past decade and how it’s shaped her into the woman she is today.
You can stream SUPERMODEL now on all major music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more. Whether you’re getting ready for a night out or just want to boost your mood, this queer pop anthem is here to serve you all the confidence and cunty energy you need.
