We recently had the chance to connect with Rebekka Ling and have shared our conversation below.
Rebekka, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Thank you! Glad to be connected on this platform. Well, this last year I really enjoy (re-)learning other languages like french and hebrew, picking up my spanish lessons something I started during the pandemic. It gives me a different kind of thrill than writing songs for instance. For a few years I visited a latin american church in 2019 and got ‘hooked’ to singing/listening to spanish (gospel ao) music. Although the talking itself is still a bit on a chit chat level.. my longest duo lingo streak was 40 days;)
I used to coach a youth choir with ao english and hebrew repertoire, I think in 10 years I’d be able to hold a proper conversation in hebrew, haha. Watching movies and series in foreign languages has always been my thing. My (music) network is also pretty international. It’s nice to challenge yourself with new things! Photography is also an expression form I’m interested in doing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi Bold Journey readers,
I am songwriter/music artist and creative from Amsterdam with an international listening audience and fanbase. What I love about this universal profession is that I get to collaborate and connect with other creatives from across the globe, being part of a movement striving to make the world a little brighter and more colourful through the arts. A powerful tool.
You might know me from my album Travel Light, singles suchas Be Alright and Keep Rising. Or artistic film projects and music collaborations in the UK and US.
I’m currently working on new songs that have a different, more raw sound, which I’m very excited about releasing in 2026! So do stay tuned for that
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Definitely my relationship with God.
I think that’s the most important one to have and after that, the one with with yourself and others.
At least for me, it’s where everything else flows from. I’ve spend a long time ignoring God’s voice -a deep inner knowing and spirit within us- and that has lead me to some complex situations. I’ve learned to see myself through His eyes instead of the opinions of people. It has shaped and build my confidence in a permanent way whereas culture, family for instance are still external influences. Even your own emotions. They are fluctuating by life circumstances. In my experience I believe only faith can do that true inner work. Your value as a human being doesn’t depend on them. Other relationships are important to a certain degree ofcourse. For a period of time I have walked through life ‘alone’, to learn and grow in ways that would not have been possible when constantly being surrounded by other people. Yet we will always need community and we can always encourage and inspire eachother. That’s what life is about.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It’s okay to be different and misunderstood, you don’t have to fit in. You are brave, loved and accepted just the way you are. Keep that inner spark burning
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
So many.. but I admire former politician, now author and activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali.
She is a forerunner, (or in societal terms, a feminist) but not in nowadays culture’s standards. Ayaan H. Ali has made some hard decisions and changes that caused her to be constantly critized, even threatened. Letting go of what’s familiair for a greater purpose and for the benefit of ao young women in difficult religious/cultish systems. Helping them to become free and spread awareness.
Allot of politicians and leaders have a double agenda, don’t practice what they preach or are corrupt.
She truly fights for human rights, I admire her boldness and gracious personality that show integrity.
Women like her know how to walk alone, doesn’t shy away from judgement or opinions, difficult dialogues. A tough woman who is also a believer and I think in a way a ‘latebloomer’ like me.
If I may add, I also admire people like Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves, or film directors that challenge and not just entertain you.
And one of my fellow artists, talented independent filmmaker Sophia de Hoog, a dear friend who I’ve worked and had many fun duo singing sessions with. She makes beautiful short films and documentaries.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
Something I haven’t always been doing, I think we’ve all been there. Is not putting yourself first (after your relationship with the Most High). I grew up in a home as the middle child, so used to support and encourage my siblings/other people, not always standing up for myself when needed. We subconsciously think it’s our duty to please others, our parents perhaps. I had to learn to say no more often and do what’s right for me first without feeling some sort of ‘guilt’. Set healthy boundaries. Learning that our own opinion and what we stand for, our inner world is just as important as other people’s experiences. And maybe what other people have in mind for you. Societal expectations.
At a certain point I made that ‘switch’ (gradually lead to). That’s when you become truly free, stronger and clear about decisions, purpose. It’s liberating and empowering. You have only one life to live in the end.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rebekkaling.com/bio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebekka_music
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebekkalingmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/rebekkalingmusic
- Other: https://linktr.ee/rebekkaLingmusic
Image Credits
Tommy Kohlbrugge
