Emma Härdelin was born into a family of nationally acclaimed musicians as the daughter of Swedish traditional fiddler Thore Härdelin; she grew up in Kluk, Jämtland, and Delsbo, Hälsingland. After attending Waldorf school and studying Swedish folk singing under Maria Röjås at Malung folkhögskola, she became a member of Garmarna in 1993, and founded Triakel in 1995 together with Kjell-Erik Eriksson of Hoven Droven and Janne Strömstedt.