It is the third time the Norwegian singer is going to perform in Cuba and this time she prepared a special concert when she will release songs from her second album accompanied by two Norwegian and three Cuban musicians in a blend of musical colors.
In one sentence, how would you define your music?
Expressive, dynamic, soulful and honest.
Tell us briefly how you started in the world of music.
My father is a blues musician and my mother also plays many instruments, so there was always lots of music around me. The musicians that my father used to tour with stayed and played in our house. I started very early to express myself through music and learn to play the piano, drums and guitar. My father collected many instruments, so I picked the songs for each different sound. I was always singing and even got to fight this impulse for years, but, anyway, I felt I had no choice. Without music, my soul would be poor.
How important are your cultural roots for you and your music?
I grew up with a lot of blues, r & b from the 40s and 50s, soul and jazz, but also world music and music of Norway and worldwide. The main elements of different genres are in many cases the same. I come from a region in Norway with a very strong nature and climate. And I put this together with the way that I look for energy in the music. I have been greatly influenced by the “storytellers” and simple themes that repeatedly move forward, the songs grow dynamically, or simply to keep the power down and then suddenly explode.
You use traditional stringed instruments with electronic effects. Why do you blend these elements and how do you think they mix?
The strings I use are non-traditional in Norway. But I use the Italian mandolin, American banjo, Bolivian charango, German harp and Swedish electric guitar, among others. Each instrument has a unique character and sound, but is of the same family (string), which gives my music a particular color. I always look for instruments that make me want to sing and make a new composition. I also use pedal effects loop to my voice and to change the sound of the instruments. No need to, because the instruments ring out separately, but in a variation, the use of electronic sound effects can lift it to new perspectives.
What surprises do you prepare for us in the concert in Havana World Music?
If I say it … it won’t be a surprise! I will play with Norwegian and Cuban musicians with the intention to unite cold and heat. We’ll see how it melts!
It is the third time you will play in Cuba, the second in front of a large audience. What does it mean for you to play with the Cuban people?
I love playing here and I love Cuba! The people and the public are very warm and welcoming, friendly and curious. I cannot wait to share beautiful moments with the public.
What message would you send to the public of Havana World Music?
Thank you for having me on your wonderful event in the most wonderful city in the world! We will share a great moment. If you guys get me fondly, I promise to bring the Northern Lights to the Malecon!
Taken from: Havana World Music
