‘Just the way I like it’ neo-soul newcomer LINDSJØRN finishes album
Norwegian artist tells us about her life, inspirations and working through the pandemic
Norway is turning ice into freshwater and artists into sparkling neo-soul gems.
Its glistening waters and picturesque mountains has given birth to; Noora Nora, White Ascot, Fieh, Charlotte Dos Santos to name but a few, and has again revealed another fresh artist – LINDSJØRN.
The vibrations of LINDSJØRN’s single – We Know had me smitten on the first play. A cross-pollination of neo-soul and hip hop, the Norwegian’s soaring vocals connect with lyrics of awakening, reflection and regret.
LINDSJØRN’s debut album Flying High lands this week, and keen to know more we spoke to the upcoming soulful songstress.
Hi LINDSJØRN (Ingvild Lindsjørn). Thanks for taking the time to speak to us. Can you tell us a little about your background? (How old are you?:-) Are your parents musical?
I am a 23-year-old girl from a little town in Norway called Hønefoss, or ‘Hen Falls’ in English, haha weird name. I grew up with a lot of music around me. My parents took my siblings and me to a ‘family gospel choir’ when I was about two years old. I’ve always loved to sing and dance and perform in front of small or big crowds. In family dinners as a youngster, in musicals or big concerts as a teenager, and now with my own music and band.
In your press release, it mentions warming memories of road trips with Outkast and Beyoncé. It sounds like holidays to remember. Can you tell us when you felt music was your career direction? And are Outkast and Beyoncé still your inspirations?
Totally. Those road trips also contained cd’s with Dire Straits and Eagles; a beautiful mix! I think Frank Ocean and Noname have been taking over Outkast and Beyoncés places on my inspiration list, or at least they’ve been added to it.
I felt music was my career when I was about sixteen, in high school, and realized that science, social studies and french sucks, haha. Then I started the music program instead. But I think I’ve always known it, inside.
How aware were/are you of fellow Norwegian bands and artists in the soul scene? And how would you describe the music scene there?
I think the soul scene in Norway is small. But I also believe that it’s getting bigger nowadays. Bernhoft‘s album ‘Ceramic City Chronicles‘ has meant a lot to me. I also listened to Ole Børud as a child. Deckdaddy who mixed my album also mixed Charlotte Dos Santos‘ album ‘Cleo‘.
We see you’ve been doing gigs in Norway. What’s been the best live show you’ve done so far, and why?
Oh, hard one… can’t decide. I’ve done a couple of Sofar Sound gigs in amazing venues. And the music festival Sørveiv with dancers on stage was so much fun. Also, an unforgettable moment when my drummer Tibor who NEVER sings started rapping in his south Norwegian accent because I put my microphone in front of him (at Rekordfestivalen, 2019).
Your debut album Flying High lands soon, can you tell us about the overall concept?
The album contains 12 tracks (full songs and shorter skits). I think the collection has an overall positive vibe. Every track is groovy and danceable, but also very chill: just the way I like it.
I’m loving the colours and design of the artwork illustrations on your releases and on your Facebook page. Who is the designer behind them?
The designer is Marte Fredrikke Skarstein. She is the most talented artist I know, I love her work. We have known each other since I was born!
What has been the most challenging part?
Uhm.. to get the artwork to represent the album correctly. And to plan everything around to the release in such a long period. I’ve also done all the organisational stuff and been pulling the strings on my own. That has proven to be quite challenging in such a big project.
What have you learnt most about yourself?
That I couldn’t cope with everything on my own. A BIG THANKS to those who contributed to this album.
We hope you haven’t lost anyone during the COVID pandemic. How have you been coping with Lockdown?
Luckily I haven’t. I am sending love to those who have. Actually, I’ve enjoyed myself during this time. I’m hanging out with my family, planting potatoes and carrots in the garden. I think it’s been nice with a little calmer/quieter world. You don’t have to rush to meetings or stress every damn day.
What’s the first thing you’ll do when Lockdown is fully-lifted after the discovery of a COVID cure/vaccine?
Play concerts and go to concerts! Hug people! Live ‘normal’ again, but absolutely, not forgetting the joy of the little things in my everyday life.
Flying High lands Friday 22 May 2020.
