Get To Know: Astrid S

By Megan Downing

28 June 2017 / 16:14

1. For those who don’t know about you and your music, tell us a little bit about who you are and where you’re from…

I’m a 20 year old girl from Norway. I grew up in a tiny village on top of a mountain, and have been skiing and singing all my life! I started writing songs when I was 15/16 years old. I make electronic pop music with an urban twist, and I like to write about personal experiences, thoughts or anything that comes to mind and I need to get off my chest.

2. Describe your sound in three words…

Lush electronic pop!

3. Who inspired you to start a career in music?

John Mayer. I started listening to him when I was 15. And suddenly I had bought a guitar and started writing songs. I make music very different from him, but usually I write all my songs with just a guitar or a piano.

4. Who are your biggest musical influences?

So many! I don’t have one specific artist, but just a lot of different songs I listen to. It’s everything from The Weeknd to jazz pop to Emilie Nicolas. Or even soul. I listen to everything, and find parts about a song in the lyrics/melody/chords/production that I like and can be inspired by when I write my next song.

5. Tell us about the writing and recording process for your new single/album…

It’s very different from song to song. But usually I like to be in a studio with a producer and another songwriter. It’s fun to have someone to talk to and get input from when you write. I usually get stuck when I’m just in my room writing by myself. And another songwriter or producer will have ideas or melodies that I would’ve never come up with, which is very interesting. Usually I will make a simple melody idea or write down some lyrics when I’m on a plane, or in the shower or at a party. And I’ll bring the idea to the studio and we’ll finish it together.

6. What can we expect from your live shows?

Live music, haha. I’ll be singing all of my new songs and some old. I’ll be dancing around and have the time of my life! I love doing concerts, and I think my songs get another expression and energy when they are being played live.

7. What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

So many! I never expected any of this to happen, so everything amazes me. From being able to travel and write in Stockholm, meet other artist to doing my own tour and play festivals. It’s crazy!

8. Have you met anyone and been totally starstruck?

Yes. I met Ada Hegerberg the other day. She is the world’s best soccer player, and the same age as me. I couldn’t stop talking about it afterwards.

9. What’s on your iPod/playlists that people wouldn’t expect?

Hmm… I don’t even know what people expect? My guilty pleasure is Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream album. Other than that I listen to urban hip hop, Norwegian music and I love classical music! It’s my favourite when I travel, and I have a whole playlist with just chello music.