Hanne Mjøen

Name, where are you from? 
Hanne Mjøen, I’m from Oppdal, a very small town in Norway.

What do you do? 
I’m an artist and a songwriter, I make alternative pop songs about all my feelings.

Describe your style in three words? 
Dark, emotional and energetic.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
All my friends at Hovefestivalen 2014 was more into another band than me, so I went to watch Foster The People, front row, all alone, and got lost in a crowd filled with new faces. It was amazing, I’ve loved their music ever since 'Torches', and watching 'Pseudologia Fantastica' live was a musical experience I wouldn’t wanna be without. They have so many interesting elements live, and their presence on stage is so captivating.

If you could be on the line-up with any two artists in history?
I’d love to be on the line-up with Robyn - she is one of the coolest women in pop, her writing is amazing, and her confidence inspires me so much. Queen of "Crying on the dance floor"-pop. Her song 'Dancing On My Own' is never getting old. Flume might be the artist I listen to with the most interesting soundscape, I feel like every time I listen to his music, I discover new elements and sounds that makes me fall in love with his music again and again, and never get tired of it. Experiencing that live would be powerful. What I like the most with his music, is when he adds all the crazy synths and sounds with a heartfelt song, like he did on.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I think it must be the popular music from the ’80s and ’90s, dreamy and cliche. I feel like I make music similar to it, but I twist it into a modern sound. The beats and synths from the ’80s are what I love the most.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I think it must be Tove Lo. She’s written all my favourite songs, and I would love to hear how she thinks. I find it so inspirational with confident female artists like her, she says things in a new way, and I’m a true fan of that. 'Really Don’t Like You' is one of my favourites from her newest album.

Of all the independent venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
The Lexington in London. My first show in London, sold out! It was so intimate. We brought our own lights and turned the old club into a more modern universe. It’s always nice when you can colour the venue to fit your look, and give the viewers a new experience of a place the audience already know.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Julia Michaels, all the songs she has written are amazing, and she can never get enough credit for that. Her way of communicating anxiety and modern issues should be more praised than they are.