Mariann Rosa is a deliciously zany Norwegian recording artist making waves in East London’s already choppy creative waters. Dylan Jones had a chat with her about her experiences on the scene, and, erm, eating whale. Her debut single Banjo For My Bitches is out now.
We see you did a gig at The Glory last month…have you been before?
Yes, many times! I hang there with my friends, Ray Noir and Thierry. I like the vibe and crowd! They also play great music. The stage is coolio! Always tempted me to play there, and now it´s happening!
What do you think of the East London scene in general?
It´s exciting, colourful and creative. I love that it contains so many different approaches and talented people. I tend to hang out in Dalston, Shoreditch and Hackney a lot.
Is there anything comparable in your hometown of Oslo?
No… I´m afraid not. It´s cosier and smaller in Oslo. In London it´s easier to be yourself, a hundred per cent. Norwegians are more similar and it lacks the freakiness of here. But I love Oslo, don´t get me wrong.
Apparently there are elk in Norway. And whales! Have you ever seen an elk or a whale?
We have lots of different animals in Norway. I´ve seen an elk many times in the deep forest, but no whales. They are hard to spot ‘cause they live far out in the ocean.
Have you ever eaten elk or whale?
Yes, both! Still do. I grew up eating the king of the woods and the prince of the sea since I was a kid. It’s a tradition from the West Coast where I grew up.
Is your music inspired by the sweeping Norwegian landscape, like fjords and shit?
The landscape in Stryn where I’m from is very dramatic and violently beautiful. So the answer to that is yes. And when I was a teenager I went through rough times experiencing the divorce of my parents. All these things inspired my lyrics and melodies! Difficult times made me strong, and it made my love for music stronger.
What inspiration do you find in London?
Wow! Soooo much! It can for example be hanging out late at East Bloc with Ray Noir and his crew when he is DJing. Always fun! Meeting my friends there and new ones. Late nights and early mornings…talking to totally random and exciting people inspires me, and all the craziness I get up to with my friends. Jezuz….
Your debut single is called Banjo For My Bitches…that’s amazing. How did you come up with it?
It just came to me when I was in the studio. Weird! That weekend before making the song, I was out partying with Ray, Thierry and Franx De Christal…it went on until the next day. So many strange things happened and I´ve never experienced anything like that night. Ha ha ha! I laugh now when I think about it. Anyhow, it gave me the right energy to write this song together with Zebra1 (my producers in Ash Vale). Crazy in the coconut!
Who’s your favourite Scandipop icon? (Robyn, Loreen, Ray Noir, etc…)
I don´t have a pop icon, except my iconic MUM! But I can admit I love Ray Noir, Maya Vik, Annie, Robyn and Karin Park. Cool crowd!
Describe Mariann Rosa in three words.
Fun, energy and colors!
What can we expect from you in the future?
More concerts and more music! 4 real 4 shure! XOXO
• Banjo For My Bitches is available to download on iTunes here; https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/banjo-for-my-bitches-single/id963518776
