Daily Discovery is a feature that will highlight a new or recently discovered artist that we’re excited about. See the rest of our Daily Discoveries here.
There’s not much available online about Anna of The North. Like her name suggests, she is from the North—Norway to be exact. Her sound is bright but laid back. It’s got a hot-summer-day vibe that makes you want to press the cool condensation of a fresh bottle of water against your neck.
According to her bio, “Anna of The North has managed to channel the bipolar climes into her own brand of suggestive dream pop.” Her SoundCloud is bare, except for her debut song and a cover of Donna Lewis’ “I Love You Always Forever.” Her music is electronically-tinged indie pop, but unlike so much of the music in that style, it avoids being too bubbly or trying too hard to be futuristic. Her first single “Sway” is being released on Brooklyn-based indie label Honeymoon and is available here.
Has it been challenging being a new artist trying to break out of Norway?
Most people think Norway is a city in Sweden.
How do you feel about all the female indie pop currently saturating the market?
To be honest, I’m not really focused on being a “female artist.” A couple weeks ago, Playboy described Neko Case as “breaking the mold of what women in the music industry should be”. She quite eloquently replied “I’M NOT A FUCKING WOMAN IN MUSIC, I’M A FUCKING MUSICIAN IN MUSIC!”
What musical influences have you felt were most profound in creating your sound?
David Attenborough documentaries. His voice calms me and the imagery they use makes me want to fall into another world.
Tell me a little about your debut single—what does it mean to you?
“Sway” is a very special song for me as it’s been the soundtrack to the craziest and most unpredictable month of my life (so far). I think most artists make music they want to hear and “Sway” is that song I really needed to hear. It helped me through a lot of bullshit.
Do you have any dream artists or producers you would want to work with in the coming years?
If anyone can put Justin Vernon and me in the studio with Dave Fridmann, I could die happy. Anything Fridmann touches turns to gold and Justin makes me feel like I’m four years old again listening to Phil Collins in the back of my Daddy’s car.
