Norwegian Singer Astrid S: ‘I Feel Very Privileged to Be Living My Dream’

Recently, Norwegian singer-songwriter Astrid S was in Mumbai and we caught up with the artist to talk to her about being part of the music industry for 10 years, her new song “Darkest Hour,” her tour plans, performing in India and more. Read excerpts below:  

This year marks 10 years since you began releasing music, what’s the journey been like for you? 

It’s been crazy. I think I’m still in shock that I get to do this and I don’t take anything for granted. I feel very privileged to be living my dream. But it’s been a lot of hard work. It’s challenging because the music industry is changing. So much so you have to be very adaptable, but it’s so much fun. I love that. It’s such a challenge and it never gets easier. Like you think you’ve cracked the code. If it’s writing a song or a campaign or whatever it is, it’s such a victory when it works and it connects with people.  

What was the music scene like in Norway while you were growing up? 

I grew up kind of in the north of Norway. Where I’m from, there wasn’t a big music scene, but you know we had music school where you could play. I played in the marching band for many years. I played the flute, but international music was a big part, radio and CDs are what we listened to. I was very influenced by ABBA and Britney Spears.  

You released a new EP earlier this, Felt Cute Might Delete Later – what can you tell me about that record and the songs on it? 

So that EP is a collection of songs that I wrote years ago that I was never able to put out because it didn’t fit in with an album. So, I was like, you know what I really want to put this out because I love it so much. So, it’s four very different songs from different times in my career, and I guess I would say they feel a little bit like they’re a bit more outgoing and experimental and fun.  

Your latest single is “Darkest Hour” – there are three versions out, what can you tell me about this song? 

I put out ‘Darkest Hour’ with me first, and then I have a growing fan base in Indonesia, India and Pakistan. So I really wanted to travel and visit the country and also, I’m a big fan of Asim Azhar and Keisya Levronka. She’s from Indonesia and Asim is from Pakistan and they both wanted to do a version of the song with me, which was amazing. I knew them from before, and I had a list of my dream collaborators. Keisya was at the top of my list for Indonesia and Azim was on my other list. 

What has your first trip to India been like? 

It’s been a little bit of a culture shock in the best way. It’s very crowded, a lot of noise everywhere, but everyone is so friendly and the food is amazing and I guess the purpose for this trip is to meet my team here and to meet some fans and do interviews. I’m really excited to come back. 

You have a busy tour schedule, what can you tell me about your upcoming shows? 

This year I’m doing a festival tour in Norway and then I’m releasing my second album, so I will be doing a bigger tour for the album. I finished writing the songs for the album and I’m still working on finalizing it.  

Any plans to perform in India? 

I hope I get to play here for my next tour, or maybe even a festival. That would be amazing. 

Any message for your Indian fans? 

I would say to them that I appreciate their support and they’re very active on social media, which I love. Lots of messages and comments and I’m really excited to come back and meet them all.