BernhoftAs one of the hottest musicians in Norway, Bernhoft has already taken the Norway Grammy for Best Artist and Male Artist of the Year.
Appearances on shows both here and in the States have catapulted his popularity and that looks only set to continue with the release of his album 'Islander'.
FemaleFirst put some questions to Bernhoft about success, opening doors, creating a career path and much more in our new exclusive interview.
How would you best describe yourself as an artist?
I’m probably more a musician than an artist. There’s a lot of things about 'artisting' beside music itself that I simply ignore, like being at the front of social media presence. I’d rather play a song or two by a fire.
What would you say is the toughest thing about carving yourself a career in the music industry?
If you haven’t set your goal posts firmly in the ground before sticking your head out there, it will most likely do said head in. I’ve been there; with my old band we didn’t have a clue about who or what we wanted to be apart from a good band, and we ended up doing lots of stuff that people around us thought were brilliant ideas. Sometimes brilliant ideas arise from the outside, but you need to be earthed enough to see clearly if they are or not.
Tell us about the creative process behind your forthcoming album 'Islander’.
Musically it was the same as it’s always been; I go walking and basic rhythmic and rhyming ideas glue themselves to my walking head. Then I go in my garage trying to churn out the chords and sentences. Lyrically, I found myself thinking a lot about my past years touring, thoughts on finding myself in the world so to speak. Then, after looking at the bulk of songs I’d written, I found that all of them had references to boats, water and bridges. It was cool, a maritime theme kinda opened itself.
How does it feel to be number one in Norway?
It’s not too sh*t is it? It’s my first number 1 debut, my last album didn’t get there before six months after release. My albums are slow burners I think, they come sneaking up on you. Beware!
You've performed on Ellen and Conan now in the States, what are those experiences like?
They are very different, obviously all these shows have very large crews and it’s all very hectic. But I've felt very welcome on all the things I’ve done, and it works very well! The cameras tend to send both images and sound out to a large number of tv’s, that a large number of people [to] look at.
How did you find filming the music video for your single 'Come Around’?
It was wet! I loved it to bits though, it’s good to go into an experience like that knowing that it’s gonna be unusual any which way you do it. I don’t think I’ve seen an underwater music video before.
What do you hope fans of your music take away from the songs?
I hope for substantial amounts of positivity to be extracted, but you know, it’s funny about songs. They’ve grown up and left home as soon as they’re released, and it’s their prerogative to interact freely with ears everywhere.
You're performing at Glastonbury in June and you have some UK dates in November - what should those coming to the live gigs expect?
They should expect fantastic shows! Anyone paying tickets to any artist’s or band's show should expect it to be fantastic. If my audience haven’t got sore throats and tired hips after my gigs, I’ve failed.
What should we expect from you in the coming months?
Apart from the fantastic shows, you mean? A good deal of travelling, the release of a very cool HD app, reclusiveness when not on stage, and maybe a children’s book. I’m very infantile.
Finally, what's the big aim for you?
If I can play in front of people every now and then, that’s my little fix. Doesn’t matter if it’s for a living room or in a stadium really. And lo and behold, I’m in the dead centre of said aim!
Bernhoft's 'Islander' is released June 30.