An Interview With The Norweigen Singer-Songwriter, MARIT LARSEN On Her Recent Album, WHEN THE MORNING COMES, Moving to Nashville, Her Biggest Inspirations and More!

Allow All Access to introduce you to the singer-songwriter, Marit Larsen. She’s originally from Olso, Norway and has been hugely successful there, but for her latest project, When The Morning Comes which was released last month, she decided to leave her comfort zone and travel to Nashville.

Thousands of miles away from her hometown, Larsen’s songs were able to come from a much more honest place. Music City further influenced her sound through a group of young, local musicians including Tofer Brown (Chris Tomlin, The Music of Nashville (TV show), drummer Matt Chamberlain, (Fiona Apple) and string arranger Davide Rossi (Coldplay).

With their help, Larsen experienced a kind of creative awakening, and the songs began to flow out of her with an ease she’s never experienced before. With When The Morning Comes, Larsen was finally able to make and produce the album she’s been working on practically her entire career.

Learn more about Marit in the following All Access interview:

Thanks so much for your time today! So, how’s 2016 been treating you so far?

2016 has been a very exciting year so far. Seeing “WTMC” finally find its audience in the United States has definitely been one of the highlights. 

I have to tell you that I was a big fan of M2M so I was very excited to interview you! What was that whole experience like for you? Can you recall of favorite memory from that time period?

That is so nice to hear! I have some very fond memories from that experience, which at the same time was a whirlwind I was in no way prepared for. I was so young with my heart and mind wide open, unprotected. That said, being able to debut as a solo artist at 22 with all that knowledge under my sleeve was a whole different experience. Having traveled the world and worked with some of the most talented people in the business at such a young age gave me a foundation I’m very thankful for.

Growing up, did you always want to be an artist? Can you recall your earliest musical memory?

I have always had a head full of music. Coming from a household filled to the brim with music lessons, rehearsals and a huge vinyl collection of classical composers, some would say there was no other way out for me than to eventually start creating something of my own. 

What made you decide to leave home in Oslo, Norway to record in Nashville?

I have been drawn to Nashville for years, being inspired by so many records that have come out of there, wanting to investigate what was «in the water» in such a highly historical place musically.

Why do you think Nashville was the right place for you to record this album?

First of all, I found some amazing people who were musical soulmates at first listen. For me, they became the heart of Nashville and introduced me to non-musical discoveries there that made me fall even harder for the city – the great international cuisine (it’s not all fried chicken!), amazing coffee and fashion. 

Can you talk about the inspiration for your album When The Morning Comes?

I feel like being so far away from home resulted in me peeling off some layers, getting closer to who I am as a writer and as a human being. These songs come from a very honest place and the recording in itself encapsulates the energy that surrounded the whole process. 

What was it like working with all those people from Nashville?

It was a thrill. I am a very stubborn writer and often feel almost invaded when trying to invite other people into my songwriting process. But some of my collaborators in Nashville will most likely be in my life for a very long time. Music and friendship chemistry in combination is a pretty powerful thing.

Your current single, “I Don’t Want To Talk About It” has been a smash in Norway. How do you think it will be received here in the states?

I’m very curious to follow its journey. Songs always have a way of surprising me in their travels. Seeing “Please Don’t Fall For Me”, one of my personal favorites, enter the Spotify viral chart at #15 put the biggest smile on my face.

Who are some of your favorite artists? Who would you love to tour and work with in the future?

The list is so long and diverse, but at the moment Jason Isbell and Kacey Musgraves are in pretty constant rotation.

Do you have any upcoming US tour dates?

I’m hoping to come back to the US in the fall of 2016. Cannot wait to reconnect with my audience there. For now, we’re staying in touch via Instagram. Follow, please! (Laughter)

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?

My wildest hope is to provide the soundtrack to a time in their life they can look back on later, thinking I made it smoother or more fun or more digestible, for that matter. The privilege of being able to sneak into people’s lives in this way is nothing short of a constant excitement for me. It never ends.