Under the Surface: The Music of Marit Larsen
The Music of Marit Larsen
Known for her delicate voice and passion for producing music, Marit Larsen is a Norwegian singer-songwriter that has proven her roots in the music industry. Specializing in pop, pop-folk, folk, and acoustic music that resonates with her lyrics has helped Larsen’s songs to reach audiences worldwide.
In an interview with pop matters, Larsen mentioned how she liked the idea of her music traveling across the world as if it’s taking a life on its own by her listeners. She believes that music is a door opener for different types of connections to form with other people. Her passion for influencing the world with Norwegian music is also something that motivates her as a musician.
Remembering her roots from the famous Duo M2M back in the 2000s
Although this isn’t Larsen’s first exposure in the music industry. Back in the 2000’s she was a part of a Pop Duo with her friend Marion Raven, and they created the band M2M. What started on as two 8-year olds making songs as a hobby, grew into chart winning albums by the age of 12.
Their biggest song to date, “Don’t Say You Love Me,” was their 1999 debut single and a commercial and critically acclaimed hit. The song even went on to be used as Pokémon: The First Movie’s soundtrack. Before the release, the duo was already signed into Atlantic Records, which helped them boost their presence with listeners as their debut approached.
They then went on to release Shades of Purple, their debut album in 2000. The album went on to sell over 1.5 million copies worldwide. Mirror Mirror, which peaked at No. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100, was the album’s second single. The album achieved gold in the United States. “Everything You Do,” the album’s last single, peaked at No. 21 on the US Hot Dance Singles Sales chart.
They released their second album entitled The Big Room in 2001. It had a less pop-oriented vibe and featured tender rock ballads. Some critics lauded the album’s songwriting, vocals, and usage of live backup instruments, calling it a “pop masterpiece”. This was M2M’s last album before splitting up and going on to pursue their individual careers as music artists.
M2M in the Philippines
M2M has solid fanbases in Asia, especially in the Philippines. The duo went on to do a magazine cover shoot for Seventeen, and interviews for fashion brands after. Later that day they went on to have a mall show at SM Megamall, which had ended abruptly as a result of the large number of crowds that attended. M2M proceeded to promote their music in the Philippines, performing their songs live on TV shows like Eat Bulaga, and teen-oriented show G-Mik. The girls also went on to perform in Arriba! Arriba! In 2001 with then teen superstar now Pinoy Pop Culture Icon Jolina Magdangal.
Going Solo
Marit Larsen went on to become a solo artist, releasing her solo debut album with 11 tracks total. The majority of which were written by Larsen alone, Under the Surface was released on March 6, 2006. With over 20,000 copies sold, Under the Surface was certified gold in Norway.
After countless awards including winning the Spellemannprisen awards for Best Female Artist and Best Video, the album achieved platinum status after selling 40,000 copies. Following that, Larsen received awards at the Spellemannprisen in January 2007. Later, the album’s double platinum status was revealed in May 2007.
She went on to release five more albums. She released her second album The Chase in 2008. After debuting at No. 1 on the Norwegian singles chart in its first week of sales in August 2008. “If A Song Could Get Me You,” the lead single from her album The Chase, was nominated in the Spellemannprisen award for Hit of the Year.
Larsen went on to release Spark in 2011. Producing 2 hit songs that peaked the Norwegian top 40 chart at #2, and the Swiss chart peaking at #36. And after four years, she released her third album, When the Morning Comes in 2015. The album included four tracks entitled “I Don’t Want To Talk About It”, “Faith & Science”, “Please Don’t Fall For Me” and “Traveling Alone”.
Joni Was Right I & II are two-part EPs that she released in 2016. It was first released separately as two EPs in the first half of 2016, and a full release in September of the same year. For the album, Larsen won the 2017 Edvard Prize in the popular music category.
What’s Next for Marit Larsen?
And after 8 years, Marit Larsen has recently come out with her newest album, Hun Er Min. This new album contains 6 new songs, emphasizing that delicate but hopeful sound with Larsen’s lyricism. Hun Er Min is a dedication to the women in Larsen’s life who and taught her the world.
The album also talks about her routines as she experiences life and what it has to offer. She’s currently on a tour in Norway with her new music, check out the tour dates here.
