Words by Art Jefferson
Photography by Sara Löfwander
Norwegian singer Mariann Rosa may label her music as ‘Sci-Fi Pop’ or #WTF, however it is more of a soundtrack to a world where exploration and experimentation operate like the sciences of life, and the one chief rule to live by is, there are no rules. Perhaps this mantra is why creatively the Stryn-raised artist has always taken a fearless approach to her music, fashion and art.
Fronting the group Surferosa for almost 10 years, the band’s fusion of punk rock, new wave, dance and thrash pop earned them popularity in Norway before eventually spreading internationally. Spawning a series of EPs and three studio albums, their song ‘Royal Uniform’, taken from the LP The Force, was featured on the FIFA 07 soundtrack. Performing on multiple television shows and touring throughout various countries, Surferosa took a hiatus at the end of 2009, with Rosa continuing on to work on other projects.
Having carried over her love of music and performing into the world of DJing since the early 2000s, Rosa has played a slew of events including fashion parties and clubs, further exercising her ability of genre bridging.
In 2007, fans in Norway also got the chance to see Mariann Rosa consistently on TV as she served as a judge on season 5 of the Norwegian talent show Idol.
Rosa’s latest track ‘Banjo For My Bitches’ deals with the overcoming of pain, in a take charge manner that she has become synonymous with. Swirling together rock, electronica and pop, the boldness of the record is only the tip of the iceberg of what is yet to come.
Although you describe your new sound as ‘Sci¬Fi Pop’, you have had an eclectic journey throughout your career, recording punk and more. Growing up, what were some of your musical influences?
Mariann Rosa – I got into rock n roll early! I started my first rock group in my small village of Stryn (7000 people) when I was 13 years old. It was after hearing Nirvana’s album Nevermind that it got to me. When I was 14 I was in a band and had started snowboarding. Seeing snowboard movies, I got influenced and knowledgeable of sub-music groups such as Bad Religion, The Sugarcubes, Helmet, Dinosaur Jr., Hole, Fugazi, etc. The hills were full of boys with good taste for trashy music. That really inspired me! So thanks BOYS!! I also always loved Elvis Presley, David Bowie and Madonna since I was a kid. Today I listen to so many different genres of music – jazz, deep house, rock, garage, soul, funk and old school hip-hop. It’s a big mash up!
You were with the band Surferosa for a number of years. How has the experience of performing and recording with them transferred over to what you’re doing now in terms of sonically and creatively?
Mariann Rosa – It’s totally different, because I work alone… I’m a social person, so it was very strange in the beginning working on my own, no management, no booking, no label, no anything, just me. And it still is, because I run everything. After travelling to London for 2-3 years searching for the “right” producers, I found the duo Zebra1, Tim Hawes and Obi Mhondera outside of London, in Ash Vale. WOW!!! So happy that happened. It’s like falling in love…you just know it’s right there and then. We have now worked together for 2 years. The single ‘Banjo For My Bitches’ was the trigger that started everything off! I knew I had found my own Mariann-ish sound!
When did you first develop your love of performance?
Mariann Rosa – Hmmm…when I was 5. I had my first concert at Ulstein Hotel. He he! Must admit I loved it from the first second!
Although you are extremely well known in Norway, when you first entered the industry, was there any resistance considering that you wanted to push the boundaries, or did people warm to you straight away?
Mariann Rosa – Nope. It was hardcore…people in the industry didn’t take my band Surferosa seriously in the beginning. We never got signed in Norway, but in Sweden, UK, Italy and Japan! That says it all actually! But after some years of touring our arses off and releasing 3 albums + EP’s in Norway and abroad, the Norwegian music industry started to get a grip of what we were doing and that we were a hardworking, FUN band! In the end we were headlining big festivals and sold out all venues on our tours! Pretty cool, yeah! It was 10 amazing and crazy years! We would never survive without our fans! NEVER!!!
You are clearly visually striking. Another one of your claims to fame is your fashion flair, which has actually earned you numerous awards. I am right to assume that similar to your music, fashion is another medium to push the levels of creativity?
Mariann Rosa – My opinion is that music helps to build the visuals and the other way around. They are so connected and important to each other! I could never just do music. I love the idea of building an army of images around my songs and my stage persona. It all reflects me as a person! Bolsy, fun and living life to the fullest!! I love to work with other creative humans, and they inspire me so much! Fashion/design + music = MARIANN ROSA world!
Your song ‘Banjo For My Bitches’ deals with overcoming emotional hurt. What motivated you to write the track?
Mariann Rosa – Things I went through in the period of 2012. It was a very difficult year for me. I’ve never been so hurt and in pain EVER. So the inspiration to write ‘Banjo For My Bitches’ came from that. I remember my producers asked me how I felt, and I don’t lie, so I said “like SHIT!”, then we recorded this song. Hopefully it can give other people in a soar and painful situation comfort and maybe power! Who knows! It helped me to move on, and I fucking did!
During your creative process, do you first decide where you want to go musically and then began the songwriting process or is it the other way around?
Mariann Rosa – I’ve been into music since I was a baby! When I was 13, around the rock n roll band startup, I started to write lyrics. I had to because we always recorded our new songs. They needed to be done, 100%. I also play keyboard and read notes. When I was 7-8 years old I started to play classical piano. Piano is my favorite instrument after my vocals 😉 He he! The sound of the woods….Mmm! It’s hard to describe! Being able to play synth, it gives me an opportunity to create weird hooks and make them mine!
In the studio we play around a lot. There is freedom and no boundaries, which is healthy for creativity. I always start with the drums and work my way from there!
I know that you have a mini-album forthcoming on your label POPJOY. What prompted you to launch your own imprint and what can fans expect with your new release?
Mariann Rosa – I didn’t want to be locked up in the beginning of creating my sound and world. That’s why I wanted to release it on my own label. It’s exciting to do it yourself! You learn so much. I want to own my “babies”! But a distribution deal would be elegant and nice for my music. We’ll see! I’m proud to announce that my first single is to be released on POPJOY Records, my very own! Yes, I am proud!
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