Gulla conveys strength on her new album "My Sister". The outspoken rapper believes in the power of music to contribute to change. - My main message is really just to love yourself and those around you - so I hope that many people can get behind that.
/ 13/12/2019 / Kristian DugstadName: Gulla Nordmoen
Current with: my sister (album)
TONO member since: 2018
Who really is Gulla?
Gulla is a 23-year-old girl from Drøbak who loves to create. She also loves animals and nature, and has a big dream of helping to save the world.
Tell us about your musical background?
I come from a family with a lot of music and theater, which I have always loved. When I was eight years old, I went to my first audition for Annie at Sentrum Scene. I got the role of the youngest orphanage girl, and after that I did several musicals and children's TV productions. I started teaching singing when I was nine, and continued doing so for almost ten years. At the same time, I taught myself to accompany myself on guitar and piano. Hip-hop, rap and R&B have always been the coolest music, so it was very natural that that was the world I wanted to explore.
You started seriously making music in 2016. What was the spark?
Good question! I think it was a feeling of "last chance", now or never. I had finished school, had traveled and "found my soul", so the next step was to figure out what I really wanted to do. I had no idea how I was going to do it, but I thought I could do it, haha.
Almost secretly, you taught yourself composition and production and wrote your lyrics?
Yes, you could say that. I downloaded a tutorial in Logic and started teaching myself what music production is. I didn't get any training in any way, but I'm still doing it. Writing came very naturally because I've always loved writing and playing with words.
How did it feel to embark on an artistic career? It must have been a steep learning curve?
Absolutely crazy!! I've been allowed to learn so much. It's an absurd position to be in, because you really have no idea what you're doing, and then you're the one who has to make decisions and decide how things should sound. But I've had a lot of guidance and help from x-number of good people.
You already had a debut album, "Y", in your bag at the age of two. How early did you realize that you wanted to pursue music?
I think I always knew I was going to work in something creative, but doing hip-hop and rap seemed really... difficult? But once I found out that it didn't have to be that difficult, it was an easy choice.
On Friday, December 6th, you released your second album, "My Sister." How does it feel now that a week has passed?
It feels amazing and scary at the same time! It's really nice to have all the nice comments and love, while also testing my need for control. But most of all, it's really nice to put a project that I've been working on for so long behind me.
The album kicks ass. It's both angry and hurtful, outrageous and moving. What do you hope the listener is left with?
I hope that you are left with a lot of different associations and thoughts. Maybe that you feel like talking about the theme with someone? I also hope that you can listen to it and feel bold, cool, vulnerable and curious.
Is it scary to be so honest, without a filter?
Both yes and no. I'm quite outspoken from the start and I love to reflect on most things with the people I'm around, so it's very natural to address this theme in my music. At the same time, I'm a wider range of people with different backgrounds and experiences. But my main message is really just to love yourself and those around you – so I hope that many people can get behind that.
The story continues below the video.
On your latest song "store jenter gråter ikke" you have Ulrikke Falch. Like you, she is known for speaking her mind, but not for making music. What was it like to bring her into your songwriting world?
It was really nice! We talk about all sorts of topics before, so it wasn't anything new. Ulrikke has an absolutely fantastic head that is inspiring in all sorts of ways, so it didn't take long before I knew how to get her verse in place. It's also a big advantage that we know each other very well from before.
What does it take to inspire you to write a text?
I am very inspired by themes and concepts, the desire to make something more than just music. Being strong and independent is something I have always been – ever since I was 9 years old and made a list for the whole family on which days to do the laundry (sorry to my older siblings who had to join in). I am also very inspired by anything that provokes me and triggers my heart in some way.
Do you think music can create changes in society?
100%. Maybe not just the music itself, but attitudes, values and dialogue can create change. Personally, I have been very shaped by the artists I have grown up with.
Where and how do you write?
It often starts with me writing down keywords or an overarching theme that I'm curious about. Then I take this to friends, family and producers and talk about it, before writing all by myself in a quiet room. Other times I'll come into the studio with maybe one line for a hook or a verse and see what happens once we find a beat.
You are largely involved in producing your beats. Does a song start with lyrics or melody?
It varies! I don't think I've cracked the whole code of how I work best – maybe I never will. But I usually start with a mood or a feeling in my body – and see what comes first in terms of lyrics or melody. Other times I bring beats home that I write on.
Do you have any equipment or tools that are indispensable in the writing process?
No, not really. If I have coffee, food and my Mac, I'm good.
What is your career highlight so far?
It must be getting to a place where I have the opportunity to create what I want – and be confident that I can make music that is good in my eyes. It may sound obvious, but it has been a long road for me to become confident in the role of “artist”
Can you share your greatest music experience – as a listener?
It must be Jon Bellion at Rockefeller this fall! All the songs were turned upside down and he brought along amazing musicians who improvised on stage. Sooo cool.
Finally – Can you give us a tip for a Norwegian artist you listen to a lot these days?
Gabrielle!!! Her new album is absolutely fantastic. "Homeless in my own town" by Myra has also been on repeat all fall.