Hanne Mjoen is one of the leading voices coming out of Scandinavia at the moment - Norway to be exact - with a refreshingly positive outlook on pop, impressive lyrics and is taking strides to rise to the top of the pop game. 

With only a handful of songs tucked into her belt, including a recent collaboration with Dutch DJ Deepend on One Thing Left To Do and her crowning glory of a single Sounds Good To Me, Hanne's new to the scene right now but won't be for too long.  

We had a chat to the young Nordic star to get to know her a bit better.

Scandinavian pop such as yourself, Astrid S, Tove Styrke, MO and more is turning heads all over the world. What do you think is distinctive about your region’s pop sound?

I love how the world is looking to Scandinavia for new pop acts! We have a lot of winter, darkness and cold, and I think that makes us very melancholic when it comes to making music. And to be honest, we need some inside activity in the long dark winter, so we’re spending all our time in the studio! Also for me growing up, I listened a lot to radio, which was mostly dominated by top hits from America and the UK, so my generation has a good ear for pop, mixed with the melancholy.  

How did you connect with Deepend and what was the easier thing about working with him on One Thing Left To Do?

Deepend, or Falco, is a very chill and super nice guy, so working with him was very easy in general. We connected through social media, and I actually didn't meet him in person before we were going to shoot the video for One Thing Left To Do, it all happened online. 

Where do you see yourself and your career in five years ideally?

In five years I’ve released two albums, been on a worldwide tour, headlined Coachella, and bought a house in Spain and you’ll find me in the studio with my friends, and a homemade drink from my lemon tree. 

What kind of artists did you grow up listening to and do you have any influences that we wouldn’t expect from hearing your music?

I’ve always been a huge fan of Robyn and Dancing On My Own has been my main tune since it came out. Growing up in our house, we mainly listened to radio, and a lot of Britney Spears and A1 was coming out of my room. I listen a lot to Norwegian music sung in Norwegian actually, so for unexpected influences I would say Unge Ferrari. He has an urban sound, which is far far away from my sound. The last album has been stuck on repeat in my headphones the last couple of months. Also Norwegian group Karpe is a favourite at the moment.

Are you interested in any Australian artists and if so, who would you like to work with?

I usually don’t know what countries the artists I listen to are from, but according to Google many of my favourite artists are from Australia! I love Sia, Matt Corby, I’ve been a Kylie Minogue fan forever, and my favourite artist of all time; Troye Sivan. If I were to pick one artist to collaborate with, it would definitely be Troye. His voice, and songs, they’re just amazing.

Do you have plans for a full-length mixtape or album soon?

I really want to do an album, I have so many songs just waiting to be released, so hopefully I get to put out a full-length something next year. Right now it’s all about the singles, and giving each song maximum attention. I want to be able to do some stripped back songs too, but think it’ll have to wait.

What are you binge-watching on TV/streaming services right now?

I just binge-watched Breaking Bad, and the Norwegian series SKAM again, and now I’m just waiting for the next season of Stranger Things. Also big tip for visual inspiration, and great movie, watch Blade Runner 2049. I was stunned by the colours and lights on that one. 

Best place you’ve travelled and where is on the top of your bucket list?

Last Christmas I went to Bali, and stayed there for a month, the nature and heat is just amazing. We weere there around the rainy season, and compared to Norway, the weather and storms over there seems way more extreme, and it was beautiful and fascinating to watch how the nature can behave really. I really want to go to Australia, it’s actually on the top of my bucket list. I want to say hi to a kangaroo and a koala. I love to snowboard, so I really want to learn to surf too! Hopefully I get to tour there soon, and take some days off.