Astrid S Talks Patriotism, Pop Music, and “Ja vi elsker”
Photo by: Janne Rugland
Astrid S is a Norwegian singer-songwriter who rose to popularity in 2013 after her appearance on Norway’s version of Idol. A lifelong musician, Astrid has played flute in marching bands, is classically trained in piano, and is now a singer and songwriter. Recently, Astrid S released her interpretation of Norway’s nation anthem, “Ja vi elsker,” which she originally performed at the EFA Women’s Championship opening ceremony in Switzerland. Since, Norwegian sports fans have caused the performance to grow organically across social platforms. We got to chat with Astrid S about the new release, as well as her career over the last decade, her love of pop music, and how her culture influences her approach to her craft.
“Ja vi elsker” is pretty interesting; it’s not every day that an artist decides to release a rendition of their national anthem on streaming. What was your process there, and how did you decide how you wanted to approach it musically?
Last year, I was invited to perform the Norwegian national anthem at the opening match between Switzerland and Norway. I’ve always loved football, so the idea of traveling to Switzerland for the game already sounded exciting. But what made it even more special was that I was given complete creative freedom to reinterpret the anthem in my own way.
I’ve played it in a marching band throughout much of my childhood, so I knew from the beginning that I wanted to create a more intimate and stripped-back version that allowed the lyrics and emotion to come through in a different way. Seeing how strongly people connected with it afterwards—and how widely it spread online—was incredibly touching. I feel very humbled and grateful that the response was so positive.
Aside from this Norwegian track, would you say your identity influences your work overall? If so, how?
Absolutely. Growing up in a non-English-speaking country while listening almost exclusively to English-language music before fully understanding the lyrics makes you connect to music in a very melodic and emotional way first. I think that naturally shapes the way many Scandinavian artists approach songwriting.
Norwegian musical traditions are also deeply rooted in melody—from joik to folk music that can almost feel yodel-like in its expression. Beyond music itself, I think core Norwegian values like community, collaboration, and contributing to something bigger than yourself have really stayed with me throughout my career. That sense of togetherness is one of the things I value most about making music.
Your Spotify profile says you want to gain a global audience so you can “move somewhere warmer.” Jokes aside, if you were to go anywhere outside of Norway, where would you go and why?
Haha — probably somewhere with a larger music community. LA feels like the obvious answer in many ways, simply because so much of the industry is based there. But I’ve also heard really exciting things about the creative scene growing in Lisbon right now. Being able to make music, learn how to surf, and pick up a new language at the same time sounds pretty perfect to me!
You’re truly not new to music; you’ve been on various tours and worked on music with other artists, all while releasing your own work. Considering your career as a whole, what are some of your highlights?
Playing my first sold-out arena show in Oslo last year was definitely one of the biggest moments of my career so far. Seeing so many people come together to help bring my dream show to life felt incredibly emotional and surreal.
Another major highlight was my European tour in 2017. It’s still one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life, both personally and professionally.
Do you have a city or music festival you’d love to play?
I’m actually playing my first festival in Indonesia this year, which I’m really excited about. But beyond that, playing Glastonbury has always been a dream of mine—or honestly, even just getting to experience it as a guest someday.
What’s the best part about being a musician? Did you always know that this was your path?
The best part is how deeply music connects people. Especially in a time where there’s so much division, conflict, and polarization in the world, music can still bring people together through shared emotions and experiences.
No matter where we come from, we all know what it feels like to fall hopelessly in love, lose someone important to us, or experience heartbreak. There’s something really beautiful and comforting about that shared humanity.
If you had to guess, whose fans would love your music as well? Which artists would you say your work is most similar to sonically?
That’s such a difficult question. Hmmm. I’ve had such different eras, so I’m hoping there’s something for everyone who loves pop music in my catalog. I think fans of Troye Sivan and Addison Rae might be into the new stuff I’m making.
What are you personally listening to right now? Who are your OnesToWatch?
I’ve had Madonna’s Ray Of Light on repeat lately.
I’d also really recommend Carol Ades (Caroline Pennell), who I’ve written with many times. She recently started releasing music under her own artist project. She’s an incredible songwriter, hilarious, charismatic, and makes this really fun early-2000s-inspired indie «girly» pop that I absolutely love!
