Siv’s ethereal voice and haunting songwriting brings forth a delicate and modern take on Scand inavian Folk, comparable with other nordic favorites Ane Brun and Susanne Sundfør. Her 2013 debut For Those I Used To Know is a fearless performance and a testament to her bold and honest songwriting. Siv is currently based in Oslo and New York, and enjoys performing throughout the East Coast of the US, as well as throughout Norway and Europe. A captivating live performer and inviting storyteller, her works have led her to win several songwriting awards. Growing popularity in the U.S. and in Europe, Siv’s next album will be released in early 2015.
Facts
Hard work, drive and determination is more important than talent.
Music and coffee is the centre of my universe.
There’s a norwegian delicacy that is basically salted, jellied fish. I’ve never dared to try it, but it’s apparently delicious / disgusting (depending on who you ask.)
Questions
What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
I am inspired by my own and other people’s lives, stories and sorrows. I tend to write music to try and understand a situation or person better, sometimes it’s a personal story and sometimes it’s completely fictive. But all my songs are very personal to me. As far as other artists go, I’m very inspired by Norwegian artist Ane Brun, as well as Laura Marling, Rachel Sermanni and Lucy Rose, to name a few.
How and when did you get into making music?
How and when did you get into making music?
I’ve been singing since I can remember, in choirs and in school. Then I got really serious about singing in my teens, and went to a music high school. But it wasn’t until I was in college, bought an acoustic guitar and started taking songwriting classes, that I realised that I wanted to have an artist-career as a songwriter, and not just as a singer.
What are your 5 favourite albums of all time?
Ane Brun – Changing of the Seasons / Live in Scand inavia (couldn’t pick just one of her albums, sorry!)
Rachel Sermanni – Under Mountains
Lucy Rose – Like I Used To
Laura Marling – Once I was An Eagle (really, all her albums are so inspirational.)
Liza Anne – The Colder Months
What do you associate with Berlin?
Art, culture, and an interrailing trip when I was 19.
What’s your favourite place in your town?
The lake in the forest by my house. It’s the most peaceful and beautiful spot.
If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
Hmm, that’s a difficult one. I’ve never had a plan B, but I guess I would be in theatre or something else creative.
What was the last record you bought?
B Sides by Adrianne Lenker and Buck Meek
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Ane Brun or Rachel Sermanni.
What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
As a performer it was this little gig in New York City at a place called Postcrypt Coffehouse. It’s in the basement of an old church – the acoustics were amazing, and the audience was so lovely and attentive.
As a spectator it was probably a show with Ane Brun in Boston a few years ago. It was so beautiful, and it was a pretty small venue, so it felt really intimate. Also seeing Lucy Rose live in Brooklyn was incredible, She’s very inspiring to me, and the stage had this beautiful art installation above the stage.
How important is technology to your creative process?
Not very important at all – I use my phone to record ideas on, but that’s about it.
Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career?
I don’t! I do have wonderfully supportive parents and friends.
Our Favourites:
Siv & Maddie – I’ve been looking for you (Acoustic)
Siv Jakobsen and Maddie Rice, “Intertwined”
Links: Soundcloud | Tumblr | Band camp
