image//aki-pekka sinikoski words//mike boone

Annie, or Anne Lilia Berge Strand, is a Norwegian pop artist/DJ who fuses the catchy hooks of popular music with some of the stranger aspects of more experimental music. We spoke to this genre-breaking artist about everything from her record label to spirituality.

Annie – My Love Is Better [Sunkh Knight Remix]

You frequently use the term “pop with strange edges” to describe your music. Would you mind going into a little more detail?

Hmm… I’m not that good describing my music, but it’s definitely not straight-up pop music. Someone once said it had strange edges to it, and that’s the way I see it too…

Your music obviously comes from a diverse range of inspirations. What kind of stuff were you into as a kid?

I was listening to a lot of different stuff. For a while, I was listening to a lot of hip hop. And had a lot of records by Public Enemy, 2 Live Crew, Dr. Dre, and so on. And then, of course, I was listening to Shannon, Pet Shop Boys, and even A-ha… I’ve always been inspired by a lot of different sounds.

You’ve done collaborative work in the past, but most of your music has been a solo effort. Is there any specific reason for that?

When I start making a song, I usually think about everything from the production to lyrical melodies and so on. And I always think it’s easier to work alone from the the start–to develop the song on my own. But I usually always work with a producer when I have a certain idea about a song, so it’s never only me alone in the end.

When you tour, is there anywhere you absolutely need to play?

I really enjoy playing gigs in Seattle and in Tokyo–that’s a lot of fun!

If you could pick one emerging artist to watch in the coming year, who would it be?

I really like this band from Bergen called Denga Denga. You should check them out.

Is it difficult to manage your own music and at the same time operate your record label, Totally Records?

It’s not the easiest part. And I’m maybe not the best businessperson in the world. But I’m happy to have a good manager who helps me out. And I’ve learned a lot on the way, so I’m getting better.

For a couple of years, I dreamed about being a archeologist. I was spending a lot of time digging in the ground… for hours, looking for old viking swords, and so on. I remember digging somewhere outside the house where my mother lived and this woman–a singing teacher (can you say that in English?)–came by and said to me, “You have a really amazing voice. You should be a singer.” I was 7 years old. But I was not so good digging, and didn’t have much luck with the viking swords… So I started singing instead.

Are you more of a cat person or a dog person?

My cat Joey just passed away 2 weeks ago. She was the best cat I’ve ever had, and I loved her so much. I really love animals, but I guess I’m more a cat person.

What’s the strangest thing that has inspired you?

I sometimes listen to really terrible music, like Europop. And it can inspire me to do songs on my own… it’s a bit weird. It’s like minus minus becomes +.

Do you think it’s important to be spiritually in touch in some way?

Personally, I think so, yes. I really believe that if you think positively and try your best, there will be good things coming your way.

What’s next for you?

There will be 3 singles out really soon. And I’m also writing some new tracks at the moment. So a lot of stuff is happening…