2004 is becoming quite a year for young and talented Norwegian artists who have tried their luck in the United States. Sondre Lerche charmed the socks off all of his audiences during his spring tour, and Kurt Nilsen beat Kelly Clarkson and nine other Idol winners to become the World Idol on New Year’s Day.
But none of these young men from Bergen have managed to hit the charts. Only Maria Mena from Oslo has done that, with a top 15 spot on the singles’ sales list. Her album White Turns Blue sold 12,000 copies in its first week, an impressive feat that enabled the young singer to debut at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers best-selling new
albums chart.
Mmmbop'ers
In the dressing-room at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., the 18-year-old girl with a father from New York is warming up for the night’s performance. She is the opening act for Hanson, the three brothers who became famous for their hit Mmmbop in 1997. It is July 8, and Mena is slowly grasping the momentum of her rising stardom. She doesn’t seem too affected by it, though.
“You know,” she says, “this thing can blow off tomorrow. I have absolutely no expectations about hitting it big in the world. As long as I can make a living writing and performing music in Norway, I’ll be more than satisfied.”
Fortunately for her, her manager Robin Goodier and Sony Music, her record label, have set their goals higher.
As a result, Maria Mena became the first Norwegian artist ever to perform on the Latee Show with David Letterman.
18 and experienced
Although Mena is only 18, she is already becoming an experienced artist in Norway. She broke through at the tender age of 15 with My Lullaby, a heartfelt and honest reaction to her parents’ divorce.
“I write songs for myself,” she explains when asked why so many young girls associate with her lyrics.
“I’ve been through the normal teenage problems, and I think others can relate to that. My songs are therapy for me, and it makes me so glad to see that they can be of comfort to others as well.”
Modestly, she adds that her strengh lies in her lyrics, not her voice.
Raving reviews
American reviewers seem to disagree, praising the young Norwegian for both her lyrics, her melodies and her voice.
“Equal parts Michelle Branch and Alanis Morissette,” wrote Billboard magazine in its review of Mena’s new album White Turns Blue, adding that she was sure to “take on the world.”
USA Today’s reviewer applauded the Norwegian’s “unpretentious thoughtfulness and [her] delicate, breathy voice that captures youthful wonder and yearning.”
Bizarre
For Maria Mena, the whole thing is a bit bizarre.
“It is impossible for me to explain how it feels to be on the road like this to my friends back home,” she admits.
“Fortunately for me, my best friend Morten just came over to visit. It really helps to have someone here to share this with.”
The U.S. tour ends on August 16. Asia awaits in the fall, no doubt another unique experience for Mena. But for the 18-year-old, the most important thing is not how successful she becomes.
“I get to tell my grandkids that I traveled the world when I was 18. That’s a fantastic thing to have done.”