Lise Olden

Musical Discoveries: Please tell us the details of your development as a musical artist leading up to your debut album.

Lise Olden: I think since I was a child I've been very into musicals and theatrical ways of using the voice. I like it when it sounds a bit dramatic.

What can you tell us about the making of your Waiting For The Full Moon album?

Some of the songs on the album are over fifteen years old now. Me and my wonderful producer on this album spent a lot of time in the studio to make it sound just right. There are seventeen musicians involved in the process.

I hear the music in my head and try to record the idea on my cellphone so I don't forget it. Then when I have the time, I sit down by the piano and try and put chords and lyrics to the music.

And from there on the arrangements just pops up in my mind. Often while I'm driving my car or in the shower. I think it is because of the monotonic sound from the car that sounds like a deep organ tone, or something like that.

What have been the turning points in your career thus far?

A turning point for me was definitely when I played the main character in the musical Which Witch, and then of course when I released my first album.

Were there any particular female vocalists that influenced you during your professional development?

They have been Benedicte Adrian, Sarah Brightman, Tori Amos, Laleh, Kate Bush and Candice Night.

Although it has been a few years since the release, how was Waiting For The Full Moon received internationally?

I've gotten a lot of attention from different parts of the USA and in 2009 I was invited to do a small tour in Seattle. Would love to go back there. It was great fun and the people I meet I absolutely fell in love with.

I also get e-mails from people who show interest in my music from Germany, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Would love to go and perform if invited to any of these countries.

What can you tell us about your live performances?

For me performing is like getting a healing, or cleansing of the soul. Music is what emotions sound like.

When I perform I kind of disappear in it, I loose myself a bit and time stops.

When I see videos of my performances, I'm surprised to see that I jump around alot. Like my singing, I'm a bit dramatic on stage as well I think.

Would you please fill us in on your new project.

Right now, I'm recording with some of Norways finest musicians. Songs that has had a great influence on me from childhood, until now. We record the songs live in studio, no reahearsing. We have a key and tempo and then we just start playing and see what happens. It's very spontaneous.

The musicians are so good at giving space to each other and to claim space when it sounds good to do so. Very exiting way to work. It's been a dream of mine for along time to record these songs, they mean a lot to me.

What are your personal views regarding an "image" to a female recording artist these days?

It is very important I think, just look at lady gaga and Madonna! But i´m no expert at building a perfect image. It costs a lot of money and you really have to work hard to build a brand.

Since I don't have people around me to do so, or the money, I just try to write music I like, and take pictures that presents me and my music.

How important have the various internet outlets been to your career so far?

It is my understanding that MySpace helps me get in contact with people that is into the same music as me.

In addition to music, what else rocks your world these days?

I love to travel and experience new places, meet new people, experience their culture, taste different food.

I love to work out and eat healthy. But most important spend time with friends and family.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell our readers before we end?

If you haven't checked out Blackmore's Night or any of the other female singers I mentioned earlier, I recommend them. The musical Which Witch is also amazing. Check it out!