Diandra Interviews Elise Eriksen: Put A Smile On
Hailing from Norway, Elise Eriksen is quickly becoming an international star, but that latter part seems destined. With a father that is an acclaimed DJ/, she understands the workings of a song and the power of dedication. For her, you never stop putting effort even after your success. In out interview, Elise discusses what her new music video “Smile,” and how her family, Norwegian culture, and a love that is fun have given her reasons to do so.
Diandra What was the inspiration behind the video “Smile”?
Elise Eriksen: I wanted the video of “Smile” to be shot in my hometown to show the beauty of Norway because I think it’s important to show where I come from and revisit my roots. So, the video for “Smile” is all about appreciating Norwegian nature and just kind of getting to know me and seeing where I’m from.
Diandra: What are the things that make you smile?
Elise Eriksen: I would say that would be my family, my friends, my dogs, and traveling. For sure!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2sbkPa-qt0
Diandra: What is your favorite family memory with music?
Elise Eriksen: I think it would be getting to sit in the studio and watch my dad work with artists that I look up to and seeing how confident and good at his job he is. It’s so inspiring to see him in such a different setting. I’ve loved growing up and watching him work and collaborate and making beautiful things.
Diandra: You describe yourself as fun, and love to go to concerts for fun. What have been a few of the funnest concerts you have ever seen and why?
Elise Eriksen: I would say the most fun concert I’ve been to would be Coachella. It’s just the whole environment, you know: the colors, the artists who perform, the experience of being there… It was just such a good time. I miss big crowds of people. And I love that. I love that kind of energy.
Diandra: What is the best advice your dad gave you in terms of becoming an artist/ person?
Elise Eriksen: I think the thing that he said that really stuck out to me was, “no matter how good you get, work even harder.” Because it’s so true. I mean, if you take what you have for granted, people won’t want to work with you and you won’t be as motivated if you stop working. I think that if you really want something done, you have to work for it yourself and show that you really want things. There’s no better way than to work your ass off.
Diandra: Smile is about putting on a facade. How do you measure who you can reveal or trust to show who you really are?
Elise Eriksen: I think, because I grew up in the industry, there are both blessings and curses that come with that, because there are very high expectations considering who I grew up with. And, although I appreciate the help so much, it’s difficult when people expect something so large from you when you’re so young. I mean, this pressure can be good too, but it’s easy to get nervous and stressed out. And I think that “Smile” kind of also speaks on that, because you kind of put on this “Oh, I got this, I can do it” attitude, but deep inside you do get worried and nervous. So that’s been a big part of my life and part of the inspiration, too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbFOdZPzRqQ
Diandra: You said it is important to do things that help you feel in touch with yourself. How does music help you do that, and what is something you have discovered and loved about yourself through music?
Elise Eriksen: Well, to answer the first part, I think that songwriting, being able to play the piano, and singing have helped me do that… I think that being able to start from scratch and just write how you’re feeling, and explore your emotions in music has been, honestly, a healing process. Even though your words don’t speak directly about what’s bothering you, or what’s going on, I still think that tone and the way you sing and perform can really be therapeutic. Since you can’t really be in person with your friends a lot, I think that writing things down and making them into art is the best way to really get in touch with yourself.
I’ve discovered that conveying emotion doesn’t only come from your voice, but also from the music itself such as, my piano playing. I’ve always loved playing piano, but it’s difficult. Once you get a solid foundation, you kind of learn to play with the emotion, and what chords, or what melody may convey sadness or happiness. I think that I’ve learned how to really share how I’m feeling, even just through my piano playing, so that every part of my song aligns.
Diandra: What is a movie, tv show, or book you would turn into a concept album? Why and what would be a core theme or character’s perspective you would take?
Elise Eriksen: That’s a tricky one! I know there’s music to it, but I would say A Star Is Born because it does speak about coming from nothing and, you know, succeeding against the odds. I think that that would be a super interesting thing to think about because it’s about someone who comes from nothing, and how just one other person can completely change your life. And the movie also speaks about mental health awareness, which I think is a really important thing, and is overlooked today. Especially with the pandemic, I think that a lot of people are struggling. So, it would be important to touch on that as well; in whatever it was I were to make.
Diandra: What is an album you would turn into a movie and who would you cast? What would be the premise?
Elise Eriksen: Hmm… I have a good one, actually! Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd. I love Pink Floyd, I’m a huge fan. I think that that movie would be kind of psychedelic, and cool and different. I would cast Jared Leto as lead, and then I would have the clothing be just the craziest Gucci pieces that you can imagine, because I know he’s sponsored by them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbS43-LdzyE
Diandra: You have said that that hardest part of songwriting is putting an image in your head. What are some of your favorite songs in terms of images and storytelling? Why?
Elise Eriksen: “Landslide,” definitely “Landslide,” because it’s not speaking about an actual, you know, natural disaster. It’s speaking about a relationship and the way that that’s portrayed as a natural disaster. I think that that’s super interesting, and a really cool way to speak about some things that you probably wouldn’t compare on a regular basis. The songwriting there is just fantastic.
Diandra:Your dream collab is with Travis Scott. What is a theme you would love to do a track with him about? How do you envision that song?
Elise Eriksen: I’ve always wanted to be a part of as many genres as I can. And although I can’t rap, having a song with some rap influence or R&B influence would be amazing. And he has such a distinctive way of producing his songs with really cool types of reverb. His production is awesome. I would envision the song to be kind of psychedelic but also incorporating the rap and R&B side into it.
Diandra: You loved working with Julia Michaels because of how she captures relationships in her songwriting. What about relationships rings true to you, and what is something you seek to love in someone versus you hope they love about you?
Elise Eriksen: Well, in the relationship I’m currently in, what I do love is that you have a best friend, as well. I think that’s the most important thing, that it’s not just physical attraction, but it’s someone that you can confide in and have fun with, and, you know, just makes your everyday life a little bit better. I think that that’s something that I look in for other people, someone that I would also have as my friend, regardless of if I “like” them or not. I hope people look for that in me, too. I don’t want to be in a relationship where I don’t enjoy talking to the person every day or don’t want to spend every moment with them.
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