Norwegian artist Herkedal has already made a name for himself in his homeland, where he won the TV show IDOL with a mix of original material and inspired covers of songs by RY X and Tom Odell. A big attraction of Herkedal is his ability and range of vocals, shifting from Baritone to soulful high notes.

He is now introducing himself to a wider European audience with new single ‘When Heaven Calls’ and upcoming EP ‘Wild Raspberries & Plum Trees’. This week, we caught up with him to find some further information about him as an artist.

Hey, thanks for talking to us, tell us about your new single ‘When Heaven Calls’ and the inspiration behind it?

I’m really inspired by music from the past, and wanted to make something «grand». The title « When Heaven Calls» came to me when I worked in healthcare and one woman on her deathbed asked me to go and listen to a symphony for her. 

What music did you grow up listening to and were you from a musical background?

I grew up listening a lot to Jazz and classical music. I also did a lot of classical music at a young age myself.

You won the TV Show ‘IDOL’ in your home country of Norway - what was that experience like and what did you learn about it?

Winning IDOL was really such an experience. I grew alot as a person during this period of my life. I started believing more in myself and that music is something I could do for a living.

 Your debut EP ‘Wild Raspberries & Plum Trees’ is coming out on the 8th September - what can you tell us about it?

Wild Raspberries & Plum Trees is a picture  of my grandma's garden. Endless summers as a child at her house up in the mountains in the West of Norway. The EP is about growing up, loss and love. 

When you’re writing songs does the melody come first or lyrics?

The melody absolutely comes first to me, but I often have a title for the song when I start with melodies.

Who would you say is your greatest inspiration musically?

I think my biggest inspiration in music is Nina Simone! Her voice and presence on stage is truly so special.

If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be and why?

I would love to have a collaboration with «Laufey» and also Holly Humberstone and also Lizzy McAlpine hehe!

Have you got any plans to come to the UK to perform?

I hope to come and play in the UK as soon as possible!!

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and Managing Director of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.