INTERVIEW
We are now landing in Norway, to talk to one of the best new artists rising in the country's music scene. His music is very infectious: there is no way you can listen to one of his songs without wanting to repeat it over and over again! These are our 10 questions for Henrik Høven:
Sounds European!: We always like to start our interviews by getting to know artists' influences. Who were your music idols when you were a kid? What did you like to listen? And do you feel they influenced, in any way, your current work as an artist?
Henrik Høven: When I was a kid, I loved to listen to the king of pop Michael Jackson, and I still do. I definitely get a lot of inspiration from Michael Jackson's music.
SE!: What are your first memories with singing? At what age did you start? Who were the first ones to notice your talent? And how did you start singing professionally?
HH: I started singing when I was very young. I don't remember how old I was the first time, but I guess I was around three years old. I think my parents were the first ones to notice my talent. I remember I started in a music school, where the teachers saw my potentials and helped me make music and taught me different types of instruments, such as piano and guitar.
SE!: You took part of Melodi Grand Prix Junior in 2013, with "Når jeg ser på deg". What can you tell us about that experience? And would you ever consider taking part of the adult version of Melodi Grand Prix?
HH: Melodi Grand Prix Junior was definitely one of the biggest things I've ever experienced. Grand Prix was in many ways the start of my music career, and I got the chance to play concerts all around Norway. But I don't know if I will take part of Melodi Grand Prix again.
SE!: After your participation on MGPjr, it took you two years to release a new single, "Ungettable girl". What have you done during this period? And what kind of preparations did you go through before the new release?
HH: During the period, I was working a lot in the studio and doing concerts. It took a looooong time before I got finished with "Ungettable girl", so that's also one of the reasons why it took so long to release the song.
SE!: On the other hand, after "Ungettable girl", you have been very prolific. And your singles have received very positive feedback, both from the press and the audience. How does it feel to have your work well received, and knowing people around the world love your music? And how is your relationship with your fan base?
HH: One of the best things with releasing new music is the positive feedback I get, and it's amazing knowing that people like my music. All of my listeners and fans are the most important to me. I love meeting them and chatting with them online – it makes me so happy, and I get a lot of positive inspiration to bring back to the studio.
"Music for me is all about having a great time and enjoying life" (Picture: official Facebook page)
SE!: How would you define your music, in style and genre? And what would you like people to feel while listening to your songs?
HH: I would say that my style for most of the time is R&B, but I also like to make trap and more poppy music. While listening to my songs, all I wish is to make people dance and have fun. Music for me is all about having a great time and enjoying life.
SE!: What are your professional projects for the near future? What can your fans expect from you in 2018?
HH: I make music in the studio all the time, so people can definitely expect a lot of new music in the future.
SE!: Going further, what are your long-term dreams? What would you like to achieve in your career?
HH: I love to perform on stage. In the future, I would love to perform on bigger stages and meet even more of my fans.
SE!: If you could choose anyone, who would be some Norwegian and international artists you would like to collaborate with?
HH: That's a hard question. There are so many talented artists out there! I think I would like to collaborate with Justin Bieber or Post Malone. They both have amazing voices and I love their music.
SE!: We would like to finish this interview with a song of yours. What is your favorite song by Henrik Høven, and why?
HH: I think I like my newest song "All day" the best. It has such a great energy and power, and I really like to dance to the song.
