When we remember ourselves | Interview with AURORA

“I don’t want to write sad songs only to make people sad... But I want people to know that it’s not dangerous to cry or think of something sad for a while. It’s easier to think about it through a song... It’s like taking medicine with a teaspoon of sugar.”

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If you are familiar with Aurora's music, then you know that she loves to weave invisible threads where it seems like there's no meeting point. That's why her musical world is full of unexpected encounters, strange mysticism, and genuine emotions. Although the Norwegian singer-songwriter never shies away from emotional vulnerability in front of her audience, as the above quote tells us, her music is never lacking in "sweetness," a spark of hope, and the belief that there's something worth fighting for around every corner.

That's why her music is, first and foremost, an excursion into the human soul, an attempt to find deep connections between human emotions and nature. Consequently, it’s not surprising that Aurora's creative initiatives often resonate with ecological awareness, the global geopolitical landscape, and human rights. Before her debut at Tbilisi Open Air, we decided to talk with her about her expectations and plans for meeting the Georgian audience.

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INDIGO: Firstly, I'm happy to see you performing in Georgia for the first time, as many excited fans eagerly await your arrival. How do you feel when visiting a new country where you'll be meeting your audience for the first time? Do you have any expectations regarding our country or its people?

AURORA: I rarely form any ideas about something or someone before I've experienced it myself. But I already expect I'll wish I had gone to Georgia sooner. I simply. Cannot. Wait.

INDIGO: Do the audience and their cultural or social characteristics influence your live performances? Or do you prefer to invite them into your musical world regardless of their background or familiarity with your music?

AURORA: The fact that people from different places are different makes touring so exciting and wonderful. At the end of every show, you see that in some strange way, we are all the same. We need the same things, and we feel the same things. It reminds me every day of how connected we are as human beings.

In some way, my universe belongs to every individual, and everyone is always welcome to belong to my world.

INDIGO: You've expressed an appreciation for music that is multi-dimensional, and your discography certainly reflects this. However, within this diversity, what is the primary message you aim to convey to your audience? What is the overarching or most significant message that your music carries?

AURORa: My music is a lot about deep connection: either to yourself, your worth as a human being regardless of who you are, knowing when we need to sit down for a moment and appreciate how lucky we are, and knowing when we need to tune into the pain of the world and be more connected to each other.

It's about a deep connection to the earth, nature, and everything. I love human beings when we remember who we are.

INDIGO: Your music draws primary inspiration from the essence and vibrations of nature. Could you elaborate on how this influence manifests when you're composing or recording your songs? What environment do you find ideal for feeling inspired and empowered to craft music that delivers a message?

AURORA: I love to be alone with my thoughts in silence. I prefer not to listen to much music because the music I find most important comes from somewhere deep within. However, some songs require different moods and different sides of my being, so sometimes I need to go hunting for the right places!

INDIGO: A few years ago, you mentioned your plan to create eight albums or chapters throughout your life. It's an intriguing concept. Do you have a specific idea of what each album or chapter should represent, or do you allow it to unfold naturally when the time comes? What can we expect from you shortly? What are your upcoming plans?

AURORA: Yes, this is correct. I have only eight things to say, and now I've said four of them. I think of it as eight chapters, and some chapters might contain several albums. I already have a certain idea of what the eight things are, but I know some of them might require a more mature and experienced AURORA to truly understand well enough to write about. So I give myself a lot of space and freedom to address my eight things however feels right at the moment.

It's so exciting.

It gives me so much joy.

You all have to wait patiently to find out what they are. It will all make sense one day.

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We remind you that AURORA will perform on the main stage of TOA 2024 on June 21.