Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I’m an adult man living in a large house with my cat. I play guitar and sing, and we both share an above-average love for music. In my daily life, I teach guitar and band to children and young adults. I started playing guitar at around 12 years old. The guitar hung on the wall in our home in Koppang, a small place in Norway, and it belonged to my father. Growing up in Koppang, I had a free and fulfilling childhood surrounded by nature. That sense of freedom and connection to nature has helped shape my creativity. My interest in music later brought me to Oslo, the capital of Norway, and from there to studies at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts in the UK.
Our record collection at home was relatively limited, but it contained a lot of high-quality music which, along with the freedom I experienced, helped shape my musical understanding and direction. I can mention The Beatles, ABBA, Bob Marley, The Shadows, and Cliff Richard.
My older sister shared my interest in music. Throughout the 1980s, we greatly enjoyed making mixtapes by recording songs from the radio when they played chart hits. I still remember how frustrating it was when the host started talking before the song had fully finished—we had to hear the whole thing.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Håvard Øieroset”?
A: I will be working on getting my songs placed on playlists and radio. In addition, I’ll continue sharing both big and small moments through my social media. Right now, my main focus is on my release concert for my debut album, which comes out on April 24. I’ll also work to ensure that everyone attending has a great and enjoyable experience. If the audience likes it, they will hopefully share their enthusiasm with their friends.
My message to those who are about to discover me is: you are not alone. I’m an artist who communicates heartfelt and original music inspired by observations I’ve made throughout my life so far. I believe my songs can spark thoughts and reflections about the listener’s own life experiences.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Right now, it’s Tom Misch’s new album Full Circle that inspires me the most. It’s his personal and honest expression that resonates with me.
I find a lot of inspiration for making music through my work as a guitar teacher. My students sometimes ask to learn songs I wouldn’t have thought to teach myself. That way, I’m introduced to different artists and songs that can give me fresh inspiration to further develop my own material.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Facing My Own.”?
A: It’s as simple – and as difficult – as this: at one point, when I found myself in a low moment in life’s ups and downs, I tried to embrace that feeling. To accept the darkness. The darkness is also a part of me. This time, I was even able to use that feeling to write a song about it. I believe everyone experiences that darkness from time to time. Try to use it for something positive. Face yourself.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Elaborated.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Facing My Own”?
A: The lyrics came naturally once I had finished the chords and fingerpicking. The main challenge was creating something that could really pull at the soul as an outro. I wanted to create a sonic moment that could express a glimpse of hope within the experience of all that darkness.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: My music often reflects my own life experiences. Through that, I try to convey that it’s not scary to share your experiences and feelings with the world. It’s also wonderful if one or more listeners are left with the feeling that they are not alone in this world.
My main goal as an artist is to get out there and play more concerts – to become someone who is asked to perform, rather than someone who has to ask for opportunities.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: David Bowie. Rest in peace. What an artist. He had a unique ability to constantly reinvent himself over time. Just imagine sitting down and sketching out a song with such a legend.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Never give up. It’s never too late. There is a path for everyone. Stay curious. Turn over stones, talk to others, and be yourself.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Remember that what you have to offer is at least as interesting as what others present. Be less afraid, stay focused, and do a little every day.
