In this micro-interview feature, we get to know the most radicalist up & coming stars on the planet.

Life is moving at a dizzying clip for 19-year old Bergen native Aurora Aksnes aka AURORA. This fragile, curiously complex singer/songwriter already has adoring fans (including, rather wonderfully, Katy Perry) wrapped around her delicate, girlish fingers. But this is no child, and as demonstrated in the pitch-black pop belter ‘Murder Song’, AURORA’s wise words delve deeper than is frequently comfortable. We caught up with the Nordic enigma to learn more about what makes the girl with the softest voice wield such kick-ass power.

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TMR: There is such a depth of storytelling in your songs. How does the writing process unfold for you? Do lyrics come first, or the melody?

I always have the theme first. Most of my songs are written from something I've recently felt, or observed someone else feel. And the lyrics tend to come first. Especially now when I'm always traveling! I think it would be a bad idea to bring my piano. Unless I find a purse big enough to carry it of course.

TMR: Many have compared you to Björk – an enormous accolade. How do you feel about such comparisons with other artists?

Well, it's always dangerous to compare people with other people. I think artists should just be allowed to be artists. Of course we let ourselves be inspired by the people before us, but it's important that we are given time to grow and find our own way. I find it both lovely, frustrating and distracting to be compared to other people. And of course it's impossible not to be a bit honoured when people compare you to Bjørk. I admire her art, and her mind.

TMR: What song or album was your favourite growing up?

"Suzanne" by Leonard Cohen. Or any song by Enya. I really appreciated music that could calm me down as a child, I was very sensitive to noise.

TMR: Who or what experience has been the biggest inspiration for your music?

The who and the what is both just...everything and everyone. Many songs inspired by all people we've lost on our way. Music is a great friend in times of grief. Other songs from experiences on my own...but most of them from other people's experiences. I had a hard time accepting all the horrible things happening around us in the world as a child, and I thought a lot about it. Many songs have been born from those thoughts. People inspire me. I observe and then I write about it.

TMR: You’re 19 and have been making music since you were a kid. What do you think of the way TV shows eg X Factor attracts today’s young talent?

Well, I think it's a great opportunity!! There are so many wonderful talented people out there. And the only thing left is to be discovered! But it would not be right for me, I wouldn't like all the attention, the idea of getting known so quickly scares me. Even though all this is going pretty fast forward...at least I've had the time to grow and appreciate in the process of it all!!

TMR: What does the future hold for Aurora?

That is a scary question. I really have no idea....and it's almost scary to think about! But hopefully...a lot of Joy within music. More travelling, playing shows, meeting my fans! I wish to spend a lot of time in the studio, and release many albums. Many good albums. I want to move people. It's very important for me that I can be of any use.

AURORA’s upcoming single & album are out on Decca early next year. Best to get in early to buy tickets for her 2 Feb, 2016 gig at London's Union Chapel...it will sell out QUICK.

-Ayla Owen