Aurora Aksnes is keenly aware of the challenges of being both a musician and an activist. Ten years ago, it was simply a trendy multi-hyphenate title that people proudly displayed on social media. Today, the context is entirely different. She describes the current social environment as a form of collective unease, where public political expression feels unusual or even suspect.
“People are more afraid of activists than of the world dying or war. Isn’t that remarkable?” she says, her voice brimming with genuine surprise.
She explains that the complexity of activism depends on who is speaking. For instance, Bob Vylan’s calls regarding Palestine received contrasting reactions. Generally, when a young white woman speaks, people accept it; a Black man, however, faces a very different response.
“It’s disheartening how people fear connecting with those challenging the great forces of the world. It makes us weak,” Aurora observes. After Vylan’s Glastonbury performance, where frontman Bobby Vylan chanted “Death to the IDF,” their agent dropped them, and the US tour was cancelled. Nevertheless, many in the public and fellow artists showed support.
In London’s Independent office, the 29-year-old appears bright, pale, and somewhat otherworldly. Her music carries the elemental essence of Florence Welch, the inventive spark of early Grimes, and her own unique, ethereal quality.
“To avoid using your voice simply because it’s uncomfortable? That denies a vital part of your humanity,” she says.
She is in London to promote her Union Chapel show for War Child on 10 December, divided into Dusk, exploring activism and human strength, and Dawn, inspiring audiences with hope and renewal.
She remarks, “The loss of sensitivity is the greatest enemy. Social media dulls people’s minds.” She explains how the juxtaposition of real war footage with makeup tutorials numbs viewers.
She adds, “War Child has assisted 180,000 children in Palestine. That is the size of my city. That’s many lives.”
Aurora still lives in Bergen and grew up listening to Leonard Cohen, Enya, and Nina Simone. “If done right, your voice lasts forever. But it is a pity if it only speaks trivialities.”
Excited to return home, she looks forward to exploring a new creative phase with a broken piano. “I’m eager to see what shape it will take.”
Source- Total Entertainment.UK
AJ