Astrid S

Growing up, I'd never heard of any female producers or songwriters. I didn't know you could be a girl and produce, which is terrible.

You really notice how you're growing when you go on tour. To be able to tour around the world, and do bigger venues every year, is really, really cool.

In Norway, everyone knows everyone, and everyone is very supportive of each other. If there is anyone new, or a new song is coming out, everyone will probably know about it.

Sometimes you might feel like you're not good enough or unique enough, but everyone is! Everyone has different personalities.

I went to a soccer high school, and it was really different to being on 'Idol.' So I decided to quit school, and I put all my energy into music, and things started to happen.

Anything can become a big tune in Scandinavia because people decide what they want to listen to. So I think that's very motivating because songwriters can really think outside the box. A great song - whether or not it's radio-friendly - can really blow up here.

I think I just have to be myself. No one can write the songs I do, and no one can sing the way I do - I believe that's important for every artist to remember.

I just want to make good music, and as long as I'm happy with it, the charting isn't that important to me. Although, the best feeling is having a song you're very happy with and also having it at Number One!

I'm very involved in the production of my songs. I know what I like and what I don't like.

There's always a party ending every day but also a new one being made. They are just chapters in our lives, ending and beginning.

I would love to do some collaborations for my album - the more the merrier! It's fun to experiment and get to tap into different genres and sounds through collaborations.

I love doing concerts, and I think my songs get another expression and energy when they are being played live.