Norwegian artist (both a musician and painter), Silje Steine, has quickly caught our attention with her debut release – a single titled “Soft Entrance”. We were hooked after our first listen and found that our captivation increased with each repeat listen. We believe that this song will lift your spirits upon your first listen; that it will become a firm favourite after your second listen; and, by your third listen, you’ll be a dedicated fan eagerly anticipating Silje’s forthcoming debut album.

We’ve interviewed Silje to gain more insight into the song, her artistic vision, and her influences. Discover Silje’s music and mark our words as we recommend her as an artist with incredible promise.

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Hi, Silje. We’re very impressed with your song “Soft Entrance” – what is the story behind the song, and are there any additional meanings that it holds?
“Soft Entrance” is one of the first songs I wrote. When I decided to make my own music, I wasn’t sure where to start, but figured I could try to make songs out of some poems I’d written. So I started by combining two poems about a relationship I had. The first poem I wrote is what ended up being the bridge of the song. “Please don’t let this be another short term love with a long term heartbreak” described the fear I had at the beginning of the relationship when I had developed feelings for the other person, but was scared that they wouldn’t feel the same. I’ve had several experiences where I’ve been rejected as soon as I fell for them, and then spent forever getting over it. The other poem I wrote was what ended up being the first verse, chorus and ending of the song. It was written a few months into the relationship, where I finally felt safe enough to share my feelings and open up for the first time in a long time. Therefore it’s a song that captures that delicate dance between the desire for connection and the fear of being hurt again. The relationship didn’t end up lasting, but it taught me that it was worth it to be vulnerable.

What other artists – both in terms of musical artists, as well as the broader meaning of the word in terms of – influence your sound and style?
Artists that have influenced both my sound and my approach to writing are Taylor Swift, boygenius, Billie Eilish and Halsey. Joni Mitchell is also an inspiration, as both a painter and musician. I love how they’re all very honest when they write and how the lyrics are an important part of their music. Their music has helped me a lot by putting words to experiences I wouldn’t otherwise know how to describe or even know that others felt too. My goal with this project has been to turn all my repressed thoughts and feelings into art. It can be quite scary to open up to the world by sharing the deepest, darkest parts of you, but knowing that others have done it before me and been praised for it, has helped me dare to be vulnerable.


What heroes/role models do you have, and how do they inspire you and your creativity?
Taylor Swift has been a role model for me since I was 15 years old, and continues to inspire me. She’s had to overcome many hurdles in her career, but she has never stopped making art and continues to work hard towards her goals. Another role model for me is my aunt. She’s never been married and doesn’t have kids, but has chosen to live a life outside of society’s standard of what women should do. She has travelled the world while still having a good relationship with her family and maintaining a close friend group. As someone who also doesn’t feel like a traditional life of settling down and starting a family is the right choice, she’s been an important example of how to create a life that is meaningful, completely on your own terms.

What impacts do you hope that your music may have? Are there any messages you’d like to share with others?
I hope that I can inspire others in the same way my inspirations have helped me, by using music as a format to describe thoughts and feelings that are hard to express otherwise. Writing songs has been an important outlet for me, and I hope that people will continue to want to listen. If people relate to my experiences, it would mean a lot to be able to connect with them through the world of music.


It’s still early on in the year. What plans do you have for the rest of 2024?
“Soft Entrance” is only the first single from a 12 track album. I plan on releasing four more singles leading up to the summer, and then the full album will be out in August. I hope to play more live shows throughout the year, but I have yet to find a band to play with me, so for now it’s only me and my guitar at open mic nights. One of my main goals for 2024 is to get better at playing the guitar, so I’m dedicating time every day to practice. I’m also continuously writing songs for future projects. Since I’m still at the very start of my music career, I’m just going to put myself out there and network as much as possible, and then see where it takes me.

Silje Steine: Instagram & Website