Meet Jazz Singer Marlen Tjøsvoll, striking a pose at Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Kardamili International Jazz Festival, Norwegian jazz singer Marlen Tjøsvoll models my newest creation. Maurice handled the filming, and I did the editing.

From Norway’s chilly landscapes to Greece’s warm embrace, Marlen Tjøsvoll’s musical journey transcends borders. Our paths crossed at the Kardamili Jazz Festival, sparking a conversation that delved deep into the essence of her artistry.

Marlen shares insights into her musical origins, her transformative stint in the United States, and the allure of jazz in her life. She reflects candidly on challenges overcome and the evolution of her authentic sound.

„You have to press the pain points in your life in order to be happy. You cannot run away from your issues.“

Marlen Tjøsvoll

See and Listen to the Full-Length Video Featuring Marlen’s Vocals:

Interview With marlen Tjøsvoll

Marlen and I met in Greece at the Kardamili Jazz Festival. After talking about her music, our conversation soon evolved around the artistic journey in life, touching on how sometimes you have to go through deep valleys to emerge stronger on the other side and her experiences navigating the challenges of the music industry. Here’s what she had to share about her life, her art, and the unique experiences that have shaped her along the way.

Paula: Marlen, you come from the cold, northern landscapes of Norway. What drew you to the warm, southern shores of Greece?

Marlen: I discovered Kardamili as a performing artist at the Kardamili International Jazz Festival in 2017. I was invited by the Festival Manager in Norway and I fell in love with the area. This place feels very healing, like entering a spa.

Paula: What did you think of the village when you first got here and what do you love most about this village and its people?

Marlen: The village still feels quite authentic and offers a genuine experience where foreigners and locals mix well.

Paula: One spot in Kardamili that makes your heartbeat faster (or slower)?

Marlen: Ritza Beach. It’s a place of serenity. I spend a lot of time there. I even spend time knitting on the beach.

Paula: How did you get into knitting?

Marlen: I love everything that has to do with yarn!

Paula: You mentioned that your mother was the first to recognize your musical talent and your voice. What made you decide to pursue music studies?

Marlen: For four years, I studied vocal performance and songwriting in Boston in the United States. I chose this path because I wanted to be more than just a singer in a band; I wanted to control the entire process of making music. Studying these particular subjects allowed me to better communicate with my musicians and steer the artistic aspects of my music. It was always my wish to oversee the whole process.

Paula: How did you get into jazz, and what fascinates you most about this genre?

Marlen: Jazz came to me. When I was studying in the U.S. I wasn’t very into jazz, but being open to new experiences allowed it to come into my life.

Paula: It sounds like your journey with jazz was quite serendipitous. Can you tell us more about your experiences after graduating?

Marlen: After I graduated, I had the incredible opportunity to perform in front of ten thousand people, with legends like Dee Dee Bridgewater and Harry Belafonte in the audience. It was a highly competitive environment, and I had to audition for this chance because not every student was automatically selected.

Paula: That must have been an amazing experience. What happened after that?

Marlen: The Music business has its challenges: After graduating the plan was to got to L.A. However, at that point I felt overwhelmed and exhausted.

Paula: How did you overcome that challenging period?

Marlen: Now, I think I can take better care of myself. I’m better connected with myself. You have to press the pain points in your life in order to be happy. You cannot run away from your issues.

Paula: Did this period influence your music?

Marlen: Absolutely. Going through those challenging times has pushed me to embrace a more relaxed and authentic style. As I navigated through my struggles, I learned to connect more deeply with myself, which is now reflected in the more laid-back style of my music.

Paula: Is there a special meaning or message you want to convey through your music?

Marlen: I want to give the audience the feeling that life is not so serious, that they can forget about the seriousness of it for a moment. I aim to create a special moment where people can get in touch with themselves. I want to tap into people’s feelings and create a bond with the audience.

Paula: Your repertoire includes a wide variety of jazz styles. Do you also write your own songs?

Marlen: Yes, I do. I’ve recorded an album of my original songs, but a lot has changed since then. It’s a work in progress, and I’m still refining it.

Paula: How do you deal with stage fright?

Marlen: The stage used to be the scariest thing. Now, it feels like the safest place with my musicians behind me, making me feel safe and backing me up. I establish a connection with my audience: It’s a relationship between me, the musicians, and the audience.

Paula: Does fashion help you express your personality as a singer?

Marlen: I’ve always been fascinated by fashion as a means of self-expression. I’ve gone through various phases; for instance, I used to exclusively wear styles from the 60s and 70s. I prefer bright colors over earthy tones, leaning slightly towards a more masculine aesthetic. I appreciate clothing that flows rather than being overly tight.

Paula: How do you choose your outfits for performances, and do you think fashion plays a role in your stage presence?

Marlen: I tend to keep only the clothes I truly enjoy, so choosing outfits isn’t too challenging. Typically, I make last-minute decisions about what to wear.

Paula: Marlen, thank you for sharing so openly.

Behind the Scenes

Click here to catch a glimpse behind the scenes: