Artist You Ought To Know: Kate Havnevik

Remember that scene in Garden State where Natalie Portman says to Zach Braff, “You gotta hear this one song, it’ll change your life I swear.” Just pretend, for a moment, I am Natalie Portman.

Kate Havnevik began her musical career wanting to be a classical- and jazz guitar player, but then at 14 she changed her mind took a u-turn and joined an all female punk band rehearsing and playing at Oslo’s illegally occupied punk HQ, Blitz.

Kate Havnevik has a unique voice, which explores both the very deep and high reaches of her extraordinary vocal range. Her music is melodic, occasionally dramatic, but always very cool. With a touch of programming mixed with conventionally recorded instruments she creates the perfect sound-scape to dress her songs and voice.

Kate is a skilled musician and plays the guitar and the piano as well as the melodica. She uses these instruments mostly for writing and recording purposes, but sometimes plays them at gigs to enhance the live experience.

This song was on my most played for the past couple of years. Her voice simply moves me. I wondered if it would ever be released in the States as a single. Apparently it was late last year. Why wasn’t this song a big hit?

technorati tags: Kate Havnevik