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Aurora Aksnes[a] (born 15 June 1996), known mononymously as Aurora (stylized in all capital letters), is a Norwegian singer, songwriter and record producer. Born in Stavanger and raised in Høle and Os, she started writing songs and learning dance at age six. Her ethereal soundscapes brought her widespread acclaim, earning her the nickname "Fairy of Pop".[b]

Key Information

Aurora first gained recognition as a teenager in Norway, quickly emerging as one of the country's most notable pop acts. Her debut studio album, All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend (2016), received generally positive reviews, topping Norway's VG-lista for two consecutive weeks and earning a silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). She followed with a two-part concept album: Infections of a Different Kind (Step 1) in 2018 and A Different Kind of Human (Step 2) in 2019. Her fourth studio album, The Gods We Can Touch (2022), marked her first top-ten entry in the UK and her second number-one album in Norway. Her fifth album, What Happened to the Heart? (2024), charted within the top ten in the UK, Germany, Norway, Scotland, and the Netherlands.

Known for blending electropop, folk, and art pop, she has been described as a pioneer of the Norwegian art pop scene. Initially trained on piano, Aurora gradually expanded her musical involvement to include percussion and production. Beyond her solo work, she has collaborated with a range of artists including The Chemical Brothers, Jacob Collier, Wu Qing-feng, Sondre Lerche, Tom Odell, Askjell, Bring Me the Horizon, and Hans Zimmer. Aurora has also contributed to soundtracks for numerous films, television series, and video game franchises, such as Frozen 2, Wolfwalkers, Netflix's live-action One Piece series, Kaiju No. 8, FIFA, Sky: Children of the Light, Assassin's Creed, and Genshin Impact.

Life and career

[edit]

1996–2011: Early life

[edit]
View of Lysefjorden in Os Municipality, where Aurora was raised

Aurora Aksnes was born on 15 June 1996 at Stavanger University Hospital in Stavanger, Norway, the youngest of three daughters to midwife May Britt Froastad and garage door salesman Jan Øystein Aksnes.[6][7] Her eldest sister, Miranda, is a makeup artist and former teacher,[8] while her other sister, Viktoria, is a fashion designer, stylist, and blogger.[9][10] Aurora spent her early years in Høle, a small town where her parents had lived for 15 years,[6] fostering her love for nature and traditional clothing, such as hats and long skirts, before the family relocated to Drange,[6][11] a remote village in the woodlands of the Os mountains in Hordaland, near Bergen and Lysefjord.[12] She described her childhood home in Drange as a quiet, car-free area with abundant trees and poor internet connectivity.[13]

Growing up surrounded by nature, Aurora identified as a "forest person", enjoying activities like climbing trees, and valuing the isolation and safety of her environment.[14] At school, her sisters worried she might face bullying due to her eccentric personality and distinctive style of dress,[15] but she preferred solitary moments in forests,[16] which she credited with helping her philosophise and discover her own mind.[17] As a child, she was uncomfortable with physical affection and had an unusual hobby of collecting dead insects,[16] such as moths,[18][13] which became a symbol for her debut album.[19] At age 11, she attended a funeral on Christmas Eve, an event that contributed to her developing dysphemia, prompting her to learn sign language.[16] The loss of a friend from her sign language class in a car accident[20] and two close friends—one to suicide and another in the 2011 Utøya massacre—deeply affected her,[16] inspiring the song "Little Boy in the Grass",[21] released in 2015.[22]

One of her earliest musical memories is finding an electric piano in her parents' attic, previously owned by her sister Miranda.[23] At age six, she began learning piano, initially imitating classical music before composing her own melodies by age nine,[23][24] influenced by artists like Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Enya, and the Chemical Brothers.[25][26]

2012–2013: Career beginnings

[edit]

Initially, Aurora kept her music private, as her parents did not encourage it as a career or hobby.[24][23][27] She also explored other ambitions, including becoming a doctor, physicist, or dancer,[28] and trained in dance from ages 6 to 16, performing in a contemporary dance group at the Norwegian Youth Festival of Art to songs like Paramore's "Decode" and Michael Jackson's "Ghosts".[29] Her dislike of her own voice initially deterred her from considering a singing career.[30]

Aurora's earliest known composition was "The Lonely Man",[31] followed by "I Had a Dream", which addressed global challenges.[26][18] Although she considered it a "really long and boring song about world peace", she performed it once at her high school's leaving ceremony. Before pursuing music, Aurora worked briefly washing the exterior of a pizza restaurant.[31] Her breakthrough came unexpectedly when a classmate uploaded a recording of her song "Puppet"—originally a Christmas gift for her parents—and a video of her school performance of "I Had a Dream" to the internet without her permission, sparking her anger.[24][32] The uploads quickly gained thousands of views in Norway, building her an early fan base on Facebook.[33][23][34] In early 2013, a representative from Made Management, a Norwegian management company, discovered her work and invited her to their office.[35][33] Though initially hesitant, Aurora was persuaded by her mother to consider sharing her music, recognising its potential to resonate with others.[32]

2014–2017: All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend

[edit]

Following the success of her single "Puppet" in Norway,[36] Aurora signed recording contracts with Petroleum, Decca, and Glassnote Records in 2014.[37] That same year, she released two additional singles, "Awakening" and "Under Stars", with the former earning her the title of Untouched of the Week at NRK Urørt.[38][39] Aurora's distinctive vocal style and musicality garnered critical acclaim across Europe and the United States,[40][41][42] establishing her as a promising artist.[43] In May 2015, she released her debut EP, Running with the Wolves,[22][44] which received positive reviews from online music publications and Norwegian media.[45][46][47][48] The EP's lead single, "Runaway", became a resurgent success in 2021 after going viral on TikTok through a trend,[49][50] reaching number 22 on the Billboard Global 200 and number 25 on the UK Singles Chart.[51][52] Later in 2015, her cover of Oasis' "Half the World Away" for the John Lewis Christmas advert reached number 11 on the UK Singles Chart.[53] In December, she performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert,[54] an experience she described as "an incredibly beautiful thing to be a part of."[55] Host Jay Leno praised her performance.[56]

Aurora at Green Man Festival in 2015

In early 2016, Aurora won the Spellemann Award for Newcomer of the Year—along with a 250,000-kroner Gramo scholarship—and the EBBA Award for international breakthrough with her EP Running with the Wolves.[57][58] That January, she was featured alongside Troye Sivan atop Rolling Stone's "10 New Artists You Need to Know" list.[59] Her debut studio album, All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend, arrived in March and topped Norway's VG-lista for two consecutive weeks, marking her as the first Norwegian debutant to achieve a number-one debut since Emilie Nicolas in 2014.[60] Weaving vivid lyrical themes of fantasy, heartache, life, and death[61]—and drawing comparisons to Björk, Florence Welch, and Enya[62][63][64]—the record earned a Spellemann nomination for Album of the Year while winning in the categories of Pop Soloist and Music Video of the Year ("I Went Too Far").[65][66] As of September 2018, it had sold 500,000 copies worldwide and was supported by a year-long international concert tour that began in North America and ended in Brazil.[67][68][69]

That same year, Aurora contributed a cover of David Bowie's "Life on Mars" for the HBO series Girls.[70] She made her American television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing "Conqueror"—a single previously featured on the FIFA 16 soundtrack and later included in the FIFA 23 World Cup update.[71][72][73] She also appeared on The Howard Stern Show and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, performing "Life on Mars" and "I Went Too Far".[74][75] Additionally, she partnered with YouTube for a creative content initiative and starred in the short documentary Nothing is Eternal, directed by Isaac Ravishankara and produced by The Fader.[76][77]

In November 2017, Aurora performed a Christmas concert at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, during the Olavsfestdagene.[78][79] The event sold out its tickets in five minutes and was broadcast on NRK1 the following month.[80][78] Initially, the cathedral administration objected, stating the concert did not meet the venue's usage criteria, but an appeal to the parish council secured its approval.[79]

2017–2020: Two-part album and "Into the Unknown"

[edit]
Aurora pictured at a club in Paris, France, in March 2018

Following the release of All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend, Aurora announced in November 2016 that she had begun writing and producing her second studio album, describing her debut as the "first album of many."[81] In 2017, she contributed a cover of "Scarborough Fair" for the Brazilian telenovela Deus Salve o Rei, also appearing in its opening sequence.[82][83]

In April 2018, Aurora released "Queendom" as the lead single from her upcoming two-part album,[84] followed by "Forgotten Love" in August.[85][86] The album, recorded in France earlier that year with producers Askjell, Roy Kerr, and Tim Bran, saw Aurora deeply involved in the production process.[14] The new material explored themes of politics, sexuality, and empowerment, inspired by interactions with fans during her debut tour, while maintaining some lyrical continuity with her first album.[87][88] The music video for "Queendom", released in May 2018, emphasised inclusivity, particularly for her LGBTQ+ fanbase, featuring a scene where Aurora kissed a female dancer to symbolise acceptance of all forms of love.[89] She previewed several new songs at festivals such as Lollapalooza and Coachella.[90][91] The first part, Infections of a Different Kind (Step 1), an eight-track release, was released in September 2018, with Aurora describing its closing track as "the most important song I've ever written."[67][92] The second part, A Different Kind of Human (Step 2), followed in June 2019.[93] Aurora supported both releases with a headlining tour starting in Manchester in late 2018[94] and performances at festivals including Glastonbury,[95] Groovin' the Moo,[96] and Outside Lands.[97]

In April 2019, Aurora co-wrote and provided vocals for three tracks—"Eve of Destruction", "Bango", and "The Universe Sent Me"—on No Geography, the ninth studio album by The Chemical Brothers.[98] Later that year, she contributed backing vocals to "Into the Unknown" from Disney's Frozen 2 and performed it live at the 92nd Academy Awards in February 2020 with Idina Menzel and a chorus of international singers representing the song's translations.[99][100] Her solo version of the song was released as a single in March 2020.[101] Previously, in 2018, she performed a cover of "Baby Mine" as the final act at Disney's panel during CCXP for the soundtrack of Dumbo (2019).[102]

2020–2023: The Gods We Can Touch

[edit]
Aurora performing at the Pryzm club in Kingston upon Thames (2022)

In May 2020, Aurora released "Exist for Love", which was presented as her first love song, accompanied by a self-directed music video.[103] Created during the COVID-19 lockdown with string arrangements by Isobel Waller-Bridge, the track marked the beginning of what Aurora described as "a new era" in her career.[104] That year, she recorded the title track for the Norwegian Christmas miniseries Stjernestøv for NRK, under the musical direction of Gaute Tønder.[105] She also contributed vocals to "Vinterens Gåte" and "Det Ev Ei Rosa Sprunge" for Herborg Kråkevik's album Juleroser, featuring the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra,[106] and re-recorded her 2015 single "Running with the Wolves" for the animated film Wolfwalkers.[107]

Aurora's fourth studio album, The Gods We Can Touch, was released in January 2022 to critical acclaim,[108] earning her first top-ten album on the UK Albums Chart and first number one on Norway's VG-lista since her debut studio album.[109] It was preceded by the singles "Exist for Love",[103] "Cure for Me",[110] "Giving In to the Love",[108] "Heathens",[111] and "A Dangerous Thing".[112] Following the album's release, Aurora premiered a virtual concert film, A Touch of the Divine, streamed via Moment House.[113] She then embarked on a worldwide concert tour to promote the album,[114] which included several music festivals, such as Rock Werchter in Belgium,[115] the three South American editions of Lollapalooza—Argentina,[116] Chile,[117] and Brazil[118]—and a closing headline set at Øya in Norway,[119] which received rave reviews and led Variety and NRK P3 to name Aurora "one of Norway's biggest artists."[120][121]

Throughout 2022, Aurora did a series of notable collaborations. She featured on Wu Qing-feng's single "Storm" from his EP L'Après-midi d'un faune and sang on Sondre Lerche's track "Alone in the Night" from his album Avatars of Love.[122][123] She also released "Hunting Shadows" to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Assassin's Creed franchise.[124] Her collaboration with Hans Zimmer included providing vocals for the soundtrack of the BBC's Frozen Planet II, and she performed "Take Me Back Home" at the Royal Albert Hall during the BBC's Earth Proms.[125] That year, Aurora won the Spellemann Award for International Success of the Year for her contributions to Norwegian music exports and received the P3 Prize at the P3 Gull, presented by Billie Eilish.[126][127]

Aurora collaborated with the video game Sky: Children of the Light, contributing vocals to its opening and closing themes.[128] In October 2022, a collaborative event within the game was held, alongside a virtual concert that premiered after The Game Awards in December.[129][130] It returned in August 2023 for an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for "Most Users in a Concert-themed Virtual World",[131] which was achieved with 10,061 simultaneous players,[132] and was held again in June 2025 as Aurora: Homecoming, celebrating Aurora's return to Norway post-tour.[133]

2023–present: What Happened to the Heart?

[edit]
Aurora performing in Kristiansand, Norway, in July 2024

In January 2023, Aurora began teasing her fifth studio album, sharing on an Instagram story that she was "working on so many babies."[134] That month, she collaborated with Tom Odell on the piano ballad "Butterflies".[135] Between July and August, Aurora contributed a cover of Nick Drake's "Pink Moon" for Chrysalis Records' The Endless Coloured Ways: The Songs of Nick Drake and released "My Sails Are Set" for the soundtrack of the live-action series One Piece.[136][137]

In October 2023, Aurora teased new music by posting an audio clip and pre-save link on her official Twitter account, captioned "08.11."[138] The following month, she released "Your Blood", her first solo single in nearly two years,[139] followed by the singles "The Conflict of the Mind" and "Some Type of Skin" in early 2024.[140] During this period, she also completed a headlining tour in Norway.[141] Aurora announced her fifth studio album, What Happened to the Heart?, in March 2024, with a release in June.[142] The album fuses indie pop and disco,[143] drawing inspirations from pop, techno, and folk music.[144] It achieved top-ten chart positions in Germany, Norway, Scotland, the Netherlands and the UK,[145] and won the Edvard Prize for Popular Music for being a "cohesive and well-thought-out work, carried by a clear artistic vision."[146]

To promote What Happened to the Heart?, Aurora embarked on her fifth concert tour, What Happened to the Earth?,[147] attracting approximately 300,000 attendees.[148][149][150] Prior to her Wembley Arena concert, she hosted a free retrospective exhibition, Some Type of Skin – An Exhibition, displaying her stage outfits and visual art, tracing her aesthetic and career evolution.[151][152] In 2025, Forbes included Aurora in its 30 Under 30 list,[153] and Nordoff and Robbins honoured her with the Silver Clef Award for Contemporary Music.[154] Later that year, she released "You Can't Run from Yourself" as the opening theme for the second season of the anime Kaiju No. 8.[155] Alongside her solo work, she featured on Bring Me the Horizon's song "Limousine" from their album Post Human: Nex Gen (2024) and collaborated with Jacob Collier on a mashup of her song "The Seed" and his "A Rock Somewhere", performed in the Arctic to raise awareness for ocean and climate protection.[156][157] She also contributed to the Genshin Impact soundtrack, performing the main theme of the "Nod-Krai" region alongside the London Voices and the London Symphony Orchestra.[158]

Artistry

[edit]

Influences

[edit]
Leonard Cohen performing
Björk performing
Aurora's cited influences, such as musician Leonard Cohen (left) and Björk (right)

At home, she did not have access to radio or music channels on television; she admitted that she had listened to very few artists at the beginning of her singing career.[159] She has mentioned Ane Brun,[160] Björk,[161] Bob Dylan,[25] Enya,[25] Johnny Cash,[162] Kate Bush,[76] Leonard Cohen,[25] Oasis,[163] Susanne Sundfør,[164] The Beatles,[165] and Underworld[166] as her major influences. She said that the first album she bought was Dylan's Blonde on Blonde.[31] She also talked about heavy metal as a major inspiration for her from a young age, citing French band Gojira as her "favorite band", and she has attended two of their concerts.[167] She first listened to one of their songs when she was around 11 years old and described it as "so hard and so intense and dark, and it felt like an explosion."[168] Aurora has also listened to the bands Mastodon, System of a Down, Tool, Metallica, Refused, and Slayer.[167][168][160] She also stated in a BBC Radio 2 interview that she had a great love for many Scandinavian heavy metal bands as well as David Bowie.[169] Her love for heavy metal inspired her compilation EP For the Metal People, which included some of her songs influenced by the genre.[168] Aurora also expressed her admiration for rock musician Iggy Pop, adding that when she met him during a festival in Belgium, she was "so happy I almost peed my pants."[76] She and the frontman of Nordic folk band Wardruna have shown admiration for each other's work, and performed the song "Helvegen" together several times.[170]

She has covered some of her influences' songs, some of them are "Mr. Tambourine Man",[171] "Famous Blue Raincoat",[172] "Life on Mars",[173] "Across the Universe",[165] and "Make You Feel My Love".[174] About recent influences, Aurora stated that she dislikes listening to music, which she described as "noise" or "interference" for her, adding that she has "music in my mind all the time".[175] She also said that she does not have streaming platforms like iTunes and Spotify but she has "some LPs at home and a few CDs." She added she only likes to listen to some of her influences' music during travelling.[166]

Musical style and themes

[edit]

"I don't want to write sad songs only to make people sad, I'll end up with lots of depressed fans. That's not my goal at all. But I want people to know that it's not dangerous to cry or think of something sad for a while. It's easier to think about it through a song, which can also be beautiful while being sad. It's like taking medicine with a teaspoon of sugar. It's important to have some hope."

– Statement by Aurora on her profile at the Glassnote Records website.[176]

Aurora's musical style encompasses a diverse range of genres, including art pop,[177][178] Nordic folk,[179] synth-pop,[179] electropop,[180] electro-folk,[181] dark pop,[182] avant-garde pop,[159] alt-pop,[183][184] folk-pop,[185] and new-age.[175] Critics have described her music in various terms: Haley Weiss of Interview characterizes her as a "poetic author of art-pop" and an "unaffectedly curious artist,"[177] while John Murphy of MusicOMH notes her songs blend "sizzling synth-pop" with Nordic folk influences.[179] Michael Cragg of The Guardian identifies her sound as "dark electro-pop,"[180] and Cyclone Wehner from Music Feeds highlights her "darkly romantic electro-folk" and distinctive eccentricity, which have attracted a cult fanbase.[181] Mathias Rosenzweig, writing for Paper, likens her to "Scandinavia's newest dark pop prodigy," drawing comparisons to Björk's fascination with natural landscapes and noting similarities to Sia and Lorde.[182] Ed Potton of The Times compares her to Florence and the Machine,[186] and Lisa Higgins of Clash describes her as an avant-garde pop artist,[159] with Jessica Fynn from the same publication labeling her an "alt-pop aesthete."[183] Chris Tinkham of Paste categorizes her music as "dark folk-pop."[185]

Aurora possesses a soprano vocal range, with her voice frequently described as "ethereal" by critics.[187][188][189][190] Her use of vocal motifs, such as "ah", "oh", and "la", is a recurring characteristic in her music.[188][64][191] While she primarily composes in English,[192] she has also performed songs in Norwegian, including "Stjernestøv", "Vinterens Gåte", and "Det Hev Ei Rosa Sprunge".[105][106] Since her 2018 album Infections of a Different Kind (Step 1), Aurora has incorporated lyrics in an invented "emotional language" to enhance the emotional impact and meaning of her performances.[193][194] She is proficient in playing the piano and has knowledge of other instruments, including the ukulele, guitar, and harp.[160][195] Aurora occasionally contributes to the percussion and production aspects of her music.[196][16]

Public image and philanthropy

[edit]
Aurora is an advocate for LGBTQ rights and openly bisexual since 2018.

Aurora initially drew attention for her distinctive appearance, including a "childlike" look, pale skin without makeup, and short platinum blonde hair that matched the color of her eyebrows,[197][198][199] in contrast to her vocal maturity and emotional depth of her music.[199][200] She later adopted a partially shaved hairstyle described as "Norwegian Viking",[24][70] and from 2018 to 2024, she became known for a layered haircut—long in the front and short in the back—similar to styles seen in anime.[201] During the promotional period between her releases Infections of a Different Kind (Step 1) and A Different Kind of Human (Step 2), Aurora frequently performed with facial markings that symbolized "tears and smile wrinkles."[202] Her onstage persona is often noted for its candid humor, shaped by her openness about intrusive thoughts, which she frequently shares with audiences during live performances.[203]

Her wardrobe primarily consists of reused garments, many of which are designed by Aurora herself in collaboration with her sister Viktoria.[103][201] A pescatarian,[204] Aurora has emphasized the importance of conscious food choices as part of a broader environmentally aware lifestyle.[205]

Aurora identifies as a feminist and advocates for a range of human rights causes, including racial equality and LGBTQ rights.[166][206][207] She identifies as an introvert and neurodivergent, and in a 2018 interview with The Independent described herself as bisexual, while expressing a preference for embracing love and exploration without rigid labels.[208][209][210] Aurora also showed support for various environmental awareness movements, topics that she explored in songs like "Apple Tree", "The Seed", and "Soulless Creatures" from her second and third albums.[196][211] She expressed admiration for environmental initiatives by figures such as Greta Thunberg and the band Coldplay.[212]

Aurora has been active in philanthropic and advocacy work. In October 2020, she performed her song "Warrior" for volunteers of the Clean Sounds Movement and called on fellow artists Billie Eilish and Sigrid to join the cause.[211] She participated in a number of online music festivals, including Vi er Live (a demonstration against racism and in response to the murder of George Floyd),[213] SOS Rainforest (in support of indigenous communities and rainforests in Africa, Asia, and South America),[214] and the Exist For Love Sessions (to promote emerging artists).[215][216] In November 2021, she headlined a non-profit charity event during COP26 to raise funds for Brian Eno's EarthPercent organization.[212] She has also been politically vocal, particularly during the Gaza War, during which she called for a permanent ceasefire and joined the "No Music for Genocide" movement, geo-blocking her music on streaming platforms in Israel to protest the conflict.[217][218][219]

Aurora is critical of artificial intelligence, accusing it of spreading misinformation, and saying "Another true form of power is to manipulate people, to embarrass people, to lie; there’s so much that you can do with it that’s dangerous."[220]

Impact and accolades

[edit]
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Aurora

"Since her debut with "Awakening" in 2014, Aurora […] has created musical magic with a crystal-clear voice, uncompromising songwriting, and magnetic tracks like "Runaway" and "Cure for Me". […] She sheds light on outsider status and celebrates uniqueness, becoming a role model and guiding star in Nordic pop—a vital part of Norwegian music history."

– The P3 Gull jury's reasoning for why Aurora should be honoured with the P3 Prize in 2022.[221]

Aurora has risen to prominence as one of Norway's biggest contemporary artists. Media outlets such as Telegraph India, Veja, and G1 have dubbed her the "Fairy of Pop",[1][2][3] while NME nailed her as a pioneer of Norwegian art-pop.[152] Espen Borge of NRK P3 praises her as "one of the world's most successful creators," highlighting her songwriting skills and vocal expressiveness.[121] Jem Aswad of Variety describes her as one of Norway's biggest acts and a veteran of the country's music scene.[120] Catharina Cheung of Time Out, Aurora Henni Krogh of 730.no, and Øya Festival organisers recognised her as the country's biggest pop star in recent years.[222][223][224] Tina Løvås of Musikknyheter.no went further, naming her "one of Norway's biggest artists of all time," also noting that her discography has left a mark on Norwegian music history.[225]

In Aurora's hometown of Os Municipality, she was credited by former mayor Terje Søviknes (now mayor of Bjørnafjorden Municipality) as a leading artist in the "Os Wave" (the Os-equivalent of the Bergen Wave), inspiring and encouraging emergent artists.[226] He remarked:

"If you have had the Bergen Wave, we have the Os Wave with Aurora at the forefront. [...] Aurora's success makes others dare to pursue her dream. We already have artists like Orbo and Eirik Søfteland. Aurora is leading the Os Wave forward and paving the way for the next generation."[226]

Photograph of Aurora's stone on the Bergen Walk of Fame.

Aurora has garnered praise from artists including Ane Brun,[227] Billie Eilish,[228] Doja Cat,[229] Katy Perry,[68] Oli Sykes,[230] Shawn Mendes,[231] SZA,[232] and Troye Sivan.[233] Billie Eilish credits "Runaway" as the inspiration for her decision to pursue a music career,[228] while Björk's attendance at Aurora's KEXP session in Reykjavík led Dusty Henry to describe her a "big fucking deal."[234]

She has also earned numerous accolades, including the P3 Prize at the P3 Gull for her significant impact on Norwegian music over time,[221] four Spellemann Awards,[57][66][126] with two nominations for Album of the Year,[65][235] and an EBBA Award for international success with her debut EP, Running with the Wolves.[58] At the age of 21, she became the youngest individual to receive a stone on the Bergen Walk of Fame.[236][237] She was also named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2025 and had sold over one million albums worldwide by July 2021.[153][238]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Aurora discography
Solo
with Tomora (Aurora and Tom Rowlands)
  • Come Closer (2026)

Bibliography

[edit]

Videography

[edit]
Filmography
Year Title Role Note
2015 Into the Light Herself Short film
2016 Nothing is Eternal[77] Documentary
2019 Frozen 2[99] The Voice
2020 Once Aurora[242] Herself Documentary
2022 A Touch of the Divine[113] Streaming film
2025 Portrait of a Song[243] "Runaway" documentary
Television
Year Title Role Note
2017 Creeped Out Narrator Television series
Concert with Aurora from Nidaros Cathedral[78] Herself Christmas concert

Ludography

[edit]
Video games
Year Title Role Note
2019 Sky: Children of the Light Herself Provides vocals for the game's intro and outro songs
2022 Assassin's Creed Video game soundtrack
2024 Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
2025 Genshin Impact Provides vocals for the game's song "Nod-Krai"

See also

[edit]

Footnotes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Aurora (singer)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Aurora Aksnes (born 15 June 1996), known professionally as AURORA, is a Norwegian singer, songwriter, and record producer.
Her career gained traction with the 2015 single "Runaway", which achieved viral popularity and over a billion plays across platforms.
The track featured on her debut EP Running with the Wolves and propelled her first studio album All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend (2016), which secured two Spellemannprisen awards, Norway's premier music honors, for Pop Soloist and Album of the Year.
Subsequent albums, including A Different Kind of Human (Step II) (2019) and The Gods We Can Touch (2022), expanded her discography, blending electronic pop with folk influences and addressing themes of human vulnerability and environmental concern.
AURORA's distinctive falsetto vocals and introspective lyricism have cultivated a dedicated international following, with live performances emphasizing emotional depth and atmospheric production.

Early life

Family background and childhood

Aurora Aksnes was born on 15 June 1996 in , , the youngest of three daughters born to parents Aksnes and Jan Øystein Aksnes. Her older sisters are Miranda Aksnes, a makeup artist, and Viktoria Aksnes, a fashion designer. The family resided in Høle, a small rural community in Sandnes municipality near Stavanger, where her parents had settled after completing studies in the city and remained for 15 years. Aksnes spent her early childhood in an isolated home environment surrounded by the Os Mountains and near the , which cultivated a deep affinity for and . The household lacked a or radio, limiting external media influence, but featured a record player with vinyl albums by artists such as Leonard Cohen and David Bowie, sparking her initial musical interests. Her parents participated in a local choir, and Aksnes later recalled reenacting their performances as a child, reflecting an early engagement with music and performance. From a young age, Aksnes exhibited a sense of otherness compared to peers, preferring imaginative play, fantasy companions, and time alone in the outdoors over conventional social activities. Her family recognized her vocal talent early, offering encouragement that aligned with her introspective tendencies rather than pushing formal . This upbringing in a nature-centric, low-stimulation setting contributed to her later artistic themes of environmental connection and emotional .

Musical awakening and education

Aksnes first encountered music's emotional power at age six, when she began experimenting with an old piano discovered in her family's attic in the rural Norwegian village of Høle. She composed her initial melodies and full songs during these early sessions, drawn particularly to classical music for its expressive depth. Largely self-taught, Aksnes kept her practice and songwriting hidden from her for years, only revealing her skills around when her relatives her as a prodigy. As the sole in her —though her parents sang in a local choir—she received no formal instruction, instead developing her abilities through solitary exploration and imitation of emotional sounds she observed in nature and daily life. By age nine, she had advanced to crafting original English-language pieces, marking an early shift toward structured composition without external guidance. Aksnes's of an original song, "I Had a Dream"—which critiqued societal harshness—occurred at a event, reflecting her growing despite lacking . She later expressed no ambition for a music career, contemplating studies in molecular biology or physics instead, underscoring how her awakening stemmed from intrinsic curiosity rather than directed education. This self-directed path fostered her distinctive style, blending raw intuition with classical influences, unmediated by institutional frameworks.

Career beginnings

Initial discovery and uploads (2012–2013)

In December 2012, 16-year-old Aurora Aksnes recorded her debut track "Puppet" at a local studio recommended by her high , intending it as a Christmas gift for her parents to allow them to hear her singing without her physical presence. A friend uploaded the song to SoundCloud shortly thereafter, marking her first public online release. The SoundCloud posting drew notice from industry scouts; in early 2013, a representative from the Norwegian management firm Made Management discovered "Puppet" along with another early recording and contacted Aksnes, inviting her and her parents to their office for discussions. By May 2013, she met Made Management's CEO Per Mygland and manager Geir Luedy, initiating professional collaboration. These encounters represented her initial industry discovery, stemming directly from the unsolicited upload. In May 2013, Aksnes released "Awakening" as her first official single via the small label Coco & Co., building on the buzz from her SoundCloud activity and marking an early step toward formal distribution. The track, self-written and produced with basic resources, showcased her emerging ethereal style and garnered local attention, including features on platforms like NRK Urørt for unsigned Norwegian talent.

Breakthrough single "Runaway" and signing (2014)

In 2014, following domestic recognition from her early single "Puppet", Aurora signed recording contracts with Petroleum Records for distribution in Norway, Glassnote Records for North America, and Decca Records for international markets outside North America. The deals were facilitated after her initial uploads garnered attention, enabling professional development of her material. "Runaway", co-written and initially demoed with producer Magnus Skylstad in late 2013, received a NOPA scholarship grant of 30,000 Norwegian kroner that year to support its composition. The song marked its debut live performance on 20 February 2014 at the Nabovarsel Minifestival in Bergen, Norway, where an early version was showcased among other tracks. Following the signing, "Runaway" was re-recorded in winter 2014, positioning it as the lead single for Aurora's debut EP Running with the Wolves. Though officially released on 16 February 2015, the track's preparation and grant recognition in 2014 underscored its role in her transition to major-label backing and emerging international profile.

Major albums and releases

All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend (2014–2017)

In 2014, following the local success of her independent single "Puppet" in Norway, Aurora Aksnes signed recording contracts with Petroleum Records, Decca Records, and Glassnote Records. Her first single under these labels, "Under Stars," was released on November 17, 2014. This period marked her transition from self-released uploads to professional production, with "Runaway" following as the lead single on February 16, 2015, which gained viral attention online and peaked at number one on the Norwegian Singles Chart. Aurora released her debut extended play, , on May 4, 2015, through Decca, Glassnote, and Records. The EP included tracks such as "Runaway," "" (released April 20, 2015), and "Murder Song (5, 4, 3, 2, 1)" (September 4, 2015), the latter addressing . It received positive coverage from blogs for its ethereal pop and Aurora's distinctive vocals, though commercial charts were modest outside . Her debut studio album, All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend, was released on March 11, 2016, comprising 11 tracks produced primarily by Magnus Skylstad and Askjell Solstrand. Promotional singles included "Conqueror" in February 2016, while "Half the World Away," a cover of Oasis's song for the John Lewis Christmas advert, charted at number 34 on the UK Singles Chart in November 2015. The album debuted at number 150 on the US Billboard 200 with over 5,000 copies sold in its first week and reached number 2 in Norway. Critics praised its introspective lyrics on mental health and nature, with Paste noting its "shimmering" quality akin to influences like Björk, though some found it uneven. A deluxe edition of the album, adding six bonus tracks including "Warrior" and "In Boxes," was released digitally on August 26, 2016. To promote the album, Aurora embarked on the All My Demons Tour, commencing February 1, 2016, in Manchester, England, and spanning Europe, North America, and South America, concluding on October 22, 2017, in Rio de Janeiro. The tour featured intimate venues and festivals, solidifying her live reputation for emotive performances. By the end of 2017, the album had sold approximately 100,000 copies combined in Norway and the United Kingdom.

Infections of a Different Kind and "Into the Unknown" (2018–2020)

In September 2018, Aurora released Infections of a Different Kind (Step 1), an eight-track extended play presented as the first installment of a two-part concept project exploring emotional vulnerability, societal queendom, and human connection amid global unease. The EP followed lead singles "Queendom," issued on April 16, 2018, which accumulated over 1.1 million Spotify streams within weeks through placements on 26 New Music Friday playlists and six viral charts, and "Forgotten Love," released August 17, 2018, noted for its radio-friendly chorus blending pop accessibility with introspective lyrics. Critics praised the release for its textured positivity and vocal range, with The Line of Best Fit awarding it 9/10 for crafting a "clarion call" against troubling times through uniquely adventurous soundscapes, while A Bit of Pop Music highlighted its departure from prior ethereal styles toward more immediate, danceable elements in tracks like "All Is Soft Inside" and "Churchyard." The EP's conceptual framework positioned it as a precursor to A Different Kind of Human (Step 2) in June 2019, forming a cohesive narrative arc Aurora described as confronting inner instability to unearth resilience, though Step 1 stood alone in emphasizing empowerment anthems like the titular "Queendom," which debuted live at Coachella and heralded her evolving studio sound under Decca and Glassnote Records. Commercial metrics reflected modest but dedicated fan engagement, with streams bolstering her emerging international profile ahead of wider tours. In November 2019, Aurora contributed vocals to "Into the Unknown," a duet with Idina Menzel for Disney's Frozen II soundtrack, serving as the film's pivotal empowerment ballad akin to "Let It Go" from the predecessor, with lyrics evoking calls to adventure and self-discovery. The track, produced amid the film's November 22 theatrical release, propelled the soundtrack to prolonged Billboard dominance, ranking as the fifth longest-running No. 1 on the Soundtracks chart, while the single peaked at No. 46 on the Hot 100 and earned nominations for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, Golden Globe, Critics' Choice, and Satellite Awards. Aurora's involvement boosted her visibility, debuting her at No. 8 on Billboard's Emerging Artists chart dated December 7, 2019, attributed directly to the song's streaming surge. A solo rendition of "Into the Unknown" followed on , , reinterpreting the piece with Aurora's signature haunting timbre and minimalistic arrangement, released amid heightened interest post-Frozen II's global box office success exceeding $1.4 billion. This version underscored her artistic autonomy, aligning with the period's thematic continuity from Infections' focus on inner queendoms to broader existential quests, though it did not replicate the duet's award contention.

The Gods We Can Touch (2020–2023)

In May 2020, Aurora released "Exist for Love" as the lead single heralding the album era, describing it as her first love song amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, with a self-directed music video emphasizing themes of connection and resilience.) Subsequent singles included "Cure for Me" on June 17, 2021, which addressed personal healing and societal pressures, and "Everything Matters" featuring French singer Pomme on October 14, 2021, exploring existential interdependence. "A Temporary High" followed as a single upon the album's release. The Gods We Can Touch, Aurora's third studio album, was released on January 21, 2022, via Decca Records and Glassnote Records, comprising 15 tracks produced in collaboration with longtime partners Magnus Skylstad and Askjell Solstrand. The album examines human behavior through the lens of Greek mythology, with each song invoking a deity to probe shame, desire, and morality—such as "Exhale Inhale" linked to Pan and themes of primal urges. It debuted at number one on the Norwegian Albums Chart, marking a commercial peak in her home country, and reached number eight on the UK Albums Chart, her first top-ten entry there. Promotion featured the webcast concert film A Touch of the Divine shortly after release, capturing live performances of album tracks in an intimate setting to evoke mythological immersion. Aurora launched the supporting The Gods We Can Touch Tour on March 27, 2022, at Birmingham Town Hall, UK, encompassing over 100 dates across Europe, with extensions to Asia—including a February 25, 2023, show in Jakarta, Indonesia—and Australia in March 2023. The tour concluded on September 9, 2023, at Lollapalooza Berlin, blending ethereal staging with environmental advocacy elements consistent with her persona. Critical reception praised the album's conceptual depth and vocal expressiveness, though some noted its dense mythology as occasionally abstract, with reviews highlighting it as a "masterpiece" of emotional and sonic layering.

What Happened to the Heart? and recent output (2023–present)

In January 2023, Aurora provided featured vocals for Tom Odell's single "Butterflies," released on January 27. In August 2023, Aurora provided vocals for "My Sails Are Set," a track composed by Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli for the soundtrack of Netflix's live-action One Piece series. In November 2023, Aurora released "Your Blood" as the lead single from her fifth studio album, marking the beginning of promotional activity following The Gods We Can Touch. This track, produced with her longtime collaborators, introduced themes of emotional vulnerability and human connection that would define the project. Additional singles followed in 2024, including "The Conflict of the Mind," "Some Type of Skin," and "Starvation," each previewing the album's blend of introspective lyrics and electronic elements. What Happened to the Heart? was released on June 7, 2024, via Decca, Glassnote, and Petroleum Records, comprising 16 tracks such as "Echo of My Shadow," "To Be Alright," "The Conflict of the Mind," and "The Flood." The album explores existential questions about empathy, nature, and societal disconnection, with Aurora describing it as a reflection on "what has happened to our ability to feel." Critics praised its ambitious sound—mixing rave-influenced beats, orchestral swells, and raw vocals—as a career highlight, with NME awarding it four stars for its "heavy, ravey call for humanity" and Slant Magazine similarly lauding its four-star exploration of Earth as a site for self-actualization. User aggregates reflected strong fan approval, averaging around 4.1 out of 5 on platforms tracking listener scores. A deluxe edition arrived on May 2, 2025, expanding the record to 21 tracks with five new additions, including further explorations of emotional and environmental motifs. In support, Aurora launched the What Happened to the Earth? world tour on June 26, 2024, in Dublin, Ireland, performing nearly 90 dates across Europe, North America, and beyond, with the itinerary extending into late 2025, concluding on November 15 in Mexico City. Notable 2025 stops included festivals like Corona Capital in Mexico and Union Chapel in London, where sets incorporated material from the new album alongside earlier hits. By October 2025, the tour had drawn praise for Aurora's immersive live presentations, blending dance, storytelling, and elaborate visuals.

Artistry

Influences and inspirations

AURORA has frequently cited as a profound influence on her songwriting, praising his depth and , which shaped her approach to crafting as narratives. In a guest DJ session, she highlighted Cohen's impact alongside her affinity for heavy metal, noting how guides her creative akin to his introspective style. She has referenced Cohen's song "Suzanne" as a key early discovery that resonated with her. Additionally, AURORA met Cohen's former lover, Marianne Ihlen's family, which deepened her connection to his legacy. Bob Dylan similarly informs her lyrical sensibilities, with AURORA drawing from his folk-rooted introspection during her formative years in rural , where music exposure was limited. She has named , , and as inspirations for their ethereal vocals and experimental production, elements evident in her blend of pop with ambient and orchestral textures. Classical composer Claude Debussy's "Clair de Lune" profoundly affected her as a child, marking one of her earliest musical encounters. Beyond artists, AURORA's inspirations extend to nature and cultural elements; she incorporates sounds from the Norwegian landscape and draws from Native American traditions in tracks like "The Seed," reflecting her isolated upbringing in the Os Mountains that fostered a deep environmental attunement over mainstream music. Heavy metal bands and electronic acts such as the Chemical Brothers and Prodigy also influence her rhythmic experimentation, as seen in recent collaborations like with Bring Me the Horizon. Her early life, spent largely outdoors with minimal recorded music, emphasized personal experiences and folklore as core creative drivers.

Musical style, vocals, and production

Aurora's music is characterized by a fusion of electronic pop and folk influences, often evoking an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere through layered synths, acoustic elements, and rhythmic pulses that mimic natural cadences. This style draws from Nordic folk traditions blended with modern production, creating haunting, immersive soundscapes that prioritize emotional depth over conventional pop structures, as evident in tracks like "Runaway" where minimalistic piano builds into expansive electronic swells. Critics have noted recurring motifs such as repeated vocalizations ("ah," "oh," "la") that impart a primal, ritualistic texture, enhancing the music's transcendent quality without relying on autotune for artificial enhancement. Her vocal delivery employs a soprano range spanning over two octaves, frequently utilizing head voice and falsetto for a light, airy timbre that conveys vulnerability and intensity. Breathy techniques and dynamic shifts from whispers to soaring peaks add a dreamy, emotive layer, allowing her to sustain high notes with control and minimal fatigue, as she has described drawing from innate singing ability honed since childhood. In live performances, this manifests as raw, unprocessed power, reminiscent of folk traditions but amplified by pop production, enabling emotional phrasing that prioritizes authenticity over technical perfection. Production involves collaborative layering with engineers like Askjell Solstrand, , and , alongside Aurora's own input as co-producer on later works, emphasizing organic instrumentation—such as field recordings of —with digital effects to craft immersive, narrative-driven tracks. This approach favors spatial reverb and subtle over dense compression, preserving vocal clarity amid evolving textures, as seen in albums where acoustic guitars and strings interplay with electronic beats to evoke environmental immersion. Her process integrates self-taught experimentation, often starting with demos before refining in studio sessions that balance raw with polished execution.

Lyrical themes and worldview

Aurora's lyrics recurrently examine the interplay between personal vulnerability and universal human experiences, emphasizing emotional authenticity and the acceptance of imperfection as a source of beauty. In her debut album All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend (2016), tracks like "Runaway" evoke escapism amid familial grief and the yearning for home, symbolizing a retreat from reality toward self-reckoning. Broader motifs include conquering inner demons, emotional independence, and transitioning from depression to resilience, as in "Conqueror" and "Lucky," where submission to pain yields strength. Subsequent works expand into relational and existential depths, critiquing disconnection in modern life. Infections of a Different Kind (Step 1) (2018) addresses domestic abuse, fear of intimacy, and the erosion of genuine connection amid technological "connectivity," advocating purity in intentions and empowerment through vulnerability. Songs like "Infections of a Different Kind" portray inner turmoil as restless decay, urging confrontation with emotional "infections" for healing. Environmental degradation emerges as a recurring lament, intertwined with calls for childlike wonder to restore uncomplicated perception of the world. Her worldview, articulated in interviews, posits imperfection and flawed humanity—mirroring Greek gods' complexities—as essential to morality and desire, rejecting abstract perfection or dogmatic religion in favor of ancient, inclusive mythologies free from modern biases like homophobia. In The Gods We Can Touch (2022), this manifests through explorations of shame, sensuality, and divine humanity, as in "The Innocent" and "Exist for Love," her first overt love song celebrating relational existence. Spirituality here favors venerating nature and earthly divinity over detached gods, using metaphors to bridge personal flaws with cosmic consciousness. Later albums intensify societal critique, viewing the modern era's prioritization of intellect over intuition as a loss of the "heart"—the seat of empathy and interconnectedness—fostering greed, violence toward the vulnerable, and ecological harm. What Happened to the Heart? (2024) channels "female rage" against capitalist exploitation of , drawing from Indigenous perspectives on land stewardship, while songs like "The Seed" stress self-discovery and collective potential to avert planetary ruin. Overall, her oeuvre promotes deliberate hope, art as catharsis for pain, and reconnection with primal empathy to counter alienation, often employing nature-inspired imagery to evoke environmental urgency and human interdependence.

Public image and activism

Media persona and aesthetics

Aurora Aksnes presents a media persona characterized by ethereal mysticism and deep connection to nature, often evoking comparisons to a fairy or winter spirit rooted in her Norwegian upbringing amid mountainous isolation. This image, reinforced through music videos, social media, and live performances, positions her as an otherworldly figure blending introspection with bold social commentary on human vulnerabilities and environmental harmony. Her aesthetics emphasize natural, unadorned , featuring with a natural rosy flush, minimal makeup to highlight authenticity, and a avoidance of or heavy . Signature elements include a thick blonde bob haircut, self-buzzed for liberation and practicality during tours, described as "Norwegian Viking hair" for its texture and volume. Fashion draws from Scandinavian forest-dweller motifs crossed with romantic, pre-Raphaelite influences, incorporating layered medieval-style chemises under corsets, early experimentation with cut socks and oversized layering, and subtle nods to traditional Japanese for fluidity and introspection. In performances, such as at in 2018 or BST Hyde Park, Aurora embodies this through dynamic, audience-engaging movements—dancing freely, often —and stage visuals that unify her with thematic motifs of rebirth and primal , creating a cohesive via family-collaborated merchandise and presence that grew to over 711,000 followers by 2020. This individualistic style, she has stated, stems from rejecting shame over natural human expressions, prioritizing personal authenticity over conventional pop glamour.

Philanthropic efforts and environmental advocacy

Aurora has engaged in environmental advocacy through performances and public statements emphasizing climate protection and ocean conservation. In October 2024, she collaborated with musician Jacob Collier on a Greenpeace-organized performance atop an Arctic iceberg to draw attention to the need for ocean safeguards against deep-sea mining and broader climate threats. This event underscored her alignment with organizations like Greenpeace, which focus on environmental preservation and marine ecosystems. She has supported financial mechanisms to fund conservation, including participation in the EarthPercent initiative launched by musician Brian Eno, where artists donate one percent of proceeds from select compositions to environmental grants. In March 2023, Aurora joined 23 artists in this effort, and she credits "The Earth" as a co-writer on tracks from her 2023 album What Happened to the Heart?, directing associated royalties toward nature protection. Additionally, she donates a portion of her income to EarthPercent and contributes to UN Live's Sounds Right project, which allocates streaming royalties from nature-inspired sounds in music to conservation causes. Aurora performed at a COP26-related event in 2021, where all profits benefited EarthPercent and local social impact charities, framing environmental action as essential for and . In 2020, she dedicated her song "Warrior" to volunteers of the Movement, an initiative promoting sustainable practices in the industry. Her 2023–2024 "What Happened to the Earth?" tour further integrates advocacy, using performances to highlight ecological concerns alongside her .

Controversies

Drummer allegations and band defense (2023)

In March 2023, during the closing moments of Aurora's set at Brasil on , Sigmund made a hand that users accused of being a fascist or Nazi "." Vestrheim responded that the was a standard Norwegian sign meaning "great" or "good job," commonly used in casual or performative contexts without political connotation. Further focused on Vestrheim's activity, including a teenage-era incorporating "777" alongside a , which he attributed to satirical tied to a Norwegian record label's symbolizing rather than ideology, and a post featuring graffiti reading "skinhead rules," explained as a reference to the anti-racist Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice (SHARP) movement originating from original working-class skinhead culture. Vestrheim issued a denial on Instagram, asserting, "OF COURSE I’m not a nazi! My values are love and understanding… The whole idea of Aurora having a right-wing person in her band is absurd," while noting the receipt of hate messages and threats. Aurora publicly defended Vestrheim, stating on March 28 via X (formerly Twitter), "I am deeply saddened by the latest speculations on the internet regarding my drummer Sigmund," and emphasizing in follow-up remarks that she rejected extremist ideologies, viewed her band as family, and found the allegations baseless and untrue. She added that she would never support him if the claims held merit, while apologizing on the band's behalf for any perceived offense. Amid escalating online backlash and reported threats against both Vestrheim and Aurora, he was temporarily replaced for the tour's remaining Latin American dates, including Mexico, with a substitute drummer cited for safety reasons rather than admission of guilt. Aurora maintained her support, later describing the accusations as "absurd" and affirming Vestrheim's return to the band in principle, though he was ultimately succeeded by Fredrik Svabø for subsequent performances.

Backlash over Israel performances (2019)

In October 2019, Norwegian singer Aurora Aksnes, known professionally as Aurora, announced two concerts scheduled for November 14 and 15 in Tel Aviv, Israel, prompting backlash from pro-Palestinian advocacy groups and artists. Open letters signed by 12 Palestinian artists, including Shahd Abusalama and Adnan Joubran, and 13 Israeli artists, such as Yonatan Shapira and Eyal Sivan, urged her to cancel, arguing that performing there would endorse Israel's policies, including what they described as occupation, apartheid, and human rights violations in Gaza and the West Bank. The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement amplified these appeals, framing the shows as normalization of alleged oppression and citing prior cancellations by artists like Lana Del Rey and Lorde. Norwegian critics, including Øystein Grønning of the Palestine Committee Norway and musician Embla Karidotter of the band Razika, accused Aurora of prioritizing financial gain over solidarity with Palestinians, with Karidotter calling the omission of the Israel dates from her official website "cowardly." Aurora's manager confirmed the deliberate exclusion to minimize inquiries, amid broader pressure from BDS activists who viewed cultural performances as supporting Israel's public relations efforts. Aurora defended her decision, stating she blends politics with music to awaken innate human qualities and refused to let political pressures halt her performances, emphasizing a musician's duty to connect with audiences. She proceeded with both shows, later posting on Facebook that she does not believe in cultural boycotts, a stance that drew further criticism from BDS supporters but praise from pro-Israel voices resisting the movement's tactics.

Reception and legacy

Critical and commercial reception

Aurora's albums have achieved consistent commercial success in Norway, frequently topping the charts, while gaining moderate international charting. Her debut studio , All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend (), reached number one in Norway. The 2022 release The Gods We Can Touch also peaked at number one there and marked her first top-ten entry on the UK Albums Chart at number eight. Singles like "Runaway" (2015) have driven streaming metrics, surpassing 1.1 billion plays on Spotify by late 2025. Other tracks, including "Cure for Me" (2021) with over 222 million streams, underscore a dedicated global listener base sustained by viral placements in media and gaming. Critically, Aurora's discography has garnered generally favorable reviews, with aggregates reflecting praise for her ethereal vocals, experimental production, and introspective songwriting. All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend earned a Metacritic score of 80/100 from 14 critics, denoting universal acclaim for its blend of pop accessibility and darker undertones. A Different Kind of Human (Step 2) (2019) received positive notices, including The Guardian's commendation of her invention of a personal pop idiom addressing gender roles and environmental concerns. Later works like What Happened to the Heart? (2024) scored 82/100 on Metacritic, with NME awarding four stars for its "heavy, ravey call for humanity." The New York Times described her debut as offering "pop bait and dark introspection," highlighting her serene yet conviction-laden voice. Coverage remains uneven, with major outlets like Pitchfork providing limited engagement despite festival appearances.

Awards, honors, and milestones

AURORA has received multiple awards from Norwegian institutions, reflecting her domestic breakthrough and international exports, alongside select European honors. In 2016, she won the European Border Breakers Award (EBBA) for her debut EP Running with the Wolves, recognizing emerging artists crossing national borders. That year, at the Spellemannprisen (Norwegian equivalent of the Grammy Awards), she secured Newcomer of the Year and Best Music Video for "Runaway". She was nominated for Best Norwegian Act at the 2016 MTV Europe Music Awards.
YearAwardCategoryResultNotes
2022SpellemannprisenInternational Success of the YearWonFor contributions to The Gods We Can Touch and global touring.
2022P3-prisen (P3 Gull)Honorary Prize for Impact on Norwegian MusicWonPresented during a concert in Oslo; Billie Eilish delivered a video message.
2025Edvard-prisenPopular MusicWonShared with collaborators Matias Téllez, Fredrik Svabø, Vetle Junker, and Magnus Åserud Skylstad for What Happened to the Heart?.
2025O2 Silver Clef AwardsContemporary Music AwardWonHonoring her sonic identity and lyrical approach; presented by Paris Paloma.
2025SpellemannprisenRelease of the Year; Alternative PopNominatedFor What Happened to the Heart?.
Key milestones include "Runaway" achieving platinum certification in Norway and the United Kingdom, with over 1 billion Spotify streams as of 2025, marking her first major viral hit. Her albums All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend (2016) and Infections of a Different Kind (Step 1) (2018) both reached number one on the Norwegian charts, while The Gods We Can Touch (2022) marked her first UK top 10 entry. She performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo on December 11, 2015, shortly after her debut single's release.

Cultural influence and enduring impact

Aurora's music has permeated popular media through strategic soundtrack placements, amplifying her ethereal sound across global audiences. Her contribution to the Frozen 2 soundtrack, co-performing "Into the Unknown" with Idina Menzel, amassed over 948 million streams on YouTube Music by 2025, introducing her style to family-oriented viewers and Disney's vast market. Similarly, tracks like "Running with the Wolves" appeared in films and series such as Wolfwalkers and Netflix productions, while "Murder Song (5,4,3,2,1)" featured prominently in episodes of The Flash, topping TV song charts in May 2017. Video game integrations, including "Hunting Shadows" for Assassin's Creed's 15th anniversary and "Under Stars" in Mass Effect: Andromeda's end credits, have embedded her work in interactive entertainment, reaching gamers and fostering associations with epic, otherworldly narratives. These placements underscore Aurora's role as a muse for the electro-dark pop genre, where her nature-infused, introspective compositions influence perceptions of alternative pop as a vehicle for emotional and ecological depth. Fans frequently report transformative personal impacts, with her lyrics and soundscapes prompting shifts toward greater environmental awareness and human-nature interconnectedness, as evidenced in accounts of music inspiring life changes and communal joy. Her pioneering initiative to allocate a portion of streaming royalties to nature restoration—announced as one of the first such artist-led efforts—reinforces this legacy, tying artistic output directly to ecological action and challenging conventional music industry economics. Enduringly, Aurora's breakthrough single "Runaway," marking its 10th anniversary in 2025 with a dedicated documentary Portrait of a Song, symbolizes her sustained relevance, evolving from a teenage composition to a cultural touchstone for vulnerability and escape. While her direct influence on other musicians remains emergent, her blend of folk, electropop, and spiritual themes has carved a niche in Norwegian and international art pop, promoting a worldview that prioritizes primal human emotions and planetary stewardship over transient trends.

Works

Discography

Aurora has released five studio albums and one extended play (EP). Her discography primarily consists of alternative pop and art pop releases through labels including Decca, Glassnote, and Petroleum Records.

Studio albums

TitleRelease dateLabel
All My Demons Greeting Me as a FriendMarch 11, 2016Decca, Glassnote
Infections of a Different Kind (Step 1)September 28, 2018Glassnote, Decca
A Different Kind of Human (Step 2)June 7, 2019Glassnote, Decca
The Gods We Can TouchJanuary 21, 2022Glassnote, Decca
What Happened to the Heart?June 7, 2024Decca, Glassnote, Petroleum

Extended plays

Her debut EP, Running with the Wolves, was released on May 4, 2015, via and featured early singles such as "Runaway" and the title track.

Singles

Aurora has issued over 20 singles, many serving as lead tracks from her albums. Notable releases include "Under Stars" ( 2014, Decca), which marked her international breakthrough; "Runaway" ( 2015, Decca), featured on the Running with the Wolves EP and later her debut album; "Queendom" ( 2018, Decca), the lead single from Infections of a Different Kind (Step 1); and "Cure for Me" (September 2021, Decca), preceding The Gods We Can Touch. Additional singles like "The Seed" (February 2019, Petroleum) and "Starboy" (a cover for the 2016 Suicide Squad soundtrack, 2016, Warner Bros.) have appeared on compilations and films.

Tours and live performances

AURORA's early live appearances took place primarily in Norway, where she performed at local festivals and venues as a teenager, including Osfest in Os on August 1, 2014. Her performances gained initial traction through school shows that led to online uploads of tracks like "Puppet," attracting early local attention. The singer's first major international outing was the All My Demons Tour, supporting her 2016 debut album All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend, which featured shows across Europe, North America, and South America, including dates in Manchester, England, starting February 1, 2016, and concluding in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 22, 2017. This period marked her transition to larger venues and festivals, with notable sets emphasizing ethereal vocals and minimalistic staging. In 2018–2019, AURORA conducted a tour promoting her EPs Infections of a Different Kind (Step 1) and A Different Kind of Human (Step 2), beginning October 10, 2018, in Manchester and extending through Europe and select international dates, such as UK arena shows in Bristol, Glasgow, and London announced in May 2019. These performances incorporated more theatrical elements, including fan-favorite renditions of "Winter Bird" and "Running with the Wolves," and included festival appearances like Glastonbury in June 2019. The Gods We Can Touch Tour, launched in March 2022 to support her fourth studio album, featured initial European legs with venues like on March 27, 2022, and expanded globally, blending orchestral arrangements with dance-infused . AURORA has also delivered acclaimed standalone live sessions, such as a full concert at in on December 28, 2017, and multiple KEXP appearances, including a November 2024 studio set featuring "A Soul With No King." Her ongoing What Happened to the Earth? Tour, tied to her 2024 album, commenced June 26, 2024, in Dublin, Ireland, and comprises multiple parts across continents, with over 80 dates planned through November 2025 in Mexico City, including European arena runs like Part 5 in Lisbon on May 9, 2025, and festival slots at events such as Pukkelpop in August 2025. These shows highlight her evolving production, with immersive visuals and audience interaction, as seen in the December 2024 Washington, D.C., performance at The Anthem.

Other contributions (videography, ludography, bibliography)

Aurora directed and edited the music video for her early song "Ve," which was selected as an official entry at the 2013 Rincon International Film Festival in Puerto Rico. She also self-directed the music video for "Exist for Love," released on May 21, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, emphasizing themes of connection amid isolation. Additionally, Aurora directed the promotional video for the Norwegian band Evigheten's track "Eksistensen" (Existence), released in spring 2015, showcasing her involvement in collaborative visual projects beyond her solo work. In ludography, Aurora contributed original music to the video game Sky: Children of the Light, including performing and recording for its in-game concert event. Her album Sky: Concert in the Light (Original Game Soundtrack), featuring 18 tracks, was released on December 7, 2022, capturing live performances tailored to the game's ethereal environment. This collaboration extended to a live appearance with the game's creator, Jenova Chen, at The Game Awards on December 8, 2022, highlighting her integration of music with interactive digital experiences. For bibliography, Aurora authored The Gods We Can Touch, published on November 16, 2023, as an intimate exploration of her creative process, blending personal reflections with artistic insights tied to her 2022 album of the same name. The book delves into her worldview and songwriting origins without serving as a conventional memoir or lyric collection.

References

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  10. https://stanforddaily.com/2020/05/20/norwegian-artist-aurora-aksnes-is-a-muse-for-the-electro-dark-pop-generation/
  11. https://childlikesoul.substack.com/p/birth-of-a-queen
  12. https://www.reddit.com/r/auroramusic/comments/qdeqxs/i_often_sit_at_home_and_write_stories_aftenposten/
  13. https://aurora-aksnes.fandom.com/wiki/AURORA
  14. https://wfuv.org/content/aurora-2016
  15. https://scanmagazine.co.uk/aurora-music-is-the-one-language-we-can-all-understand/
  16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuM29neVRLo
  17. https://www.vice.com/en/article/aurora-interview-all-my-demons-greeting-me-as-a-friend/
  18. https://www.dailyscandinavian.com/mythical-norwegian-electro-pop-wizard-oz/
  19. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccxcv-3sdpw/
  20. https://nationaltoday.com/birthday/aurora-aksnes/
  21. https://www.last.fm/music/Aurora/Awakening
  22. https://www.buddemusic.com/roster/aurora
  23. https://rockshotmagazine.com/aurora-returns-with-the-conflict-of-the-mind/
  24. https://aurora-aksnes.fandom.com/wiki/Runaway
  25. https://www.retropoplifestyle.com/auroras-your-blood/
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/7276118-AURORA-Running-With-The-Wolves-EP
  27. https://www.discogs.com/master/854304-AURORA-Running-With-The-Wolves-EP
  28. https://www.last.fm/music/Aurora/Running%2BWith%2Bthe%2BWolves/%2Bwiki
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/12124687-Aurora-All-My-Demons-Greeting-Me-As-A-Friend
  30. https://www.musicvf.com/Aurora%2B%255BAurora%2BAksnes%255D.songs
  31. https://www.last.fm/music/Aurora/All%2BMy%2BDemons%2BGreeting%2BMe%2Bas%2Ba%2BFriend
  32. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/70424/AURORA-NOR-All-My-Demons-Greeting-Me-as-a-Friend/
  33. https://www.discogs.com/master/970718-Aurora-All-My-Demons-Greeting-Me-As-A-Friend
  34. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/3630
  35. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/aurora-infections-of-a-different-kind-step-1-album-review
  36. https://www.recordoftheday.com/on-the-move/record/aurora/queendom-2018
  37. https://abitofpopmusic.com/2018/10/01/album-review-aurora-infections-of-a-different-kind-step-1/
  38. https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/first-spin:-aurora-is-back-with-queendom/9666586
  39. https://www.billboard.com/pro/aurora-frozen-2-into-the-unknown-emerging-artists-spotlight/
  40. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/FROZEN-2-is-the-5th-Longest-Running-Number-1-in-the-History-of-Billboards-Soundtracks-Chart-20200625
  41. https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/biggest-disney-hits-all-time-1235018081/
  42. https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/aurora-into-the-unknown-solo-version-9328342/
  43. https://genius.com/albums/Aurora/The-gods-we-can-touch
  44. https://shop.decca.com/products/the-gods-we-can-touch-white-cassette
  45. https://acharts.co/album/175628
  46. https://www.totalntertainment.com/music/aurora-scores-her-first-ever-top-10-album/
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gva59uji9AI
  48. https://amnplify.com.au/secret-sounds-presents-aurora-the-gods-we-can-touch-tour-coming-to-australia-march-2023/
  49. https://domino.elfworld.org/aurora-the-gods-we-can-touch/
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfIJuwh_sG8
  51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qis5zUBA_sk
  52. https://aurora-aksnes.fandom.com/wiki/What_Happened_to_the_Heart%253F
  53. https://genius.com/albums/Aurora/What-happened-to-the-heart
  54. https://aurora-aksnes.fandom.com/wiki/Discography
  55. https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/aurora-what-happened-to-the-heart-review-album-review-3764234
  56. https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/aurora-what-happened-to-the-heart-album-review/
  57. https://musicboard.app/album/what-happened-to-the-heart-2/aurora/
  58. https://music.apple.com/us/album/what-happened-to-the-heart-deluxe/1810293734
  59. https://www.songkick.com/artists/8871744-aurora
  60. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/aurora--5
  61. https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2016/11/02/500266764/guest-dj-aurora-on-her-love-of-heavy-metal-and-leonard-cohen
  62. https://aurora-daily.tumblr.com/post/651639944366931968/aurora-talking-about-10-songs-that-influenced-her
  63. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/interviews/aurora-interview-what-happened-to-the-heart/
  64. https://www.reddit.com/r/auroramusic/comments/snl3g0/im_a_musicologist_and_historian_currently/
  65. https://www.kexp.org/read/2019/6/17/sound-vision-aurora-influence-nature-and-native-culture/
  66. https://www.reddit.com/r/auroramusic/comments/t5ybjg/artists_that_youve_started_listening_to_bc_of/
  67. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/albums/aurora-what-happened-to-the-heart-
  68. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHTxapARx48/?hl=en
  69. https://www.reddit.com/r/auroramusic/comments/mfra9l/auroras_vocal_technique/
  70. https://singingcarrots.com/learn-to-sing-like/Aurora
  71. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob6me8IihrI
  72. https://www.cnhi.com/rss_feed/p-r-music-review-aurora-delivers-stunning-soundscape-with-heart/
  73. https://www.clashmusic.com/features/in-conversation-aurora/
  74. https://genius.com/Aurora-runaway-lyrics
  75. https://genius.com/albums/Aurora/All-my-demons-greeting-me-as-a-friend
  76. https://www.spectrum-pulse.ca/blog//2016/03/album-review-all-my-demons-greeting-me.html
  77. https://genius.com/albums/Aurora/Infections-of-a-different-kind-step-i
  78. https://www.reddit.com/r/auroramusic/comments/fbaq27/what_is_the_meaning_behind_auroras_song/
  79. https://nbhap.com/stories/interview-aurora-imperfection-and-spirituality
  80. https://www.clashmusic.com/features/its-part-of-what-makes-us-human-aurora-interviewed/
  81. https://floodmagazine.com/163231/aurora-what-happened-to-the-heart-in-convo/
  82. https://learnwithspringreader.com/2023/09/12/post-81-auroras-the-seed-a-lyrical-journey-into-self-discovery/
  83. https://www.nylon.com/articles/out-here-with-aurora-video
  84. https://www.vogue.com/article/music-festival-panorama-artists-aurora
  85. https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/56880/1/aurora-billie-eilish-runaway-interview
  86. https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/music-stars-perform-on-arctic-iceberg-in-call-for-ocean-and-climate-protection/
  87. https://bookingagentinfo.com/celebrity/aurora-aksnes/philanthropy/
  88. https://aurora-daily.tumblr.com/post/710823483027914752/this-week-aurora-became-one-out-of-23-artists-that
  89. https://imagine5.com/interview/aurora-interview-nature-has-been-my-secret-lover-for-a-long-time-now-its-official/
  90. https://www.nme.com/news/music/aurora-on-cop26-interview-performance-speech-climate-environment-greta-thunberg-runaway-3088629
  91. https://www.melodicmag.com/live-events/auroras-what-happened-to-the-earth-tour-enchants-d-c/
  92. https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/of-course-i-m-nazi-aurora-drummer-controversy-explored-sigmund-set-replaced
  93. https://www.tenhomaisdiscosqueamigos.com/2023/03/28/baterista-aurora-fala-associacao-nazismo/
  94. https://x.com/AURORAmusic/status/1640756697395232768
  95. https://www.newsinenglish.no/2019/10/03/aurora-bashed-for-concerts-in-israel/
  96. https://artistsforpalestine.org.uk/2019/10/04/palestinian-and-israeli-artists-urge-aurora-dont-play-israel/
  97. https://www.bdsmovement.net/news/aurora
  98. https://www.facebook.com/iamAURORA/posts/last-night-i-had-my-first-performance-in-telaviv-and-tonight-i-will-have-another/3417616994932695/
  99. https://www.facebook.com/CreativeCommunityForPeace/videos/aurora-stands-up-to-bds/177218690455466/
  100. https://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?key=36794&cat=a
  101. https://www.metacritic.com/music/all-my-demons-greeting-me-as-a-friend/aurora
  102. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jun/07/aurora-a-different-kind-of-human-step-ii-review
  103. https://www.metacritic.com/music/what-happened-to-the-heart/aurora
  104. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/10/arts/music/review-auroras-debut-album-offers-pop-bait-and-dark-introspection.html
  105. https://www.reddit.com/r/auroramusic/comments/pt23ch/why_does_pitchfork_pretend_aurora_doesnt_exist/
  106. https://mmeawards.eu/en/EuropeanBorderBreakersAwards-EBBA/
  107. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ewkn7hCNVTA
  108. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pURQi2USU3o
  109. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_dZwhQ60MI
  110. https://www.tono.no/vinnerne-av-edvard-prisen-2025/
  111. https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/o2-silver-clefs-honour-the-last-dinner-party-david-gilmour-noah-kahan-aurora-soul-ii-soul-more/092235
  112. https://spellemann.no/nominerte/
  113. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1011710610993779&id=100064645483274&set=a.446320497532796
  114. https://www.tunefind.com/blog/2017/05/top-tv-song-last-week-22-may-2017/
  115. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ34oLrPc8s
  116. https://www.what-song.com/Artist/20357/AURORA
  117. https://thetacomaledger.com/2024/01/03/aurora-and-her-magic-how-this-artist-inspires-joy-for-life-through-her-music/
  118. https://www.nme.com/news/music/aurora-celebrates-10-years-of-runaway-with-new-portrait-of-a-song-documentary-3842355
  119. https://www.bagpipeonline.com/arts/2023/12/6/aurora-spirituality-and-norwegian-influenced-art
  120. https://www.discogs.com/artist/532900-Aurora-16
  121. https://www.allmusic.com/album/all-my-demons-greeting-me-as-a-friend-mw0002888572
  122. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/aurora/infections-of-a-different-kind-step-i/
  123. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/aurora-different-kind-of-human/
  124. https://shop.aurora-music.com/products/what-happened-to-the-heart-warriors-version-exclusive-2lp
  125. https://www.reddit.com/r/auroramusic/comments/1ajquvf/aurora_live_at_osfest_in_os_norway_august_1_2014/
  126. https://www.redbull.com/us-en/watch-norwegian-pop-star-aurora-live-session
  127. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/aurora-23c6eca3.html
  128. https://discover.ticketmaster.co.uk/music/aurora-44267/
  129. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXVwFvkNTEg
  130. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md4yIaUa7uA
  131. https://www.ticketmaster.com/aurora-tickets/artist/731518
  132. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K1VnIDr-Ys
  133. https://warriorsweirdos.proboards.com/thread/1521/aurora-directs-music-video-evigheten
  134. https://music.apple.com/us/album/sky-concert-in-the-light-original-game-soundtrack/1657302810
  135. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31E5gTXsB0w
  136. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199297426-the-gods-we-can-touch
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