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Marion Raven
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Marion Elise Ravn (born 25 May 1984), better known as Marion Raven, is a Norwegian singer and songwriter. She formed the pop duo M2M with Marit Larsen, though they ceased performing together in 2002. Raven was later signed as a solo artist by Atlantic Records with the release of her solo debut album, Here I Am in 2005. In 2006, Raven was signed to the indie record label, Eleven Seven, and in 2007 re-released the songs on her debut album along with a few new songs on an album titled Set Me Free. In 2012, Raven began production of her second album, Songs from a Blackbird, which was released in 2013.
Raven has also written tracks for other artists such as Pixie Lott.[2] She has also lent her voice to the Norwegian version of Tangled.
Early life
[edit]Raven was born in Lørenskog, Norway; her father is a teacher. She has an older brother and two younger sisters.[3] Her surname is of Norse origin, with Ravn meaning Raven, which she adopted as her stage name Marion Raven as well as her trademark raven logo. Raven enjoyed singing from a young age, sometimes writing lyrics for the songs she sang. Raven joined the gospel choir in a local church at the age of 5. At age 7, she went on to be part of the St. Laurentius choir, which has many historical links in Lørenskog, and was started in 1965 by, and is still being run by her vocal coach for several years, Kjell Walther Christensen. By the time she was eight, Raven began playing the piano and took piano lessons from Sif Anna Lisa Ødegård, married to Kjell Walther Christensen. She also attended ballet lessons, as well as performing ballet on stage. In 1993, she acted in the musical "Sound of Music", on the "Norwegian Broadway". She recorded a children's musical titled, "Vettene Vinner" (Vettene Wins), with the musical group, "Vettene", meaning "small trolls that protect nature", and was part of the group's record "Vettene på gamlespor" (Vettene on Old Tracks). At age 10, Raven acted in stage productions of Bugsy Malone and The Wizard of Oz
M2M
[edit]In 1995, Raven's father arranged for her to make a demo in a studio in Oslo, together with her childhood friend, Marit Larsen. The duo got a record deal with EMI Norway and formed M2M. A year later, they produced children album titled, "Marit og Marion synger kjente barnesanger" which means "Marit and Marion Sing Well-Known Children Songs". M2M was nominated for the Norwegian Grammy, Spellemannprisen, the following year.
In 1998, M2M started recording pop demos in English and struck a record deal with Atlantic Records. The two collaborated with many songwriters from around the world and produced their multi-platinum debut album, Shades of Purple, that was released in 2000, with the lead single, "Don't Say You Love Me" featuring on the soundtrack of Pokémon: The First Movie. The song was co-produced by Jimmy Bralower and Peter Zizzo (Celine Dion), and mixed by Tom Lord-Alge. It peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 21, selling 39,000 units in a week, according to SoundScan.[4] Their second album, The Big Room, which was recorded in a studio in Bearsville in Woodstock, New York, was released in 2002. After world tours to promote The Big Room ended, M2M joined Jewel on her This Way world tour as an opening act. M2M later disbanded in September 2002 after Atlantic removed them as the opening act for the rest of the tour.
Raven was offered a recording contract[5] with Atlantic Records, though the offer was later revoked.[6] She co-wrote "Pointless Relationship", that was the lead single of Australian singer Tammin Sursok's debut album Whatever Will Be. She also collaborated on the track "That Day", a song released by Norwegian pop singer Maria Arredondo, from Arredondo's 2004 follow-up album Not Going Under, and co-wrote the song "Disconnected", a song included on Lindsay Lohan's debut album Speak in 2004.
Solo career
[edit]
2005: Here I Am
[edit]Upon signing her deal with Atlantic Records, Marion Raven set about recording her debut album, and worked with Swedish songwriters/producers Max Martin and Rami, as well as Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk and her husband Raine Maida from 2003 to 2005. Initially, the record company was not confident of Raven's switch to a more rock image and a darker, more personal style of songwriting.[7] Raven had to fight to record her kind of music, rock music with a pop element. The resulting 14-track list, including 2 bonus tracks, cultivated a more rock/pop sound and was titled Here I Am. The album saw Raven's transformation from the candy-pop music of M2M to a more angsty, rock-oriented singer, and was released in Scandinavia, Japan, Latin America and Southeast Asia.
Here I Am spawned three singles, "End of Me", "Break You" and "Here I Am". Break You holds the record as Raven's top-selling single internationally. All three singles were successful in the Asian region where she further promoted the album with a tour. The album was released in Raven's home country on 10 August 2005 debuting at No. 6.
2006–2007: Set Me Free
[edit]In early 2006, it was announced that Raven quit her contract with Atlantic Records due to "artistic differences". Raven later confirmed that she was now signed to indie label Eleven Seven Music, which was created by her management 10th Street Entertainment.
Raven later performed a duet with rock musician Meat Loaf on a version of the song "It's All Coming Back to Me Now", released as the lead single from Loaf's tenth studio album Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose in October 2006. The track peaked at No. 1 in Norway and reached the top ten in Germany and the United Kingdom.[8] Raven later joined Loaf on an extensive tour through Canada and Europe in February 2007.[9]
In 2004, she recorded the theme song for the US dub of W.I.T.C.H., a Jetix animated series based on the comic of the same name.
Raven later confirmed that her new album would contain new and old tracks from her Norwegian debut as well as re-recorded tracks such as "Heads Will Roll", which received the help of American musician Nikki Sixx and was released as an EP in October 2006.[10] Prior to the release of Raven's album Set Me Free in March 2007, she toured around The Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom to help promote it. Raven later embarked on another promotional tour across the UK and performed in British schools. Later between later July and August, she became a supporting act on American singer-songwriter Pink's I'm Not Dead Tour in Germany.[11] The album was later released in June 2007 and sprawled two singles; "Falling Away" and a re-release of her previous single "Break You" from her Norwegian debut album.
2008–2010: Nevermore
[edit]In 2008, Raven made a cameo appearance in the music video for the song "Saints of Los Angeles" by American heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. In 2010 she became a panellist judge on the Norwegian version of the talent show The X Factor and later on Norwegian Idol.
Originally, Raven recorded her third studio album Nevermore in 2009 and penned it for a 2010 release, but due to the internal issues with her record label Eleven Seven Music, it was never released. It dropped two singles "Flesh And Bone" and "Found Someone" exclusively released in Scandinavia.
2012–2014: Songs from a Blackbird
[edit]
Raven later released the single "Colors Turn to Grey" in March 2012 and stated in October 2012 that she is working on material for a new album. In March 2013, Marion released the single "The Minute" from her second album Songs from a Blackbird, which was released on 5 April 2013 in Norway. Being her first album in eight years, Songs from a Blackbird managed to peak at No. 3 in Norway.[12] The album was further promoted with a third single – the track "Driving" – and a Norwegian Tour in 2013.
International Version
[edit]Before an international version released, Marion re-released "The Minute" for an international single via iTunes on 25 July 2014. In August and 31 October 2014, an international version of Songs from a Blackbird released worldwide and Australia, respectively. It incorporates a mixture of Norwegian version and three new songs from both Scandal Vol. 1 and Scandal Vol. 2. For Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Australia, it released physically whereas the worldwide, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Australia, it was only released via the iTunes Store.
2014–2015: Scandal Vol. 1 and Scandal Vol. 2
[edit]In January 2014, Marion announced plans to record her third studio album after signing with Sony Music. The album's title was later announced as Scandal while its release date was set to be in September 2014, later the album was divided in two parts, Scandal Vol. 1 released on September 22, 2014, and Scandal Vol. 2 released on February 2, 2015.[13]
2019: Mellom disse 4 vegger
[edit]In May 2019, Ravn released her first Norwegian-language single "Tyv".[14] In July 2019, she released "Fritt fall" as the second single from her Norwegian-language project.[15] The album, Mellom disse 4 vegger, was released on 11 October 2019.[16] The album features a duet with Magnus Grønneberg, with whom she collaborated with during the Hver gang vi møtes series.
Personal life
[edit]Raven briefly dated Zac Hanson while M2M were on tour with Hanson in 2000.[17] Raven stated that the M2M song "Everything" was written about her break up with Hanson and her heartbreak after the tour finished and he did not call her.[18] A second song was written by Raven about the relationship, which she called "Jack" instead of "Zac", and was released by Pixie Lott.[2]
After years of dating, Raven married professional snowboarder Andreas Wiig in 2013 and divorced in 2015.[19] In September 2023, Raven gave birth to a son.[20]
Hver gang vi møtes
[edit]Raven also starred the second season of Norwegian reality TV show Hver gang vi møtes, alongside other Norwegian music artists Morten Abel, Ole Paus, Anita Skorgan, Magnus Grønneberg, Kurt Nilsen and Lene Marlin.[21]
Marion Raven performances from other guest artists during the series were:
- "Casanova" (Originally recorded by Anita Skorgan)
- "Bullet Me" (Originally recorded by Morten Abel)
- "Unforgivable Sinner" (Originally recorded by Lene Marlin)
- "Never Easy" (Originally recorded by Kurt Nilsen)
- "Når Du Sover" (Originally recorded by Magnus Gronneberg)
- "Nerven I Min Sang" (Originally recorded by Ole Paus)
Fellow artists who sang Raven / M2m songs on Hver gang vi møtes – Marion Raven's Day were:
- "Found Someone" Covered by: Lene Marlin
- "For You I'll Die" Covered by: Anita Skorgan
- "Here I Am" Covered by: Magnus Gronneberg
- "Don't Say you Love Me" was originally recorded by M2M and Covered by: Ole Paus
- "Girl In your Dreams" was originally recorded by M2M and Covered by: Morten Abel
- "Everything" was originally recorded by M2M and Covered by: Kurt Nilsen
Other projects
[edit]Raven has written several songs for other artists including:
- (2004) "Completely In Love" for Norwegian pop-rock singer Tommy Michaelsen's album Completely in Love.
- (2004) "That Day" for Norwegian pop singer Maria Arredondo's album, Not Going Under.
- (2004) "Pointless Relationship" for Australian singer Tammin Sursok's album, Whatever Will Be.
- (2004) "Disconnected" for American singer Lindsay Lohan's album Speak
- (2007) "Jack" for British singer Pixie Lott's debut album, Turn It Up.
- (2009) "Forgot His Name" recorded by Tanita Kolsås for the X Factor Norway series.
- (2009) "It's Not Over" recorded by May Kronfeld also known as May K, a music video is available for this song.
- (2010) Raven's song "In Spite of Me" included on her debut album Here I Am was covered by Swedish pop-rock singer Erik Grönwall for his second album Somewhere Between a Rock and a Hard Place.
- (2011) Marion voiced the role of Rapunzel in the Norwegian dub of Disney's movie Tangled.
- (2016) Marion also voiced the role of Poppy for the Norwegian dub of DreamWorks Animation's movie Trolls.
- (2017) Marion got the role of Eponine for the Norwegian staging of Les Misérables, the play will be premiered on September 8, at the Hotel Folketeateret in Oslo.[needs update]
- (2017) Marion repeats her role of Rapunzel for the Norwegian dub of Tangled, this time for the animated TV Series.
- (2024) One of two hosts of Melodi Grand Prix 2024, the Norwegian selection for Eurovision Song Contest 2024
Awards and nominations
[edit]- In 2005 Raven was nominated for the Nordic Music Award with her album Here I Am held in Norway.
- Raven was nominated for the "Best Norwegian Act" at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2006.[22]
- In 2015 Raven won the award for 'Best International Act' at the "Musik Fach-Awards" 2015, Raven was also nominated in the category of "Album of the Year" and performed an acoustic version of her single "The Minute" during the ceremony.
Tours
[edit]| Year | Tour | Areas | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-late 2005 | Here I Am Promo Tour | Japan, Norway, Southeast Asia | Headlining |
| Early-mid-2007 | Meat Loaf Seize the Night Tour / Three Bats Live Tour | Canada, US, Europe | As supporting act |
| July–August 2007 | Pink I'm Not Dead Tour | Germany | As supporting act |
| November–December 2011 | Kurt Nilsen Christmas Tour | Norway | Supporting act/Special guest |
| October 2013 | Marion Ravn Norwegian Tour | Norway | Headlining |
| February–March 2015 | Lionel Richie All the Hits All Night Long | Europe | Supporting act |
| February–April 2015 | Marion Raven Scandal Tour | Norway | Headlining |
| February–March 2018 | Marion Ravn Akustisk Turné | Norway | Headlining |
Charity appearances
[edit]- Raven performed in the President Star Charity Concert in Singapore while on tour in mid-late 2005.
- Raven performed at the Norwegian Salvation Army, Lillestrøm Charity Concert and the Pink ribbon Show in Oslo, Norway in late 2005.
- Raven performed in Mainz-Kastel, Reduit for the UNICEF benefit show to raise funds to support Africa in September 2007.
- Raven performed alongside 2006 winner of Idol Norway, Aleksander Denstad With, at the Norwegian "Idol Gives Back" show in December 2007.
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOR [23][24] | |||
| Here I Am |
|
6 | |
| Heads Will Roll |
|
— | |
| Set Me Free |
|
— | |
| Nevermore |
|
— | |
| Songs from a Blackbird |
|
3 | |
| Scandal, Vol. 1 |
|
24 | |
| Scandal, Vol. 2 |
|
26 | |
| Mellom Disse 4 Vegger |
|
3 | |
| Ti Ville Hester |
|
||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||
Singles
[edit]| Year | Single | Peak positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOR |
SWE | |||
| 2005 | "End of Me" | — | — | Here I Am |
| "Break You" | 9 | 51 | ||
| "Here I Am" | 20 | — | ||
| "Little by Little" | — | — | ||
| 2006 | "Heads Will Roll" | — | — | Heads Will Roll EP |
| 2007 | "Falling Away" | — | — | Set Me Free |
| "Break You" (re-release) | — | — | ||
| 2010 | "Flesh and Bone" | — | — | Nevermore (unreleased) |
| "Found Someone" | — | — | ||
| 2012 | "Colors Turn to Grey" | — | — | Songs from a Blackbird |
| 2013 | "The Minute" | — | — | |
| "Driving" | — | — | ||
| 2014 | "In Dreams" | — | — | Scandal, Vol.1 |
| "You'll Get Up Again" | — | — | ||
| 2015 | "Better Than This" | — | — | Scandal, Vol.2 |
| "Kicks In" | — | — | ||
| 2019 | "Tyv" | — | — | Mellom Disse 4 Vegger |
Other appearances
[edit]| Year | Single | Peak positions | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOR [25] |
AUT | NED | SWI | |||
| 2006 | "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" (with Meat Loaf) |
1 | 17 | 15 | 21 | Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose |
References
[edit]- ^ "Heads Will Roll". AllMusic. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ^ a b "Got a date with a Pixie". nationthailand. 13 December 2012. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
- ^ "Profile for Marion Raven". Bebocom. 23 October 2007. Archived from the original on 26 February 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
- ^ Norway Portal (2003). "M2M 2 The Top". Norway. Retrieved 7 April 2007. [dead link]
- ^ VG.No (2005). "News of Marion Ravn's Million-dollar Contract". vg.no. Archived from the original on 21 February 2009. Retrieved 15 October 2006.
- ^ "Her bryter Marion sammen i tårer over M2M-dagboken". Verdens Gang. 9 February 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
- ^ Suzilasari Salleh (2005). "Marion Raven – A Solo Comeback". Theurbanwire.com. Archived from the original on 30 December 2006. Retrieved 18 April 2007.
- ^ Norway-Culture (2007). "It's All Coming Back To Me Now chart listing". Culture. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 10 December 2006.
- ^ Sperounes, Sandra (2007). "Big portions of Meat served-Meat Loaf 2007 Canada tour". The Edmonton Journal. Archived from the original on 27 March 2007. Retrieved 5 March 2007.
- ^ Anne Carlini (2007). "The Call of The Raven Is Upon Us". Exclusive Magazine. Retrieved 26 June 2007.
- ^ Marion Raven (2007). "Tour dates". marion-raven.com. Archived from the original on 3 July 2007. Retrieved 30 June 2007.
- ^ Marion Raven [@marionraven] (11 February 2013). "@ciara_vay singel i Mars og album i April! :)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Marion Ravn Showcase | Sony Music Norge". Archived from the original on 24 May 2014. Retrieved 2014-05-23.
- ^ Tyv, retrieved 11 October 2019
- ^ Fritt fall, retrieved 11 October 2019
- ^ Mellom disse 4 vegger, retrieved 11 October 2019
- ^ "Barnestjerne hardt skadd i ulykke". SE (in Norwegian). 6 October 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
- ^ Lorentzen, Arne-Petter (9 February 2013). "Skrev sang om Hanson-kjæresten". Se og Hør (in Norwegian). Retrieved 23 June 2021.
- ^ "Marion Ravn synger om tiden etter skilsmissen: - Jeg har sakte, men sikkert bygd opp mitt eget liv igjen". KLIKK (in Norwegian). 16 May 2019.
- ^ Løland, Cecilie Franck, Tuva Mathilde (16 September 2023). "Marion Ravn har blitt mamma". Nettavisen.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "In the studio.... - Marion Ravn". Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 2013-01-01.
- ^ Gibson X-Press (2005). "Ravin' on Raven". Gibson.com. Retrieved 7 April 2007.
- ^ "Discography Marion Raven". norwegiancharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
- ^ "Discography Marion Ravn". norwegiancharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
- ^ "NorwegianCharts.com Marion Raven discography page". Norwegiancharts.com.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Marion Ravn.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| People | |
Marion Raven
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early years
Childhood and family
Marion Elise Ravn, professionally known as Marion Raven, was born on May 25, 1984, in Lørenskog, a municipality northeast of Oslo, Norway.[3] She was raised in Lørenskog by her parents—her father a teacher—in a family that included an older brother and two younger sisters.[4] This close-knit family environment shaped her early years before she pursued musical endeavors.Musical beginnings
Raven's musical journey began in her early childhood, nurtured by a supportive family environment that encouraged creative pursuits. She developed a close friendship with fellow aspiring musician Marit Larsen during their youth in Lørenskog, Norway. In 1996, when she was 11 years old, Raven and Larsen collaborated on their debut recording project, releasing the children's album Marit & Marion synger kjente barnesanger through EMI Norway; the effort earned them a nomination for the Spellemannprisen, Norway's most prestigious music award.[2][5] This early partnership marked the start of their shared path in music, with Raven beginning to explore songwriting and performance in local settings prior to their professional duo endeavors.[2]M2M
Formation and early success (1998–2002)
In 1998, at the age of 14, childhood friends Marion Raven and Marit Larsen signed a record deal with Atlantic Records and officially formed the pop duo M2M, building on their earlier collaboration as a children's music act. The duo, hailing from Lørenskog, Norway, adopted the name M2M—short for "Marit and Marion"—to reflect their close partnership and transitioned from Norwegian-language children's songs to English-language pop aimed at an international audience. This signing marked the beginning of their professional career under Warner Music Group, with the label investing in their development as teen pop artists.[2][6] M2M's debut album, Shades of Purple, was released in March 2000 through Atlantic Records, showcasing their signature blend of bubbly pop melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and dual vocals. Key singles included "Don't Say You Love Me," which peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became their breakthrough hit in the United States, and "The Day You Went Away," a cover that resonated strongly in Asia and Europe. The album achieved significant commercial success, selling over 1.5 million copies worldwide. It also peaked at No. 7 on the Norwegian charts and went multi-platinum in countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, establishing M2M as rising stars in the late-1990s teen pop wave alongside acts like Britney Spears and the Spice Girls.[7][2] The duo supported the album with extensive international promotion, including appearances on MTV and performances across North America, Europe, and Asia. They received a nomination for the Spellemannprisen—the Norwegian equivalent of the Grammy—for Best Newcomer, highlighting their domestic impact. In 2002, M2M released their second album, The Big Room, which maintained critical praise for its matured sound but underperformed commercially, selling fewer than 500,000 copies globally amid a shifting pop landscape. The album's lead single, "The Feeling," charted modestly, failing to replicate the debut's momentum.[8] Amid growing tensions, M2M embarked on tours, including opening slots for artists like Jewel in 2002, but the duo disbanded later that year due to creative differences, with Raven and Larsen pursuing divergent musical paths—Raven toward rock-infused pop and Larsen toward folk influences. The split was also influenced by the label's decision to focus on Raven's solo potential following the second album's sales disappointment. Combined, M2M's two albums sold over two million units, cementing their legacy as a key Norwegian export in early-2000s pop.[9][10][2]The Better Endings Tour reunion (2025)
In late 2024, Norwegian pop duo M2M, consisting of Marion Raven and Marit Larsen, announced a reunion after a 22-year hiatus since their disbandment in 2002.[11] The decision stemmed from a chance encounter at a café in Norway, where the childhood friends reconnected and decided to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their debut album Shades of Purple with an initial limited tour focused on Asia.[12] The announcement, made on October 18, 2024, generated significant excitement among fans, emphasizing that the reunion was not indicative of a full comeback but rather a nostalgic closure.[13] Dubbed The Better Endings Tour, the 2025 itinerary began with a performance in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 26, followed by Genting Highlands, Malaysia, on April 27, Hong Kong, China, on April 29, multiple shows in the Philippines (Manila on May 1 and 2, Davao on May 3, and Cebu on May 4), Bangkok, Thailand, on May 9, and Singapore on May 12.[14][15][16] The tour later expanded to include Oslo, Norway, on June 18, an encore in Bangkok on November 22, Taipei, Taiwan, on November 24, and Mexico City on January 23–24, 2026. Setlists centered on classic hits from their two albums, including "The Day You Went Away," "Don't Say You Love Me," and "Pretty Boy," performed with acoustic arrangements that highlighted their matured vocals and harmonies.[17] No new material was introduced, as the duo prioritized reliving their early 2000s sound for longtime supporters.[18] The tour received overwhelmingly positive fan reception, with sold-out venues and emotional crowds in Manila describing the shows as a "sweet shimmering flashback" to their youth, marked by sing-alongs and tears during encores.[19][20] Highlights included heartfelt onstage banter between Raven and Larsen, where they acknowledged their brief reconciliation as a "good idea" sparked by fan demand, though they reiterated no plans for further collaborations.[21] The events boosted Raven's career visibility, drawing renewed attention to her solo work amid the duo's nostalgic revival.[22]Solo career
Here I Am (2005)
Following the disbandment of M2M in 2002, Marion Raven signed a solo recording contract with Atlantic Records, which had previously been the duo's U.S. label.[23] She began work on her debut album shortly thereafter, aiming to shift from M2M's bubblegum pop toward a darker alternative rock sound. Here I Am was released in Norway on August 10, 2005, marking her transition to a more mature, guitar-driven style.[24] The album features 14 tracks, with Raven co-writing much of the material to explore themes of heartbreak, independence, and introspection. Key collaborations included Swedish producers Max Martin and Rami Yacoub, who handled production and songwriting on several songs, including "Break You," "Here I Am," "Little by Little," and "Six Feet Under," infusing the record with polished pop-rock elements.[25] Other contributors included Jimmy Harry and Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe on "Heads Will Roll," adding a harder edge.[26] Notable tracks encompass "Get Me Out of Here," "Crawl," "13 Days," "For You I'll Die," and "In Spite of Me," blending emotional ballads with energetic anthems.[27] Three singles were released to promote the album: "Break You" in early 2005, followed by the title track "Here I Am" and "For You I'll Die." "Break You" peaked at No. 9 on the Norwegian Singles Chart, while "Here I Am" reached No. 20.[28] The album debuted at No. 6 on the Norwegian Albums Chart and performed strongly in Asia, selling over 135,000 copies there.[29] Critics praised the album's bold stylistic evolution, noting its raw energy and Raven's powerful vocals as a refreshing departure from her pop duo past, though some observed mixed results in cohesion.[30] Promotional efforts included live performances across Norway and Scandinavia, radio play, and a music video for "Here I Am" directed to highlight her rock persona.[31]Set Me Free (2006–2007)
Following the momentum from her 2005 debut album, Marion Raven faced challenges with her initial record label, leading to a transition that shaped her second release. In early 2006, Raven parted ways with Atlantic Records due to artistic differences, prompting her to seek greater creative control. She subsequently signed with the independent label Eleven Seven Music, which allowed for a reimagined version of her solo work.[32][33] Set Me Free, released on May 1, 2007, served as Raven's North American and European debut under the new indie banner, incorporating a blend of pop-rock elements with added tracks to expand on her earlier material. The album's title track, "Set Me Free," and "Falling Away" emerged as key singles, both exploring themes of emotional independence and liberation from toxic relationships—lyrics in "Set Me Free" depict breaking away from love's confining pain, emphasizing self-empowerment through lines like "I'm gonna set me free." Production emphasized Raven's evolving rock influences, with contributions from collaborators including James Michael, reflecting a shift toward more raw, introspective songwriting.[34][35][36] To promote the album, Raven embarked on an extensive tour, including opening for Meat Loaf on his Seize the Night Tour across Europe and the US in mid-2007, where she performed selections from Set Me Free and joined him for a duet on "It's All Coming Back to Me Now." This exposure highlighted her live energy and helped build international visibility, though the album achieved moderate chart success, peaking outside the top 100 in major markets like the US Billboard 200 and garnering niche acclaim in rock circles rather than mainstream pop dominance. The indie approach marked a pivotal turn, enabling Raven to prioritize artistic vision over commercial pressures, setting the stage for future independent ventures.[37][38][34]Nevermore (2008–2010)
Following the challenges with her previous label, Raven sought greater artistic control by independently producing her third studio album, Nevermore, recorded primarily in 2009 and issued in a limited CD-R format in 2010.[39] The project marked a significant evolution in her sound, incorporating gothic rock elements inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven"—from which the title derives—and delving into deeply personal lyrics that explored themes of suffering, loss, and resilience drawn from her own life experiences.[30] Two singles preceded the album's limited release: "Flesh and Bone," the lead track released earlier in 2010, which received mixed reviews for its raw intensity, and "Found Someone," praised for showcasing Raven's maturing vocal delivery and emotional depth.[30] The title track "Nevermore" and "All I Want Is You" further exemplified the album's brooding aesthetic, blending piano-driven ballads with harder-edged rock arrangements to convey introspection and defiance. Despite the independent approach allowing creative freedom, ongoing disputes with her former label, Eleven Seven Music, ultimately led to the full album being shelved after the limited run, preventing wider distribution.[39][30] Promotion for Nevermore was constrained by the project's uncertain status, focusing mainly on digital previews and Raven's television appearances, such as her role as a judge on Norway's X Factor in 2010, where she occasionally referenced the material to build anticipation.[30] Live performances were sparse but included select showcases in Norway, highlighting songs like "Nevermore" to demonstrate her shift toward a more sophisticated, adult-oriented style. Critics noted this maturity as a highlight, commending how the album's personal narratives and gothic undertones represented a bold departure from her earlier pop-rock work, even as commercial hurdles limited its reach.[30]Songs from a Blackbird (2012–2014)
Songs from a Blackbird is the second studio album by Norwegian singer-songwriter Marion Raven (credited as Marion Ravn), released in Norway on April 5, 2013, through Blackbird Music distributed by Sony Music Entertainment Norway. The album represented an evolution toward a softer folk-rock sound, departing from the harder rock influences of her prior releases like Nevermore. Featuring introspective lyrics and acoustic instrumentation, it showcased Raven's growth as a songwriter blending pop sensibilities with folk elements. The record debuted and peaked at number 3 on the Norwegian Albums Chart, remaining on the chart for 9 weeks.[40][41] To promote the album, Raven released several singles, including "The Minute" on March 11, 2013, and "Driving" in August 2013. "The Minute" highlighted the album's emotional depth with its melodic folk-rock arrangement, while "Driving" incorporated subtle rock edges within an accessible, radio-friendly structure. These tracks helped establish the album's cohesive aesthetic, emphasizing themes of personal reflection and resilience. Raven supported the release with a nationwide tour in Norway, performing selections from the album alongside earlier material.[41][40] In 2014, an international edition of Songs from a Blackbird was issued on August 8 by Epic Records, featuring fully English-language versions of the tracks to broaden its appeal beyond Scandinavia. This re-release included expanded promotion, such as additional music videos and digital distribution in global markets, aiming to introduce Raven's matured sound to international audiences. The version maintained the original's folk-rock essence but added polished production for wider commercial viability.[42][43]Scandal Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (2014–2015)
In 2014, Marion Raven released Scandal Vol. 1, the first installment of a planned double album project, on September 22 through RCA and Sony Music Entertainment Norway AS.[44][45] The eight-track collection continued her introspective style from the prior full-length release Songs from a Blackbird.[2] Produced primarily by Norwegian musicians Børge Fjordheim, Even Ormestad, and Thom Hell, the album blended folk rock elements with pop influences, featuring contributions from local talents such as guitarist Thomas Helland and keyboardist David Wallumrød on several tracks.[44] The lead single, "Scandal," served as the title track and opened the record, emphasizing raw emotional delivery over polished production.[46] Scandal Vol. 1 debuted at number 24 on the Norwegian albums chart, reflecting moderate commercial success in her home market.[47] This release marked Raven's return to a more focused Norwegian audience after international efforts, with the project conceptualized as companion pieces to allow for phased rollout and touring support.[2] The following year, on February 2, 2015, Raven issued Scandal Vol. 2, completing the double album with another eight tracks under the same RCA and Sony Music labels.[48][49] Production again involved key Norwegian collaborators, including Fjordheim on arrangement, production, and recording for most tracks, alongside string arrangements by Lars Horntveth and additional input from artists like Janove Ottesen and Morten Abel.[48] The single "Kicks In" led promotion for this volume, highlighting themes of resilience amid relational strain through its driving rhythm and lyrical introspection.[50] Scandal Vol. 2 entered the Norwegian albums chart at number 26, maintaining visibility in domestic sales while paving the way for a nationwide tour that fall.[47] Together, the volumes solidified Raven's evolution toward concise, narrative-driven releases rooted in personal reflection, bridging her earlier solo work to future explorations in Norwegian-language music.[2]Mellom disse 4 vegger (2019)
Mellom disse 4 vegger is Marion Ravn's first full-length album featuring entirely Norwegian lyrics, released on October 11, 2019, through her independent label Blackbird Music.[51] The record consists of nine tracks spanning pop rock with folk influences, emphasizing introspective and emotional themes centered on personal vulnerability and relationships, evoking an intimate atmosphere as suggested by its title, translating to "Between These 4 Walls."[52] Building on the personal themes from her earlier Scandal volumes, the album marks Ravn's deliberate shift to singing in her native language for deeper authenticity.[53] The album's lead single, "Tyv" (meaning "Thief"), was released on May 10, 2019, introducing Ravn's Norwegian songwriting with raw, soulful vocals over minimalistic production that highlights her emotive delivery.[54] Followed by "Fritt fall" (meaning "Free Fall") on July 26, 2019, the second single continued this intimate style, featuring stripped-back arrangements that underscore themes of emotional descent and release, both tracks setting the tone for the album's confessional tone.[55] Upon release, Mellom disse 4 vegger received positive notices in Norwegian media for its varied musical palette, blending ballads with pop rock elements while avoiding uniformity, though some critics noted occasional lyrical strains under emotional intensity.[56] VG praised its gripping breakup pop contrasted with desperate rhymes, positioning it as a mature evolution in Ravn's catalog.[57] Dagbladet commended the transition to Norwegian as timely and approved, highlighting its pop rock energy.[53] In 2020, Ravn performed several tracks from the album during an acoustic concert at Rondaståk, further tying into its intimate ethos with live interpretations that amplified the raw, personal feel.[58] A vinyl edition followed on April 9, 2020, celebrating the album's six-month anniversary.[59]Ti Ville Hester (2023)
Ti Ville Hester is the seventh studio album by Norwegian singer-songwriter Marion Ravn, released on February 10, 2023, through Blackbird Music.[60] Marking her return after a four-year hiatus since her previous Norwegian-language release Mellom disse 4 vegger in 2019, the album draws inspiration from Ravn's personal shift toward appreciating everyday life and positive experiences, contrasting her earlier themes of sadness and darkness.[61] She described the writing process as surprisingly uplifting, influenced by intimate concert settings from recent tours and a newfound stability in her routine, including time spent at home with family and friends.[61] The album consists of ten original tracks, all sung in Norwegian, blending soft rock and pop elements with a runtime of approximately 36 minutes.[62] Key songs include the title track "Ti ville hester," which explores themes of inner strength and freedom, and "En vanlig dag," celebrating the beauty in ordinary moments.[61] The full tracklist is as follows:| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Danse | 4:03 |
| 2 | Slik du vil | 3:15 |
| 3 | En vanlig dag | 4:00 |
| 4 | Ti ville hester | 4:02 |
| 5 | Nesten | 3:06 |
| 6 | Bitre dråper | 3:43 |
| 7 | Han du ikke var | 3:45 |
| 8 | Hold meg i hånda | 3:32 |
| 9 | Ser du | 3:28 |
| 10 | Det va du | 3:10 |
Television and media
Hver gang vi møtes
Marion Raven debuted on the Norwegian television show Hver gang vi møtes during its second season, which aired from January to March 2013 on TV 2.[64] As one of seven featured artists—alongside Kurt Nilsen, Ole Paus, Anita Skorgan, Magnus Grønneberg, Lene Marlin, and Morten Abel—Raven participated in the format where musicians reinterpret each other's hits, sharing personal stories tied to the songs.[64] Her episode, aired on February 9, 2013, focused on her career, with the other artists delivering covers of her solo tracks and M2M songs, including Lene Marlin's rendition of "Found Someone," Morten Abel's take on "Girl in Your Dreams," Anita Skorgan's version of "For You I'll Die," Ole Paus's cover of "Don't Say You Love Me" (M2M), Magnus Grønneberg's "Here I Am," and Kurt Nilsen's "Bullet Me."[65][66] During the season, Raven contributed notable covers of her co-artists' songs, such as her emotional interpretation of Lene Marlin's "Unforgivable Sinner," which highlighted her vocal range and connected to shared themes of vulnerability in their music.[65] Interactions were particularly poignant on her dedicated episode, where Marlin's performance moved Raven to tears, underscoring their mutual admiration and the personal bonds formed among the participants.[65] Raven shared candid anecdotes, including a story from her early fame where the intensity of M2M's success led her to overlook an encounter with Paul McCartney, revealing the overwhelming pressures of her teenage stardom.[67] The season's duet episode on February 23, 2013, featured collaborative performances, fulfilling one of Raven's long-held dreams to reinterpret songs alongside peers like Nilsen and Abel.[68] Raven returned for the show's tenth season, a jubileum (anniversary) edition airing from October to December 2020, which reunited select past participants with new artists to celebrate a decade of the program.[69] In this season, she delivered standout covers, including Unni Wilhelmsen's "This Means U to Me Now," praised for its raw emotional delivery, and DDE's "Som Splintra Speil," showcasing her ability to infuse rock elements into folk-inspired tracks.[69][70] A highlight was her collaboration with Tshawe Baqwa on "Last Night," blending hip-hop and pop influences in a fresh reinterpretation.[71] Her performances earned high praise, with Wilhelmsen describing Raven's version of her song as "breathtaking" and leaving her "stunned."[72] Raven's appearances significantly boosted her visibility in Norway, reintroducing her catalog to younger audiences and reinforcing her status as a versatile artist through the show's intimate storytelling format.[73] The emotional disclosures, particularly about her M2M era, resonated with viewers, fostering deeper connections and highlighting her evolution from pop duo member to solo rock performer.[67]Other television and media appearances
Raven served as a judge on the second season of the Norwegian version of The X Factor in 2010, alongside Elisabeth Andreassen, Klaus Sonstad, and Jan Fredrik Karlsen.[2] The following year, she joined the judging panel for the sixth season of Idol Norge in 2011, evaluating contestants with fellow judges Bertine Zetlitz, Hans Erik Dyvik Husby, and Gunnar Greve.[2] In 2016, Raven acted as an artist developer for Sony Music on the reality competition The Stream, a streaming-based talent show on TV2, where she mentored emerging performers alongside Espen Lind and Cato Sundberg.[2] In 2024, she co-hosted Melodi Grand Prix 2024, Norway's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, partnering with journalist Fredrik Solvang to present the live finals on NRK.[74] Raven has made numerous guest appearances on Norwegian talk and morning shows to promote her music. In March 2015, she performed "Kicks In" from her album Scandal Vol. 1 on Senkveld med Thomas og Harald on TV2, and participated in a humorous segment on sex education.[75] Earlier that February, she appeared on God Morgen Norge on TV2, delivering a live performance of "Better Than This" and discussing her creative process. In 2015, she also performed at the finale of Idol Norge, singing "Better Than This" to support the contestants. On radio, Raven has been a frequent guest on NRK P3, including live sessions and interviews; in 2011, she visited the station with Bertine Zetlitz and Hans Erik Dyvik Husby to discuss her career, and in 2014, she performed an acoustic version of "In Dreams." Regarding podcasts and broader media coverage, she has given promotional interviews tied to album releases and the 2025 M2M reunion, such as a discussion on her friendship with Marit Larsen and the duo's updated singles in a GMA Network feature.[76]Other activities
Songwriting and collaborations
Marion Raven has established herself as a prolific songwriter beyond her solo work, contributing tracks to several international and Norwegian artists. In 2004, she co-wrote "Disconnected," which appeared on Lindsay Lohan's debut album Speak, showcasing her ability to craft pop songs with emotional depth and commercial appeal.[77] Similarly, in 2009, Raven co-wrote "Jack" with Pixie Lott and producer Peter Zizzo for Lott's album Turn It Up, a track that highlighted her collaborative songwriting style blending pop and rock influences.[78] Raven's collaborations often extend to performance, most notably her duet with Meat Loaf on "It's All Coming Back to Me Now," featured on his 2006 album Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose. This dramatic rock ballad paired her soaring vocals with Meat Loaf's powerhouse delivery, earning critical praise for its theatrical intensity and marking one of her high-profile international partnerships.[79] These efforts underscore her versatility in supporting other artists' projects while maintaining her signature lyrical focus on themes of love, loss, and resilience.Acting and additional projects
Raven's early involvement in the performing arts included roles in Norwegian musical theater productions during her pre-teen years, such as The Sound of Music in 1993 and Bugsy Malone in 1994.[80] In 2014, she debuted in live-action film with the Norwegian comedy Ta meg med!, portraying the character Lise, a supporting role in a story about a chaotic train journey involving musicians and actors.[81] Raven took on her most prominent stage role in 2017 as Éponine Thénardier in the Norwegian-language production of Les Misérables at Folketeateret in Oslo, a performance she had aspired to for seven years; the show premiered on September 8 and ran for several months.[82] She has also built a notable career in voice acting for Norwegian dubs of international animated features, beginning with Rapunzel in Disney's Tangled (2010) and the related animated series Tangled: The Series (2017), Poppy in DreamWorks' Trolls (2016) and Trolls World Tour (2020), and Rapunzel once more in Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018).[32][83] In 2025, Raven returned to the stage as Svetlana in a production of the musical Chess at Folketeateret in Oslo.[2]Personal life
Relationships and marriage
Raven began her public romantic life in the spotlight during her time with M2M, when she briefly dated Zac Hanson of the American band Hanson in 2000 while the groups toured together.[84] The relationship ended shortly after the tour, inspiring the M2M track "Everything" from their second album The Big Room (2002). Raven later co-wrote the song "Jack," a veiled reference to Hanson (with "Zac" changed to "Jack" to avoid media scrutiny), which appeared on Pixie Lott's 2009 debut album Turn It Up.[84] After several years of dating, Raven married professional snowboarder Andreas Ygre Wiig on May 25, 2013—her 29th birthday—in Nøtterøy Church, Norway, in a ceremony that moved both to tears.[85] The couple, who had been together for seven years prior to the wedding, separated amicably in 2015 after two years of marriage, announcing the divorce on August 25, 2015.[86] Raven described the split as mutual and friendly, stating they remained on good terms.[86] The divorce profoundly affected Raven personally, leaving her feeling exposed and requiring her to rebuild her life from scratch, including learning basic adult tasks like cooking and securing insurance.[87] This period of vulnerability and growth influenced the introspective themes in her 2019 album Mellom disse 4 vegger, where she processed the emotional aftermath through her songwriting.[88] She also experienced feelings of shame following the public breakup, which impacted her public image as she navigated media attention.[89] In 2017, Raven began a relationship with an unnamed partner, whom she described as private and not in the public eye.[90] The couple parted ways in 2020, with Raven confirming the breakup but keeping details minimal to respect his privacy.[91]Family and children
In September 2023, Marion Raven gave birth to her first child, a son. The news was confirmed by her management shortly after the birth, marking a significant personal milestone for the singer as she embraced motherhood.[92] Raven met the child's father on Tinder in early 2023, and the couple quickly became cohabitants, sharing a committed partnership that has supported her transition into parenthood. While specific co-parenting details remain private, Raven has described their relationship as a source of stability and joy, with the pair navigating family life together following her previous divorce from snowboarder Andreas Wiig in 2015.[93][92] Raven has occasionally shared glimpses of her family life through interviews and social media, highlighting the joys and challenges of balancing her music career with parenting.Recognition and philanthropy
Awards and nominations
Marion Raven's career accolades span her time with the pop duo M2M and her solo endeavors, highlighting her contributions to Norwegian and international music scenes. Early recognition came through nominations tied to her initial recordings, while later honors acknowledged her evolution as a solo artist blending pop and rock elements.Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Spellemannprisen | Best Children's Album | Nominated | For the album Marit & Marion with Marit Larsen, released under EMI Norway when both were preteens.[2] |
| 2005 | Nordic Music Awards | Best Norwegian Artist | Nominated | For the album Here I Am. |
| 2005 | MTV Europe Music Awards | Best Norwegian Act | Nominated | Competed alongside acts including Ane Brun, Röyksopp, and Thomas Dybdahl; Turbonegro won. |
| 2015 | Musik Fach-Awards | Best International Act | Won | Recognized for her international impact; also nominated for Album of the Year and performed "The Minute" at the ceremony.[94] |
Tours and charity work
Raven's debut solo album Here I Am was supported by a promotional tour in mid-to-late 2005, which included performances across Southeast Asia, such as in Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan, as well as shows in Japan and Norway.[95] Following the April 2013 release of her second solo album Songs from a Blackbird, which peaked at number three on the Norwegian charts, Raven conducted her first comprehensive solo tour throughout Norway.[2] An international edition of the album prompted further touring in Germany as a supporting act for Lionel Richie during 2014 and 2015.[2] Raven has incorporated philanthropy into her career through select benefit performances focused on youth and humanitarian causes. In December 2006, she appeared at the Second Annual VH1 Big Shopping event in Los Angeles to support the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, an initiative providing musical instruments and education to children in low-income public schools.[96] The following year, in September 2007, she performed at a UNICEF benefit concert in Mainz-Kastel, Germany, aimed at raising funds for children affected by crises in Africa; during the event, she delivered songs including "Thank You" and voiced her commitment to the organization's mission.[97] In a notable return to collaborative touring, Raven reunited with M2M partner Marit Larsen in 2025 for The Better Endings Tour, featuring performances across Europe and Asia.[98]Discography
Studio albums
Marion Raven's solo studio albums mark her transition from the pop duo M2M to a more alternative rock-oriented solo career beginning in 2005. Her discography includes eight released albums, primarily through major and independent labels, with a focus on international and Norwegian markets. While early albums achieved moderate commercial success in Asia and Norway, later works emphasize artistic exploration in English and Norwegian languages. The third album, Nevermore, remains unreleased.| Album Title | Release Date | Label | Formats | Peak Chart Position (Norway, VG-lista) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Here I Am | August 10, 2005 (Norway); June 6, 2005 (Asia) | Atlantic Records | CD, digital download | #6 |
| Set Me Free | June 26, 2007 (US/Europe iTunes); August 6, 2007 (physical) | Eleven Seven Music | CD, enhanced CD, digital download | — |
| Nevermore | Recorded 2009–2010; unreleased as full album due to label disputes | Eleven Seven Music (intended) | N/A | — |
| Songs from a Blackbird | April 5, 2013 (Norway); August 15, 2014 (international) | Blackbird Music / Sony Music | CD, LP, digital download | #3 |
| Scandal Vol. 1 | September 22, 2014 | Blackbird Music / Sony Music | CD, digital download | #40 |
| Scandal Vol. 2 | February 2, 2015 | Blackbird Music | CD, digital download | #25 |
| Mellom disse 4 vegger | October 11, 2019 | Blackbird Music | LP, digital download, AAC | — |
| Ti Ville Hester | February 10, 2023 | Blackbird Music | LP, digital download, AAC | — |
Singles
Raven transitioned to a solo career after M2M disbanded in 2002, debuting with "Break You" in 2005, which became her highest-charting solo single internationally, reaching number 9 on the VG-lista and number 1 on Japan's Oricon International Singles Chart. The track, produced by Max Martin and Dr. Luke, was released as a promotional single in select Asian markets ahead of her debut album. Her follow-up single, "Here I Am," peaked at number 20 on the VG-lista that same year. In 2006, Raven featured on Meat Loaf's "It's All Coming Back to Me Now," which topped the VG-lista for 21 weeks, marking one of her most successful releases. Later solo efforts included "Better Than This" (2015), a promotional digital single with no major chart entries, and "Tyv" (2019), her first original song in Norwegian, released independently without significant chart performance but noted for its personal lyrical content. Additional solo singles from the 2020s, such as "Ti ville hester" (2021) and "En vanlig dag" (2022), were issued as digital downloads, focusing on the Norwegian market with limited international promotion or variants.| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Break You" | 2005 | NOR: 9, JPN: 1 | — |
| "Here I Am" | 2005 | NOR: 20 | — |
| "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" (with Meat Loaf) | 2006 | NOR: 1 | — |
| "Better Than This" | 2015 | — | — |
| "Tyv" | 2019 | — | — |