Behind the pseudonym, ‘Maud’ stands artist, producer, songwriter and singer Kristine Hoff from Northern Norway.
Making waves as one of the brightest new names coming out of the legendary Norwegian music scene, Maud’s undeniable potential has seen her successfully secure direct support from the Arts Council Norway and The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Culture for her music career – solidifying her status as one of Scandinavia’s most promising musical up-and-comers. Rapidly rising on home turf, she has performed at multiple festival line-ups including Insomnia, Sørveiv, Trænafestivalen and Bodø Jazz Open.
Maud has also gained international accreditation from taste making blog hype across the UK, US and Australia. Confirming herself as a noteworthy new act she has featured on the cover of Deezer’s New Electronic playlist, and achieved further editorial support from Spotify’s Poptastic, Electronic Right Meow, Vanish and Lovetrap playlists alongside airplay on Amazing Radio in the UK.
A supremely confident collection of tracks, Maud continues to find a signature as boundless artist, renowned for pushing the boundaries. Ready to propel her rising momentum with the release of this new work, Maud is set to break ground as one of the most exciting international names to hit the UK.
What first got you into music?
I have always been surrounded by music and my dad is a jazz musician, so I grew up going to jazz concerts from a very young age. I started singing in a children’s choir before primary school, and when I was about 8-9 years old I began taking piano lessons at a local culture school.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I think it’s more enjoyable when other people describe my music, but from my point of view, I would say I create electronic pop inspired by 90s pop, UK Garage, hyper pop, DnB, breakbeat, and ambient music.
What is your creative process like?
Usually, when I’m making music the songwriting and music production happens quite simultaneously, as well as writing the lyrics. I normally start out with the piano and create chords, before I improvise vocal melodies on top.
What does your music say about you?
That’s a tough one, but hopefully that I am willing to take risks artistically and that I am honest.
If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?
Charli XCX or Oklou.
What is one message you would give your fans?
Stream my music and tell all your friends about me. 😉
If we were to peek over your shoulder, what does your studio look like? What gear do you typically use?
My setup is quite simple, but my studio is very cozy. That’s important for me in order to relax and get into the right mood when I’m creating music. Some of my gear includes a JV-2080 Roland synth, Moog Grandmother and Nord Lead 2.
What fictional character do you wish was real?
F.B.I. Agent Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock) in Miss Undercover.
What makes you nostalgic?
Sometimes when I’m in my hometown, Bodø, I can get really nostalgic.
What would be a good theme song for your life?
A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton.
If you were captain of a ship, what would you call it?
MS Maud, but there is actually a Norwegian ship named that so I guess Hurtigruten Norway which owns the ship have to hire me as their captain or at least book me to do a show.
If you were talking to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give?
Cheer up.
Maud has dropped the pioneering new EP In My Haven, following the last of her preview singles “See Right Through U”.
Combining sleek production with skilled musicality, In My Haven debuts a new artistic voice steeped in inspiration from the UK house and garage scene to create a cutting-edge sound. Otherworldly soundscapes radiate across tracks such as “Everything I Do” and “See Right Through U”, mixing with a rapid back beat in a hypnotic concoction of electronic dance.
Exploring themes of self-belief, empowerment, and self-discovery throughout its 6 tracks, the anthemic “Rollercoaster” and “Rollercoaster Pt.2” circle the EP letting Maud’s skill as a music maker shine through on these bright tracks. Blending her dreamy vocals with euphoric 90s pop, Maud’s vulnerability in opening up about the dizzying complexity of life, serves to inspire and uplift – beautifully pairing with its reflective closing counterpart.
Spearheading her career, Maud personifies the description of an all-around talent as she continues to take charge of all elements of her music as artist, composer, producer, signer, instrumentalist, programmer, and mixing engineer. This creative freedom has provided liberation for the young artist and afforded her a unique position within the genre – shown in her experimental new sound on this most recent release.