A Chat with MARI (27.10.25)
MARI is a rising Norwegian pop artist known for her powerful vocals, emotional lyrics, and magnetic stage presence. With her fearless energy and signature voice, MARI is quickly emerging as one of pop’s most exciting new voices. After the release of her debut EP, between the lines, we chat with MARI to discuss all things music.
OSR: What inspired the title between the lines, and how does it reflect the EP’s themes?
MARI: We wanted the EP to feel like one complete story, a whole piece, and the title had to reflect that journey. I wanted the whole EP to feel like reading pages from my diary, but between the lines, you find the real story: the growth, the heartbreak, and the self-discovery that came after it.
OSR: How did revisiting past heartbreak influence your songwriting process?
MARI: It was definitely a journey! The songwriting process felt like an emotional rollercoaster. I’m insanely grateful for how the writers and producers handled it, because it was all so personal. And it made me more honest. When I first started writing, I was scared of being too vulnerable or saying too much. But revisiting that heartbreak gave me perspective; I wasn’t writing from pain anymore, even though it was painful. I was writing from healing. It allowed me to see things clearly and put everything into words in a way that felt freeing, not heavy.
OSR: What was the biggest challenge in writing an EP so personal?
MARI: Probably daring to share my story with everyone who listens. And letting go of control, just being real. I’m used to wanting everything to sound “perfect,” but this time, I wanted it to feel real. That meant being okay with imperfections, both in my vocals and emotions, and allowing the lyrics to be brutally honest. It’s scary to let people into the raw parts of yourself, but that’s also what makes it meaningful. I want people to get to know me through this project.
OSR: How did working with your brother as a producer shape the sound of the record?
MARI: It was amazing working with him. He understands me completely, and that made the process so easy. It also made everything feel more personal. He knows me better than anyone, so he could push me in ways no one else could. There’s so much trust between us, and that allowed me to be completely open in the studio. He also really understands my sonic vision. We wanted the sound to feel nostalgic, but still modern and powerful.
OSR: Which track on the EP do you feel most personally connected to, and why?
MARI: Probably ‘last talk’. That song feels like closure to me, like finally letting go of everything I was holding onto. It was one of the hardest songs to write emotionally, but also one of the most healing. Every time I listen to it, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come. It came from a real conversation, so it will always have a special place in my heart.
OSR: How has your approach to music and songwriting evolved compared to your previous singles?
MARI: I’ve gained a lot more confidence in my songwriting. I feel like I’ve really found my style, and I’m not afraid to take up space or write more literally and personally. Before, I focused more on what would sound good. Now, I care more about what feels true. I’m not afraid to be messy, emotional, or even contradictory because that’s real life. I also trust my instincts more; I’ve grown into my sound and who I am as an artist.
OSR: ‘goddess’ has become a standout anthem. What message did you hope listeners take from it?
MARI: I wanted to create a girl-power anthem and a song dedicated to the women in my life, and to all the women who’ve paved the way for me. ‘goddess’ is that moment of finally remembering your worth. between the lines is about the journey from heartbreak to self-love, and I hope it reminds people that even the hardest moments can lead you back to yourself.
OSR: Were there moments during recording when you felt overwhelmed by vulnerability, and how did you push through them?
MARI: I cried a lot, laughed a lot, and honestly had the most fun while also ripping my heart out of my chest so many times! But it helped me heal parts of myself I didn’t even realize needed healing. Every emotion in that studio was real, and that’s what made the whole process so powerful.
OSR: How did your collaboration with Kristine Willassen help you express your story?
MARI: Kristine has become one of my best friends, and she makes my stories feel like mine. I remember the day we met a little over a year ago – she really pushed me to get comfortable with my own words. She taught me to trust my voice, to be brave with my stories, and to let my vulnerability shine through. Writing with her has felt like therapy, full of laughter, tears, and inspiration all at once. She truly understands me, both as a person and an artist. Working with another woman who just gets it made the process so empowering. She pushed me to go deeper lyrically and not hold back emotionally.
OSR: What do you hope listeners feel after experiencing the full EP?
MARI: I hope listeners find comfort and empowerment in it. I want them to feel seen, like they’re not alone in their emotions. I want people to cry, dance, and feel powerful all in one listen. between the lines is about the journey from heartbreak to self-love, and I hope it reminds people that even the hardest moments can lead you back to yourself.
Many thanks to MARI for speaking with us. Find out more about MARI on her Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, and Spotify.
