The Norweigan musician takes the Dazed 100 pop quiz and spills on creativity, community, and what people always get wrong about her
The Dazed 100 is back, but not as you know it. For 2020, we’ve partnered with Converse to spotlight not only 100 of the world’s most creative, outspoken, and passionate next-gen names, but also their creative and philanthropic ideas. Explore the list, and you’ll find 100 manifestos to create, inspire, connect, and power change.
When Norway-based musician girl in red isn’t penning dreamy bedroom pop songs about queer love, she passes the hours by watching pimple popping videos on YouTube at 2am (relatable). Last year, the “i wanna be your girlfriend” singer released her second EP titled chapter 2, and is currently working on her world in red concept album – which she would use the Dazed 100 ideas fund to help produce, sustainably designing an outfit for each track. Find out what else the Norweigan musician gets up to in her spare time, how she navigates her career, and why Greta Thunberg and Billie Eilish are two of her greatest inspirations as she takes the Dazed 100 pop quiz below.
What issues are you most passionate about?
girl in red: I’m probably the most passionate about LGBTQ+ related issues. And I’m also very passionate about environmental issues. Especially when it comes to touring, it’s very important for me to leave as small a (carbon) footprint as possible. I want to fulfil my dream as a musician but I don’t want to ruin the world and everyone else’s future. Because what’s art without people?
Who do you think is making real change in the world?
girl in red: I think Greta Thunberg is doing a great job. She’s leading an environmental revolution. That’s some big words right there, but she’s really created a movement, and she’s been the person at the front of that movement. I also think Billie Eilish is doing some crazy (things) to change the world. Even though she is just chilling and doing her own thing, she’s really pushing pop music in a cool direction.
If you were in charge for a day, what law would you invent?
girl in red: If I could choose one for the entire world: no hate. That’s super, super childish but I think that’s a good type of childish, because it’s still dreaming.
What does community mean to you?
girl in red: Community is really important. It’s a given, almost, for people to (want to) feel like they belong somewhere. And having a community is like having a place to turn to. That’s really important to me – to have a place where I feel like I belong.
How does your community inspire your creativity?
girl in red: I think what inspires me – especially with the community I’ve created with my music – is seeing all the good vibes! There’s so many good vibes in my community and at my shows. The community that’s being created there really inspires me to do this forever. I just don’t want to stop. Because the way I feel in a room with a bunch of people is such a great vibe. And that type of vibe is what the world needs, because everyone is so accepting. There’s no one pushing each other, no one’s fighting, and everyone’s just chilling.
“Having a community is like having a place to turn to. That’s really important to me – to have a place where I feel like I belong” – girl in red
Explain your Dazed 100 grant idea in one sentence?
girl in red: World domination, baby!
Why should people support your idea?
girl in red: I’m gonna do everything out of love. I’m not gonna do anything out of hate. I think that’s a good thing to support.
When do you feel most creative?
girl in red: When I’m in a good headspace, and I’m in my apartment at home, and I’m drinking iced coffee, and eating strawberries. Just like, hanging out, and being happy. When I’m happy I feel really creative and I feel like I have so much more to give and put into a piece of work.
How do you get over an artistic block?
girl in red: Honestly I just think you gotta keep creating. Two days ago I was in an artistic block and I was stopping myself from experimenting. You just gotta keep creating, don’t stop, just continue.
Name three things that inspire you?
girl in red: Movies, people, and great weather.
What’s the best concert you’ve ever seen?
girl in red: I don’t know! That’s sad...
If you could own one piece of art, what would it be?
girl in red: I recently saw this cool Basquiat!
Which fictional character do you most identify with?
girl in red: Ru from Euphoria.
What’s your secret talent?
girl in red: I’m an amazing fingerboarder.
What’s overrated?
girl in red: Football. Wait – no. I take it back. Football creates community, and I’ve been to football games and they’re really fun when you’re drunk!
What keeps you motivated?
girl in red: I have a really great album plan and really big ideas I want to achieve. New ideas (are) so motivating.
Which film do you never get bored of?
girl in red: The Perks of Being a Wallflower!
What song is stuck in your head right now?
girl in red: My own song (it’s unreleased).
What are you embarrassed to admit?
girl in red: I have a real issue talking about poop. I’m writing a book about it right now.
“I’m gonna do everything out of love. I’m not gonna do anything out of hate” – girl in red
What piece of clothing means the most to you?
girl in red: A sweater that my dad gave me when (we were) at this island called Svalbard.
What’s your ultimate guilty pleasure?
girl in red: I absolutely love watching pimple-popping videos on YouTube. When it’s like, 2am, that’s my go-to.
What will the world look like in 2050?
girl in red: I think the world will probably be way more digitised and maybe a bit more sterile – and way more strict. After this pandemic there’s going to be so many rules.
What’s a misconception people often have about you?
girl in red: A lot of people think I’m short. When people meet me for the first time they’re like, ‘Whoa! You’re really tall! I thought you were a tiny girl.’
What book changed your life?
girl in red: The Perks of Being a Wallflower, probably. Or maybe this Norwegian book called Nothing Happened.
What song hits you the hardest?
girl in red: Probably a song called “Leave This Behind by Lovelier Other”. That shit hits me so hard. It’s a five-minute-long song and it’s a beautiful arrangement.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
girl in red: I really admire my mom. She’s a really great writer and I love her so much. My grandma also! I love my grandma. I really admire my grandma because she’s so up to date with everything that’s happening in the world. And her opinions are so ‘now’, and she isn’t stuck on something that happened 50 years ago. She’s such a great feminist.
Head here to vote for girl in red’s idea on the 2020 Dazed 100.