Sigrid

Early Life

Sigrid Solbakk Raabe, known simply as Sigrid, was born on September 5, 1996, in Ålesund, Norway. Growing up in a musical family, she has two older siblings, including her brother Tellef, who is also a musician. Sigrid's early experiences with music began in kindergarten, where she had to be pulled off stage after crying during her performance. She started playing the piano at age 7 and began singing at 13, even performing a rendition of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Initially, she considered careers in teaching, law, or journalism, believing that music was too uncertain. However, during her first year of high school, she realized her passion for music was more than just a hobby. At 17, she formed a band with her sister called Sala Says Mhyp, named after their late cat, and later moved to Bergen to immerse herself in the indie music scene.

Career

Sigrid's music career took off when she wrote her first song, "Sun," at 16, encouraged by her brother to move beyond cover songs. Released in 2013, "Sun" garnered airplay on Norwegian radio, leading to her signing with Petroleum Records. She gained further recognition with her 2017 EP "Don't Kill My Vibe," which was inspired by a belittling experience in a songwriting session. This EP charted in Norway, Australia, and the UK, and she performed at major festivals like Glastonbury and Roskilde. Sigrid's debut album, "Sucker Punch," released in 2019, and her subsequent albums, "How to Let Go" (2022) and "There's Always More That I Could Say" (2025), solidified her status as a prominent pop artist, with both debut and second albums topping charts in Norway and reaching the UK top 5.

Artistic Development

Sigrid's songwriting often reflects themes of anger, melancholia, and disappointment, as she finds it easier to express frustration than joy. Influenced by artists like Bonnie Raitt, Coldplay, and Adele, her music blends pop, synth-pop, and indie rock elements, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

Personal Life

Beyond her music, Sigrid is a brand ambassador for Gore-Tex and was in a relationship with Norwegian skier Nikolai Schirmer until 2022. Her journey from a shy child to a celebrated artist exemplifies her dedication and passion for music, making her a significant figure in the contemporary music scene.