So you have by now, obviously, watched, cried and tweeted about #ManOnTheMoon.
It’s another emotionally turbulent advert from John Lewis that has the Internet divided. Some say its no Monty The Penguin; we reckon it could be the best yet.
The question on everyone’s lips and fingertips is who is behind that beautiful voice. The soundtrack is as anticipated as the ad, with famous faces like Tom Odell taking on The Beatle’s Real Love for last year’s production, and Lily Allen previously covering Keane’s Somewhere Only We Know. The John Lewis Ad has become as well known for celebrating superb British music as it has for celebrating Christmas.
So while we recognized Noel Gallagher’s Half The World Away pretty instantly, we knew jack shit about the vocalist. Her name is Aurora and she’s about to become your new favourite vocalist.
Aurora Aksnes is a 19 year old vocalist hailing from Bergen, Norway. Her debut EP Running With Wolves was released on Decca Records in May 2015. Katy Perry has already declared herself a fan of the young singer, sharing her video Runaway earlier this year and saying “finally, new music that makes my heart flutter”.
Finally. New music that makes my ❤️a flutter. Check this 17 yr old angel @AURORAmusic RUNAWAY https://t.co/KLZRLeSiVk pic.twitter.com/scJvDfDgSU
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) March 4, 2015
Aurora claims her first music memory is of finding an electric piano in her parents’ attic and being fascinated by the music she could produce. She cites Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen as inspirations.
The vocalist has an alluring stage presence but doesn’t believe it was a calling, rather a skill she had to hone. She says,
“I don’t think I was born to be an entertainer, I never wanted to actually stand on a stage. Obviously it’s terrifying, but now I’ve learned to, and I I’ve learned to not focus on myself, cause it’s not about me. Now I only think about giving everyone the best experience. A magic moment”.
We anticipate the singer will quickly join ranks of many a persons favourite female singer. She has a slight air of Sia, with hypnotic resonance that rivals Florence Welch. You’ll love her if you like Feist, The Staves or Wyvern Lingo.
Aurora is currently touring Norway before a few dates in the UK. No Dublin dates have been added yet.
Chalk her down as one to watch in 2016, we wouldn’t be surprised to see her on the EP lineup.
