Marit Larsen emerged from the international pop scene in the late 1990s as a member of the duo M2M before establishing a career as a solo artist. A multi-instrumentalist proficient on guitar and piano, she gained recognition for her compositional work and songwriting, particularly following her transition from early teen success to a distinct solo identity in mid-decade Norway.
Early Career and M2M
Born in 1983 in Lørenskog, Norway, Larsen began her musical trajectory early, playing violin from age five to eight. She formed a duo with Marion Raven, initially performing under the name Marit & Marion and later as M2M. The group secured a worldwide recording contract with Atlantic Records in 1998. Their debut single, Don't Say You Love Me, achieved commercial success, followed by the album Shades of Purple. After the release of their second album, The Big Room, the duo dissolved.
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Following a hiatus, Larsen showcased a revised musical approach in 2004, performing original material on NRK radio and at the by:Larm concert. Her debut solo album, Under the Surface, was released on 6 March 2006 under EMI. The lead single, Don't Save Me, reached number one on the Norwegian singles chart. The album was certified double platinum by May 2007. During this period, she received several accolades, including the 2006 Spellemann Award for female artist of the year and the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Norwegian Act.
Continued Recording and International Touring
Larsen released her second album, The Chase, in October 2008, featuring the hit single If a Song Could Get Me You. This track reached number one in Norway, Germany, and Austria. Her subsequent studio albums included Spark in 2011 and When the Morning Comes in 2014. She expanded her reach through international touring, notably serving as an opening act for Jason Mraz during his 2009 European tour and performing at festivals across Germany and Switzerland.
Fast facts
- Born: 1983, Lørenskog, Norway
- Primary instruments: Guitar, piano
- Former band: M2M
- Debut solo album: Under the Surface (2006)
- Education: University of Oslo, Lørenskog Upper Secondary School
- 2006 Spellemann Award: Female artist of the year
- Languages: English, Norwegian
Questions readers ask
What was the name of Larsen's childhood band?
She and Marion Raven formed a group initially called Hubba Bubba, later renamed M2M.
Which album earned her a double platinum certification?
Her debut solo album, Under the Surface, released in 2006.
Achievements
- Instruments: guitar and voice
- Genres: pop music, acoustic music and folk-pop