Malin Haugen-Bjørnson, the 15-year-old singer-songwriter from Tromsø, Norway, known as MalinMakesAMess, is making waves with her raw and real approach to music. Despite facing immense personal challenges, Malin has channelled her experiences into a unique blend of atmospheric pop and emotional storytelling. Her latest track, ‘Unstoppable’, is an anthem of resilience and self-belief, reflecting her journey of processing loss and finding strength. We caught up with Malin to discuss her creative process, her musical influences, and her aspirations for the future.
In this interview, Malin opens up about the deeply personal experiences that have shaped her music, including the loss of her parents and her journey of healing through songwriting. She also discusses the creative process behind her latest release, ‘Unstoppable’, and the challenges of producing high-quality music with limited resources. Let's dive into Malin's world and discover the story behind the music.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! When did you first start making music? Where did it all begin, and what inspired you?
“I first started making music a few years ago, as a way to process everything I was feeling. It all began in my bedroom with just a 12-year-old laptop and a pair of headphones. Losing my parents at a young age left me with a lot of emotions, and music became my way to make sense of it all. I’d write lyrics late at night and experiment with sounds on whatever free software I could find. My inspiration comes from that need to express what’s hard to say out loud - to put my heart into words and melodies and hopefully connect with others who feel the same.”
‘Unstoppable’ is an incredible track. Can you tell us a bit about it and what it means to you?
“My latest release, ‘Unstoppable’, is really close to my heart. It’s a song about resilience and finding the strength to keep moving forward, even when things feel impossible. Writing it was like giving myself a pep talk, a reminder that no matter what happens, I can get through anything if I just keep going. It’s about realizing that I’m in control of my own story and that sometimes I need to grab onto my own power, even when it’s hard to find. I hope this song inspires others to feel that same strength, to keep pushing forward, and to feel unstoppable in their own lives.”
Are there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when writing the release?
“Absolutely! When I was writing ‘Unstoppable’, I tapped into a lot of personal experiences, especially the feeling of needing to rise up from difficult times. Losing my parents at a young age really shaped my resilience, and writing this song was a way to remind myself - and anyone listening - that no matter what life throws at you, you can find the strength to keep going.”
“In terms of musical influences, artists like Linkin Park, Billie Eilish, and Kanye West have been huge for me. Kanye’s music, especially, has this bold energy that’s unapologetically about self-belief and taking control of your story, and that really inspired me. His approach to creating his own path in the industry reminded me that I could take charge of my own story, too, and put that feeling into ‘Unstoppable’. I wanted the song to be empowering, like a reminder to everyone that even if things seem impossible, you’ve got that inner power - you just have to hold on to it.”
What was your songwriting process for the release? How did it all come together?
“The songwriting process for ‘Unstoppable’ was intense but really fulfilling. It started with just a few lines that popped into my head late at night, I'm an insomniac and I don't sleep well, so it tends to happen that way a lot, almost like my inner voice telling me to keep fighting through whatever came my way. I jotted down those lines and kept building from there, letting the lyrics flow naturally. I usually start with a melody in my head, and for ‘Unstoppable’, I wanted something that felt strong and powerful, like an anthem.”
“I spent a lot of time experimenting with different sounds and chords until I found the one that felt right. Since I’m working with limited equipment - just an old laptop, a JBL headset, and free software - it was all about creativity and making the most of what I had. The lyrics came together piece by piece. I’d think back to moments when I’d felt challenged, and I’d try to capture that feeling of needing to push through. Once I had the core of the song, everything clicked into place. The process was a reminder that even with basic tools, I could create something meaningful. The song became a message not only for others but for myself: I’m unstoppable, and I want everyone listening to feel that way, too.”
How would you describe the sound on your latest release? Has there been a change or evolution in style since you first began?
“There’s been an evolution in my style since I first started. My early songs were more raw and simple, partly because I was figuring out how to use the tools I had. I’ve also started feeling more confident writing in English rather than Norwegian. At first, it felt a bit strange, but now I realize it helps me reach more listeners and connect with a wider audience. Writing in English has opened up new ways of expressing myself, and I think it’s added something special to my music. With ‘Unstoppable’, I was able to capture that strength and resilience not only in the lyrics but in the music itself. I’m still experimenting, but I feel like I’m finding the sound that truly represents who I am as an artist.”
What's next after this release? Do you have any new releases or shows on the horizon?
“After ‘Unstoppable’, I’m excited to keep the momentum going with more music! I’m already working on a few new tracks that dive into some different emotions and themes, so you can expect more releases in the near future. I’m experimenting with new sounds, and with each song, I feel like I’m getting closer to finding my true voice as an artist. As for live shows, nothing is set in stone yet, but I’m definitely hoping to start performing soon, it will definitely start locally. Connecting with people through live music is a huge goal for me. In the meantime, I’ll be sharing updates and sneak peeks on my social media, so keep an eye out there for what’s coming next. I can’t wait to share more with everyone!”
What sort of reception have you had to the single? Are there any memorable moments that stand out?
“The reception to ‘Unstoppable’ has been amazing, and I’m honestly blown away by the support. People have told me that the song gave them a boost of confidence, which is exactly what I was hoping for. Knowing that something I created has helped others feel stronger is one of the best feelings I could ask for. One of the most validating parts has been the support from some of my favourite Twitch streamers. They’ve given me random call-outs here and there, and it’s always such a surreal and encouraging moment.”
“Hearing my music get a shout-out on their streams reminds me that people I look up to believe in my work, too. Moments like these - along with messages from listeners sharing their own stories - remind me why I make music and keep me motivated, even on the tough days.”
Is there anything you would like to say to our audience? How can they connect with you and help support you?
“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s been listening to my music and sharing it. Every single listen, comment, and message means so much to me. Making music has been my way of processing life, and knowing it resonates with others makes it all worthwhile. If you want to connect with me, you can find me on SoundCloud, Spotify, and Instagram, I'm super bad with social media, but i will reply to everything someone writes to me.”
“I’d love to hear from you, whether it’s feedback on a song, sharing your own story, or just saying hi! And if you’d like to support my music journey further, sharing my music with friends or even contributing to my crowdfunding page for new equipment would be amazing. With better tools, I’ll be able to create even higher quality music for you all. Thank you again for believing in me and being part of this journey - together, we’re unstoppable!”
To keep up with Malin's journey and hear her latest releases, be sure to follow her on SoundCloud, Spotify, and Instagram. And if you're feeling inspired by her story, consider supporting her crowdfunding campaign for new equipment, which will help her continue to create the powerful and emotive music that has resonated with so many.
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