Betting On Yourself With Malin Pettersen

Published: Oct. 19, 2021, 10 a.m.

Don't you just love the special way a piece of great art or music can transport you to another time and place? 

This week, Norwegian country music sensation, Malin Pettersen, shares about the physical and metaphorical journey music has taken her on.  After winning a Spellemannpris (Norwegian Grammy) in 2018 for her first solo album, Malin performed at some of Norway’s largest festivals and eventually traveled to Nashville to record her latest album Wildhorse

If you are a music lover like me, then you will not want to miss this episode. Tune in to learn how Malin's unique Americana-inspired songwriting style launched her solo career, the role language plays in her songwriting, the differences she's found between American and Norwegian culture, and why music and travel go hand in hand.

When was the last time you took a risk on yourself and how did it turn out? I'd love to hear more about it and hope you will share by sending me an audio message.

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Today's episode is sponsored by Expedia’s new podcast,  Out Travel The System, subscribe today to get tips, tricks, inspiration, and information to help plan your next trip. This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip.

Tune In To Learn:
  • 10:00 How daily life in Norway impacts Malin's songwriting process 
  • 14:20 First memories of music as a child
  • 18:00 Balancing Norwegian humility with promoting music and artistic expression
  • 23:00 Why finding a community that will support you is key to thriving in anything
  • 27:20 The reason genres play an important  role in creating and promoting music
  • 32:20 What caused Malin to go "all-in" and become a full-time musician
  • 36:40 Advice on the discomfort that comes with seeking the road less traveled
  • 42:40 The importance of defining success 
  • 46:50 Why unfinished songs are sometimes the most personal 
  • 48:10 The process of releasing songs and combating perfectionism
  • 51:20 How Malin found a sense of home in American country music
  • 56:20 What it was like to record music in Nashville
  • 1:02:15 How travel is an integral part of being a musician
  • 1:04:20 The biggest differences between Norwegian culture and American culture
  • 1:11:15 Combining the Norwegian and English languages to craft unique songs
  • 1:15:20 Bucket list cover songs
  • 1:17:00 How the meaning of songs change as the world changes
  • 1:21:25 Best advice Malin has ever received
  • And so much more
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Photo Credit: Jonathan Vivaas Kise