In partnership with DHL
Sigrid and DHL FAST-TRACK have unveiled a new mini-documentary that follows the Norwegian pop star as she plays two very special, stripped-down gigs.
Earlier this year, Sigrid returned to Bergen, the city where she lived as a teenager and first began seriously writing music, to join fans on a misty walk through Fløyen Park before she performed an acoustic gig at the gorgeous Skomakerstuan Café. Two weeks later, Sigrid visited the Japanese city of Osaka for the very first time where she took fans along the Minoh Falls trail ahead of a stripped down set inside a traditional Japanese-style villa. The whole thing was captured and turned into a mini-documentary that can be seen below.
“It was such a nice experience,” Sigrid told NME. “We wanted to create a space for people to come together with music and nature, which are the two big loves of my life. It was a chance to remind myself, the people who listen to my music and anyone watching this documentary how important it is to get out into nature whenever they can – not just because it’s amazing for our mental health but also to remember what we need to protect.”
The two special gigs were made possible thanks to DHL’s GoGreen Plus service , which helps individuals and businesses reduce their carbon emissions. “It’s important to make changes wherever you can” says Sigrid, “sustainability isn’t about perfection, it’s about doing your bit.”
Returning to Bergen and taking fans on the same hike she used to do at the very beginning of her music was a full-circle moment for Sigrid. “Coming back home always reminds me why I do this, which is to make music I love and create joy around me.”
Meanwhile, visiting Osaka for the first time was a reminder of how universal music can be. “It is cheesy but it’s true. It’s crazy to write songs that are so personal and then go to the other side of the planet and discover people who’ve had the exact same experiences as you. In an age where people are scrambling to find community in real life, it’s a very lovely thing to experience.”
Sigrid’s collaboration with DHL helped launch her third album ‘There’s Always More That I Could Say’. “I feel like I’ve rediscovered that joy I had in the beginning of my career, before I knew about record labels, booking agents, marketing or industry politics,” she said.
“My first album [2019’s ‘Sucker Punch’] was bursting with so many ideas because I’d never made a full-length before whereas [2022’s ‘How To Let Go’] was more serious. This record combines the best of both of those things.” There are heartfelt, tender songs such as ‘Eternal Sunshine’ and the title track while ‘Kiss The Sky’ and ‘I’ll Always Be Your Girl’ see Sigrid “taking the piss” out of herself. “I feel like I’ve proven myself and I know that people know that I can sing, so it was fun to just enjoy this one.”
The album also takes influence from snarling rock and vulnerable folk. A few years ago, toying with different genres may have felt like a risk but for ‘There’s Always More That I Could Say’, Sigrid was empowered by the current messy nature of pop. “It just feels so exciting right now. Rosalia’s new album [‘Lux’] is so good, Chappell Roan’s come in with such unique flair and Sabrina Carpenter’s made pop music funny and satirical. I could go on because there are so many artists bending the genre.”
As well as the two special DHL gigs, Sigrid celebrated the release of ‘There’s Always More That I Could Say’ with a string of stripped down in-store performances across the UK. “I love doing acoustic things. I try to do it as often as I can because it always feels like a grounding moment.”
Next year should be a lot more boisterous with a UK and European headline tour that kicks off in March. “My shows are a very fun, joyous and energetic space where you can come and just be yourself,” says Sigrid. “There will also be cosy moshpits, which I think will be fun.” She wants to bring the same energy to a string of shows supporting Ed Sheeran in stadiums across North America. “I’m honoured and humbled to have that opportunity – I’ve always dreamt of playing in a stadium.” She’s hoping for at least one mosh pit per show.
And whenever the tour gets a bit too hectic, Sigrid will retreat to nature. “I don’t think it would be possible for me to be a musician if I didn’t have that [sanctuary]. It’s just where I go to relax,” she said. “It reminds me of my childhood and of being a kid. It’s so important to keep that part of you intact.”
