Ea Othilde is on the rise

Seeing an artist make a huge leap forward is a joy to watch, and that’s exactly what Ea Othilde did this summer. On a balmy August Thursday afternoon at Øya in her hometown of Oslo, Othilde’s set had an assurance and poise that belied an artist with one album under their belt. The skill of her songwriting and singing, coupled with how much the crowd were willing her on made for such a joyous, immersive set that a young child started dancing along to the final song. Before I went to Øya I asked the festival founder Claes Olsen which local artists I shouldn’t miss and Othilde’s was the first name he mentioned. In keeping with Øya’s ambition to showcase local artists and move them higher up the bill each time they perform there, Othilde’s performance was proof that she’s ready to follow her fellow Norwegians Dagny, girl in red and Sigrid in crossing over from local favourite into something far bigger. Having developed her craft over seven years, Othilde is happy to play a long game without compromising her art. When we speak she’s enjoying some time off after a year that’s seen the release of her incredible debut album I Will Not Be Like That in 2025 - one of the best debut albums I'v...