The name ‘Girl Group’ conjures a plethora of possibilities, spanning from contemporary pop stars to the bare-bones essence of an acoustic folk ensemble. The sole unifying factor is the creators behind the music—Katya Birkeland, Lily Christlow, Thea Gundersen, Mia Halvorsen, and Maria Tollisen. It is only when you listen to their music that you truly grasp how such an expansive title perfectly represents their artistry.
Through their body of work, Girl Group delves into the very essence of their name, exploring the peaks and valleys of womanhood. From deep emotions to moments of joy, and even the uncomfortable realizations following a night out, their artistry taps into the intimate facets of femininity that resonate deeply with every woman.
What better backdrop for an encounter than our neighborhood pub? Surrounded by half pints and Guinness, we connect over our collective experiences in Liverpool, the city the band calls home. "We attended university here," Mia shares. "Maria and I already knew each other from Oslo, as we were in the same friend group there. We met the others during freshers and in the halls. We forged friendships right from the start. Ultimately, we lived together for three years while making music," she says with a knowing smile, as Katya adds, "I miss living together, too. But we essentially still do, especially with our travel schedule."
Their transition from home recordings to life on the road has been swift. After dropping their first single in 2023, the group quickly attracted attention with their playful tunes and diverse sound. With the release of their debut EP, ‘Think They’re Looking, Let’s Perform’, in June this year, they swiftly ascended to prominence. They have performed at renowned venues across Europe and recently clinched the prestigious Arets Urørt award, marking their rise akin to that of emerging icons.
A shared laugh fills the room when touring life is discussed. “It’s like a family!” they say in harmony. “Especially with our tour manager. He drives us everywhere, like the parent in the front while all the kids are in the back of the van. We're all in the same hostel, sleeping in bunk beds,” Katya explains. A thoughtful expression crosses Lily's face as she adds, “It sometimes feels quite romantic. Meeting people from all around the globe is incredibly fun. Even if they come from entirely different backgrounds, there's a connection forged in those brief intense moments. It's a unique aspect of what we do.”
The group's bond is evident. They are friends first, and their music seems to serve as a language they share rather than merely a profession. “We didn't immediately start making music together; our musical styles differ,” they note. The spark for their creative process arose from observing how their male peers would book studios without including them or often dismiss their contributions, leading the group to take charge of their own music-making.
“I think we all began university thinking, ‘we're going to be pop stars,’ only to discover the sexism we faced in the broader world was present here too. We weren’t taken seriously or included, which is a common experience for women in any field,” Maria elaborates. Mia adds, “I read The Second Sex, which articulated a phenomenon I deeply connected with. It discusses the heteronormative society we inhabit and how we’re compelled to love our oppressor while hating ourselves, or viewing other women as competition. The only way we can change the system is by uniting. Once you recognize that, everything changes. You begin to appreciate the wonderful aspects of being a woman, alongside the challenges we still confront.”
This sentiment appears to capture the essence of Girl Group’s music. Beyond their fun and collaborative spirit, the most significant aspect of their work stems from the everyday, often mundane moments of womanhood. They portray everything from chaotic nights out to the comforting stillness of a friend's bedroom, encapsulating the best and worst of femininity and celebrating it all with unapologetic joy. “Every song features contributions from all five of us,” Katya states. “We aim to reflect our current lives and experiences. Much of our lyric writing originated from transcribing our conversations, allowing us to capture moments from our friendship.”
Their latest single, ‘She Goes’, epitomizes this unabashed celebration. The track intertwines confessional lyrics about female admiration with an energetic backdrop reminiscent of a racing motor, placing listeners squarely in the heart of an experience every woman can identify with, yet feels fresh and liberating.
“To exist as a woman is a political act,” Mia explains further. “Our music addresses gender oppression, but it also celebrates the joyful moments that ring true for us. By being authentic and sharing our experiences as women, we inherently engage in politics.”
With a perspective and artistry that feels refreshingly genuine, it is no wonder the group has captured the attention of tastemakers. Yet, despite their natural ascent, they
Cork band Pebbledash has released their new EP 'To Cast The Sea In Concrete' in its entirety. The trio is making significant progress, with a sound that is
Ravyn Lenae has experienced a remarkable breakout year. thanks to the viral success of her 2024 single 'Love Me Not’, the Alt-R&B artist from Chicago was able to
Demae openly displays her emotions. As an artist who appears to experience feelings deeply, her creations reflect this reality, serving as a reflection of herself.
Fredrik Norlindh has released his first English-language pop album titled ‘Contrasting Notes’. The songwriter is part of the notable Great Swedish Pop Lineage, with the
After more than fifteen years of influencing and advancing the international techno scene, Belgian DJ and producer Charlotte de Witte has arrived at a pivotal point in her career.
Feminine Fury: Interview with a Girl Group