Their Collection: Farao

      Norwegian producer Kari Jahnsen has always preferred not to be confined to one location. Under her alias Farao, her music transitions from 90s electro to 80s disco, incorporating elements of ambient and jazz – it's certainly a compelling mix.

      Her new album, ‘Magical Thinking,’ is now available, featuring a collection of songs imbued with genuine eloquence. Recorded in Oslo and Berlin, the title pays homage to a significant influence on her work: the American writer and essayist Joan Didion.

      Didion's work The Year of Magical Thinking addresses themes of grief and the loss of her husband, contrasting with Farao's approach, which draws from emotional honesty and the beauty of language in this new album.

      CLASH spoke with Farao to discuss her literary inspirations for Their Library.

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      What is your favorite book and why?

      The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. It provides such a raw perspective on grief and how the mind copes with loss by creating small ways to endure it. I borrowed the title for my new album ‘Magical Thinking.’

      What attracts you to specific books?

      Recently, I've been reading a lot of children’s books with my kids, and I'm drawn to authors and illustrators like Kjersti Annesdatter Skomsvold and Rán Flygenring, who both provide beautiful illustrations. I need something visually appealing while I read these books repeatedly every night.

      Have you ever found a true lost classic? What is it and why?

      I suppose it’s not exactly a lost classic, but more of a classic I enjoyed – Kafka’s Metamorphosis, which I read in a nynorsk translation while taking a bath. Nynorsk is one of Norway's two written languages and has a somewhat more rural sound, which made Kafka’s darkness feel even more profound.

      Do your literary influences directly affect your songwriting?

      Joan Didion has greatly inspired me while writing ‘Magical Thinking.’ During my struggle with grief, I felt like I was losing my mind, and she helped me see the beauty in that turmoil.

      What are you currently reading?

      I just finished Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist. If I hadn’t already stopped using Spotify, I would definitely do so after reading it.

      What is the first book you recall reading as a child?

      Probably Albert Åberg, a fascinating yet slightly unsettling series about a single father and his son. The books have a wonderfully odd quality; they're warm and homely, but carry an undercurrent of loneliness that feels very authentic.

      Is there a book you've ever struggled to finish?

      A Life's Work by Rachel Cusk. I couldn’t get through it because the postpartum depression she describes was too heavy for me while I was navigating life with a newborn alone. It felt too personal at the time.

      Would you consider re-reading the same book?

      Definitely, I’ve read The Year of Magical Thinking multiple times. It’s a transformative book, and with each read, I discover new aspects that resonate with my own experiences.

      Is there an author or poet you’d like to collaborate with?

      My close friend and artist Canilla writes incredible poetry, and I’ve long wanted to collaborate with her. We’ve started a new project together called Karilla, inspired by Drexciya and other electro legends we admire, along with pasta.

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      ‘Magical Thinking’ is out now.

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