Nora Schjelderup delves back into her childhood via a track from the Spanish pop act Mecano.
The premise of One Track Mind is pretty simple: I ask artists to pick one track that means a lot to them – either something they’ve discovered recently, something that’s been with them for years, or one that reminds them of a specific time in their life or career – and tell me what makes it so special to them. I get to talk to the artists I love, and they get to talk about the artists they love. Love all round!
Ora The Molecule is the musical moniker of Norwegian-born artist Nora Schjelderup. Released earlier this year, her debut album Human Safari is a pretty much perfect electro pop record, combining buoyant melodies with robust, 80s-inflected production: bascially tailored-made for me to completely love. Tracks like Helicopter and Creator are among the most exuberantly wonderful tracks you’ll hear this year, and she’s also recently released an EP of remixes of Beat Beat Beat from Gillian Gilbert – the founding member of New Order – Moon Boots and OTON which are all well worth checking out.
For her One Track Mind selection she’s chosen a track from a childhood favourite band, with a message she’s felt a deep connection with for many years.
Ora The Molecule on Mecano – Hoy no me puedo levantar
“Mecano has been one of my favorite bands since I was a child living in Spain. The title “Hoy No Me Puedo Levantar” simply translates as “I can’t get up today” and it is about not being able to concentrate in the morning at work after a night out. It’s a simple message, but for me it’s so spot on.
“I think one of the absolute biggest challenges for me growing up is that the school system and most of society is accommodating for larks and not for owls. I just remember the constant pain of the three first hours in the classroom while growing up. I always felt creative and the most productive at night, while in the morning I was a zombie. This is even more difficult for owl-kids in Norway, as it is completely dark outside in the winter, and you go to school in the dark while inside the classroom (and all public institutions here in Norway) there were always these bright harch “lab” lights that felt like needles piercing through your soggy eyes.
“Not only do the lyrics hit me, but the music (like all of Mecano’s songs) is incredibly catchy. The instrumentation is both bare and epic. It leaves room, but gives enough space to the right elements. It is both serious and soft. I just love the 80’s drums in combination with traditional Spanish guitar picking.”
Ora The Molecule – Beat Beat Beat (Remixes) is out now
The Predatory Wasp 