Martine Håland, who writes and produces music under the name MAIH, is from the quiet coastal village of Dale, Norway. She has quickly become one of the country's most interesting pop singers. Now that she lives in Oslo, her music sounds less like a performance and more like a very personal audio diary. It's known for its raw honesty, atmospheric soundscapes, and themes that everyone can relate to.
MAIH's sound is a mix of the dreamy moodiness of Aurora and Bon Iver with the sharp pop precision of Lorde and Robyn. The result is a heady mix of sparkling textures and catchy hooks that stay in your head long after the last note fades. This highly skilled approach is no accident; she graduated from Norway's Lillehammer Institute of Music Production and Industries (LIMPI), where she was mentored by a number of global hitmakers, such as Stargate, Emily Warren, and Sarah Hudson.
MAIH has been gaining momentum since her first song, ‘Let Him Let Me Go’, came out in 2022. Her powerful 2024 debut EP, ‘For All of the Times I Broke My Heart’, is the result of all that work. This release got her into Spotify's Fresh Finds programme and got her songs ‘Lover’ and ‘Close to Dying’ national airplay on NRK P1, which is a big deal for a new artist. Her heartfelt way of telling stories has also gotten her attention around the world, with features on sites like NME, Scandipop, and SheBOPS, showing that her appeal goes beyond borders.
The EP's first song, the gorgeous ‘What I Know Now’, is probably the most important moment in her career so far. This song easily turns old hurts into pure strength. MAIH calls it a "coming-of-age anthem about wanting to go back and reassure my younger self of my worth," which is something that everyone can relate to. The production reflects this emotional change by starting off with a fragile, reflective intimacy and then building to a soaring, cinematic chorus.
It's a beautifully written testament to strength; it reminds us that healing isn't about forgetting who you were, but about finally learning to love and accept who you are now. MAIH is solidifying her status with her recent nomination for "Artist of the Year" at Luttprisen. There's no doubt that you should keep an eye on her.
You can stream the new single above, and for more from MAIH, be sure to connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
