Aurora Aksnes, born June 15, 1996, in Stavanger and known professionally as Aurora — sometimes stylized in uppercase as AURORA — is a Norwegian singer and songwriter. Her debut E.P., “Running with the Wolves,” was released by the label Decca Records in May 2015, receiving great approval from music bloggers and the press. The artist has already recorded two high-profile covers: ‘Half the World Away,’ by the band Oasis, for a Christmas advertisement by John Lewis; and ‘Nature Boy,’ by Nat King Cole. She gained some further recognition from a post by Katy Perry, where Perry endorsed her song ‘Runaway.’ Celebrate her special day.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Aurora Aksnes
Birth date:
June 15, 1996
Age:
28
Zodiac Sign:
Gemini
Height:
5' 3.6"
Relationship Status:
Single
Net Worth:
$5 million
Background
Aurora Aksnes’ earliest musical memory is of finding a piano in her attic and being fascinated by the music it could produce. Her parents, May-Britt and Jan Øystein Aksnes, encouraged her to pursue music not as a career or hobby, but for growth. So she started her own compositions. She cites renowned songwriters Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan as influences, as well as an affinity for Björk’s style. She decided to start performing her songs publicly when her mother suggested that they could help people — not to gain fame with her work, but to make people see around them, realize their own importance, and how they can affect the world. She began playing the piano at age six and writing music at age nine. Her family didn’t know about this until she was 14. It was never a dream to become ‘Aurora.’ She says she just likes to compose songs. Music to her is the best way to feel anything.
A year after her debut performance at her school, Aksnes caught the media’s attention. A friend of hers heard the song, asked for a copy, and then posted it on a Norwegian streaming site without her knowing. Aurora made her first performance broadcast to the masses through a television channel in her hometown. She was signed to the agency Made Management and soon after to record labels Glassnote and Decca in October 2014.
Career timeline
Aksnes releases her first song, 'Puppet.'
She drops her debut album “All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend,” on March 11, 2016, receiving positive reviews from critics.
In 2016, Aksnes releases her second mini-documentary, filmed in Bergen and New York, about the things that inspire her in life.
In 2017, Aurora receives an invitation from the Brazilian television channel Rede Globo to sing a version of 'Scarborough Fair,' the opening theme for the telenovela "Deus Salve o Rei."
Aksnes makes her fourth major release, inspired by darkness, light, the 1920s, and love.
Why We Love Aurora Aksnes
She is an environmental activist
She actively participates in the Clean Sounds Movement, where she fights against plastic pollution. Aksnes seamlessly blends her music with climate impact and has dedicated her second album, "A Different Kind of Human," to issues related to the environment and global warming.
Her fashion sense is on another level
She's got 'Fairycore' down. Although Aksnes’ style has been described as weird, it’s become part of her most distinctive features.
She’s not afraid of being herself
She’s soft, happy, kind, positive, and bright. She ran to her sister’s house on foot just to bite into a freshly baked blueberry muffin and didn't care what others thought.
5 Surprising Facts
She’s compared to Björk and Florence Welch
Many have compared her to Björk and Florence Welch, and it’s not difficult to see why; Aksnes’ stage presence is eccentric, soft, compelling, and fragile.
She’s very frugal
Aksnes lives in a small 2 bedroom apartment in Bergen, doesn't drive, and seems to shun most luxury brands.
She keeps to her Nordic influence
Aksnes admits that her debut album was pretty much Scandinavian, “because it’s kind of synth-y and cold but also warm, and it’s alternative but quite commercial as well.”
She loves porridge
Mainly, baby porridge with a banana on top.
She’s inspired by nature
She is inspired by Mother Earth, light, and birds.
Aurora Aksnes FAQs
How was Aurora Aksnes discovered?
She was discovered in 2012 when she uploaded a song on Soundcloud Norway. The song, which she meant as a gift to her parents, suddenly got to the ears of an agent, who was immediately captivated.
What kind of haircut does Aurora have?
Stark white, partially shaved long bob.
What languages does Aurora speak?
Norwegian and English.
Aurora Aksnes’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | June 15 | Sunday |
2026 | June 15 | Monday |
2027 | June 15 | Tuesday |
2028 | June 15 | Thursday |
2029 | June 15 | Friday |