Spotlight On: AURORA

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S SHERO IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

I think it’s fair to say that if there were ever a moment where we could all use a healthy dose of magic, wonder, and optimism, it’s now. This week, SHEROES Radio takes us into the world of singer, songwriter and producer Aurora Aksnes, known to most simply as AURORA. Born in 1996 and raised in Norway, AURORA is the youngest of three daughters, and grew up surrounded by and immersed in the nature of forests and mountains. At just six years old, she taught herself how to play piano in secret and began writing songs, and it took years before her family learned that they had a prodigy in their midst. The turning point came at 15 when a song she recorded made its way online, and to the ears of a music industry executive. With lightning speed she was signed, and at 19 her first EP Running with the Wolves was released, which was quickly followed by her platinum debut album All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend in 2016. Next came an album released in two parts: Infections of a Different Kind (Step 1) in 2018, and A Different Kind of Human (Step 2) in 2019. To help celebrate the release of AURORA’s brand new, timely third album, The Gods We Can Touch, we welcome AURORA as this week’s SHERO in the Spotlight. 

Our playlist includes new music from Basia Bulat, Big Thief, and one called “Pa Pa Power” from Cat Power’s brand new cover album, Covers. Plus, we pay tribute to SHERO Ronnie Spector of the Ronettes who just passed away on 1/12 at 78.  

SHERO BIRTHDAYS: We celebrate the milestone birthday of SHERO Chan Marshall AKA Cat Power who turns 50 on 1/21. Plus Happy Birthday to Angel Olsen on 1/22, and Lucinda Williams on 1/26!

This week’s Radio SHERO: Mel Fisher of WFPK joins us this week to spin a track from Aoife O'Donovan called "Prodigal Daughter" that features Allison Russell.