HM Johnsen – intimate songs, powerful melodies and a living concert experience
HM Johnsen is an artist and songwriter who moves in the landscape between pop, indie, soul and blues. With an expression marked by strong melodies, honest lyrics and organic arrangements he has built a musical universe that feels both personal and accessible.
Through almost ten years as an active live artist he has played hundreds of concerts in Norway, Europe and Africa, at club venues, cultural centres and festivals, and gradually developed a clear and recognisable expression, both musically and in terms of delivery.
As a former winner of Blues Union Artist organised by Norsk Bluesunion, and known as a particularly outstanding guitarist, HM has taken a deep dive into lyrics, melody and musical expression. Audiences can expect both impressive guitar playing and powerful songs from the stage.
NRK P3, P1 and NRK Vestland have all described HM's new songs as romantic and honest. «Masterful music making at its best» – Subba Cultcha Magazine «A singer-songwriter with an extraordinary talent for a number of different styles» – York Calling (UK)
The music – honest, melodic and dynamic HM Johnsen writes songs that draw on personal experiences, but with room for audiences to place their own stories into them. The music moves naturally between the intimate and contemplative and more rhythmic and energetic passages, with a focus on dynamics, atmosphere and melodic drive. His releases have been well received both in Norway and internationally, and have received praise for warm production, strong melodies and a personal expression.
The concert experience On stage HM Johnsen is known for creating concerts that feel both intimate and engaging. Audiences are invited up close, and the concerts are marked by presence, spontaneity and good contact with the room. The expression is always adapted to the venue, whether it is an intimate club stage or a larger festival stage, with room for both grand musical expressions, intimacy, reflection and energy. The result is living, varied and genuine concert experiences.
A project driven by exploration and communication In 2025 HM Johnsen carried out a larger art, film and music project where he released one new song every month, in parallel with an extensive tour through Europe and Africa in nine countries. The tour encompassed over 19 concerts in four weeks, and the journey was documented in the YouTube series «We Drove a 43-Year-Old Mercedes to Africa». The project resulted in an album that reflects both a sense of adventure, reflection and musical development, and received very positive feedback from audiences, press and industry.
Experiencing HM Johnsen live is something truly special.
Food before the performance: Information about any show menu coming soon. Duration: Approximately 90 minutes Wheelchair space and companion ticket: Purchased at the reception or by contact (tel. 917 50 231 / resepsjon@oseana.no). Companion is free.
