(Exclusive Interview) Ready to Join the Storm? Meet STORM

Do you remember what life was like at 16? I’m sure many of us had dreams and aspirations, but it surely took a long time to figure out how to get there or get our minds in the right frame of mind. Well, there are a few out there who know exactly what they want from the start and channel it into their art, regardless of age or experience.

Enter Norwegian artist STORM, who at just 16 is rewriting all the rules on how to be a rockstar. Instead, he is embracing his stage name, ready to redefine what it means and what it takes. Hot off the release of his debut album, Join The Storm, this 10-track release sees the pre-release single 'Suffocating', teaming up with rising stars Fixation. His debut album stirs up nothing but chaos in all the right ways. We have been waiting to join the storm for quite some time and are excited to welcome him to SpinVybemagazine for a chat.

We discuss steering into creative chaos, his clear vision for both the album and his career, and how that drive has landed him on the biggest rock stages, including Download Festival and Tons of Rock.

Your debut album, Join The Storm, blends pop-punk, metalcore, EDM, rap, ballads, and electronic elements. Do you see yourself as an artist who prefers to not be confined to one sound but instead create whatever feels right for you? 

STORM: Yeah, that’s exactly how I see myself. I never wanted to be trapped in one box because storms don’t move in straight lines. Music for me has always been about expression and instinct, not rules. If I feel like screaming one day, I’ll make something heavy. If the next day I’m in my feelings, I’ll write a ballad. If I feel like rapping, I’ll jump on a beat. Join The Storm was built as proof of that freedom. It’s me saying, “I’ll create whatever feels real, and you can either follow or get left behind.”

The opening track, which shares the album's title, feels like a punchy introduction to you as an artist, almost like an invitation to join your journey. Did you intend for it to serve as the first step in telling the story of the album?

STORM: Absolutely. From the start, “Join The Storm” was meant to be more than just an intro track. It’s the handshake, the door into my world. I wanted it to feel like an invitation but also like a challenge. The rest of the album is like walking through different rooms in my head, but that first track is me saying, “Welcome in, but know this ride will be chaos.”

Photo Credit: Elisabeth Anker Jakobsen

One of my personal favourites is “Alien Perspective”, which can be interpreted in many ways. When it comes to songwriting, do you draw from personal stories, creative storytelling or just pure instinct? The lyrics feel like a story many can relate to?

STORM: That’s what I love about writing. It’s never just one thing. Some of the lyrics came from my own experiences of feeling like an outsider, and some were painted bigger so listeners could step into them themselves. I worked on that song with Erlend Torheim and Torine, and the whole idea was to make something crazy. No rules, just pure creativity.

In “Alien Perspective”, you sing, “People say I'm young, and they treat me like no one.” As a younger musician in the scene, instead of focusing on perhaps being looked down on, do you instead choose to see that as a powerful reclamation of your identity and choose to do things your own way?

STORM: For sure. Being underestimated is powerful fuel. I’d rather own the fact that I’m sixteen than try to act older than I am. People might treat me like I’m too young, but that just pushes me to prove them wrong. It keeps me hungry.

Photo Credit: Elisabeth Anker Jakobsen

I don't want to focus too much on your age, but at just 16, you already seem so incredibly determined and clear about your musical path. Does that drive come from pure passion, or is it something you’ve always carried with you?

STORM: It’s pure passion, but it’s also something that’s been in me since I was a kid. I started playing when I was eight, and even back then it felt serious. Music has always been a part of my life. I grew up with a very musical family, so they’ve supported me a lot, and that support is a big part of why I’ve been able to push this far.

As you were growing up, were there particular artists or types of music that you gravitated towards?

STORM: Definitely. Black Tide was the band that pulled me into metal when I was younger. I actually discovered them through a video game. From there, Falling in Reverse became a huge influence, especially the way Ronnie Radke bends genres and breaks rules. Then I got inspired by artists like Billie Eilish, Jutes, Post Malone, and Bring Me The Horizon.

On the pre-summer single 'Suffocating', you teamed up with Norwegian rising stars Fixation. How did that collaboration come about, and at what moment did you know you had created something special with the song?

STORM: That collaboration came really naturally. We were connected through the scene and started sharing ideas. When Jonas laid down his vocals and we locked in that breakdown, it was goosebumps all around. I’ve worked with those guys for a long time. Martin, their guitarist, actually helped me produce my first EP and has mixed and tracked guitars for all my songs ever since. We’ve also played a bunch of gigs together, so it felt like a full circle moment.

Your music is a hurricane of sounds, especially showcased in your first full-length album. For those new to you, how would you best describe who you are as an artist right now? And the best song that currently reflects your artistry?

STORM: Right now, I’d describe myself as an architect of chaos. I’m not interested in fitting in; I’m interested in creating storms. If you’re brand new to me, I’d say start with “Alien Perspective”. That song is a good mix of everything I do: chaos, melody, and raw emotion.

Your debut is both solid and structurally sound. What influences your music, be it other artists or just day-to-day life? 

STORM:My influences come from everywhere. Of course I’m inspired by the artists I grew up on, but I’m just as inspired by everyday chaos, arguments, late nights, heartbreak, and conversations that stick in your head. Working with people like Erlend Torheim has also shaped how I approach so

Photo Credit: Elisabeth Anker Jakobsen

Your performances really back up your music, having played major festivals like Tons of Rock and Download Festival. Considering these are quite big milestones already, what would be your dream festival or stage to perform at next?

STORM: Playing Tons of Rock and Download was insane. Those moments made me realise how real this is. For the future, I’d love to headline Tons of Rock one day, to come full circle in Norway. Globally, festivals like Rock Am Ring or Reading and Leeds are definitely on my dream list. But honestly, I want to build my own festival one day where I can bring a full vision to life. And since I started this project, I’ve always said that playing support for Falling in Reverse is my biggest dream.

What do you think makes for a good performance, and how has your stage presence and confidence developed over time?

STORM: A good performance isn’t just about hitting the notes; it’s about connection. People can feel if you’re faking it. For me, it’s about eye contact, energy, and making the crowd feel like they’re part of the storm. At first I was nervous, but every stage I played built my confidence. I’m still nervous before hitting the stage, but when I step onto it, everything feels natural.

When not creating music and chaos on stage, what do you like to do when you have some downtime?

STORM: Honestly, I keep it simple. I hang out with friends, play some games, write ideas that don’t need to be finished yet, or sketch visuals for future songs and videos. I also spend time making TikToks because that’s been a huge part of how people discovered me. Offstage I like to recharge, because balance is what keeps my creativity alive.

That aforementioned confidence speaks when you previously stated that, “I make music that hits hard, and I believe people love it. For me, there are no limits. This is the future." You seem to have a very clear vision. Looking ahead to the rest of the year and into 2026, what would you say is your biggest goal or hope to showcase? 

STORM: I want to grow the storm, not just through streaming but through live shows that people never forget. I’ve been working a lot on 2026 lately, and I have some crazy plans coming up. I’ve written about 40 songs already, so let’s just leave it at that for now. By 2026, I want more people to join the storm.

Follow STORM:

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