Suddenly My Mind is Blank

Oslo’s Marit Othilie Thorvik aka Jouska (previously a duo) plays in Sassy 009’s band, but is very much her own artist. Mixing lush R&B soundscapes and dream pop, to abrasive electronics and some pretty filthy basement techno, all glued together by Marit’s unique breathy vocals. Her new album Suddenly My Mind Is Blank digs into new terrain and finds Jouska at her most vulnerable, tackling childhood trauma and adolescent heartbreak. Previously a duo with Hans Olav Settem, their unique take on electronic-tinged pop garnered a lot of love on their debut album, Everything is Good. However, now the project has evolved into a solo one, further leaning into some of the intimacy, beauty and introspection heard rippling through the debut. “Throughout this process I’ve worked on becoming a better producer and songwriter,” Thorvik says. “I’m liquid when it comes to music. My mind is set on making something emotional and refreshing. Some people might find my music schizophrenic, but playing with different genres and moods is what makes Jouska what it is.” These different moods and genres take in everything from the aforementioned R&B to dream pop, and electronica to hip-hop, all while retaining a core sound and essence – typified by her unique breathy vocal style – that is distinctly the output of Jouska.