Over the past year, Andreas Haukeland has become known to most people in Norway through his participation in Eurovision. He has also shared a lot about his mental health in public, and has been open about the fact that he has struggled with suicidal thoughts, most recently in “Every time we meet”.
Throughout much of his career, the artist TIX has been criticized for his lyrics, especially for the Russian song “Sheikh”, which has been described as degrading to women.
Now his new song “If I left the world” creates strong reactions.
Believes the text appears to be a threat
On Wednesday, actress Emilie Tverbak took to Instagram and criticized the song, which is now the third most streamed on Spotify in Norway. She describes it as a “manual on how to use manipulation and suicide threats to get your will”.
The actor believes that the artist engages in heresy of his fans, with lines of text that read:
– You mislead people that those who do not thrive in a relationship can not move on, because then they can have a life on the conscience. And that mental blackmail is an excellent tool to get their will, writes Tverbak.
The actress tells Good evening Norway that she will not comment on anything more than what she has already posted on Instagram.
– Has an extra responsibility
The organization Mental Health also supports the actor’s criticism, and believes that the song goes far beyond the line.
– When discussing suicide, it is especially important to be careful with visualizing the method, as TIX does in this song, says Secretary General of Mental Health, Linda Berg-Heggelund.
– THINKS TIX HAS EXTRA RESPONSIBILITY: Secretary General of Mental Health, Linda Berg-Heggelund. Photo: Mental Health.
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Mental Health describes TIX as a good ambassador for talking about things that are difficult, but emphasizes that he must be aware of his role as a role model.
– He therefore has an extra responsibility since he has taken on that role in public.
Will not censor own feelings
Now Haukeland responds to the criticism via his social media, and replies that he will not censor his own feelings in his texts, which he believes have been taken out of context. TIX emphasizes that the song is not written as a threat of suicide.
– “Taking a bullet for someone” is an established metaphor, as I see it, although perhaps more used in English than Norwegian. If you search hard enough or choose to pull quotes or sentences out of context, you can certainly find a lot to criticize both me and very many other artists and lyricists for.
Expect someone to disagree
Haukeland has not responded to GKN’s previous inquiries about the song criticism, but during a portrait interview with Dorthe Skappel today, Thursday, he reflects on the criticism he has received throughout his career.
– I just expect that when I talk to so many people, someone will disagree with me. That’s really okay, because I’re listening to the criticism. I choose to take something with me, and I completely disagree with something, says TIX to GKN.
He elaborates that he is dedicated to his vision of helping to make it more normal to talk about difficult topics.
– When someone really goes all in to try to make a difference, and raise their voice so much that everyone listens, then a difference is made. I see criticism more as a guide to the goal I am aiming for. I’m 28 years old, I’m a boy who… I’m just trying my best, says the artist.
Disagree on censorship
TIX’s record company, Universal, refers to the comment they have given NRK, regarding Tverbak’s opinion that the song should never have been published. Something they disagree with.
– Even though in this case we agree with TIX, and do not interpret the text as those who criticize do, the result is that an important and serious topic comes to the surface and is debated, says Bjørn Rogstad, head of Universal Music Norway.
– SUPPORTS TIX: The TV profile believes that the lyrics are not unlike other songs about love grief. Photo: Espen Solli / TV 2
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VGTV profile Morten Hegseth says that censorship, or drawing of the song, is the last thing that should happen.
– That people should shake their heads at this text, which is not very explicit, is a nightmare of censorship that I think is completely sick! says Hegseth.
He draws lines to when Lana Del Rey was criticized for her texts that were accused of glorifying partner violence, and where a chronicler asked the question whether feminists can support the artist.
– Let art be free! Some of the best from the literature comes from the darkest place. To not allow him to do so because of a young target group, I think is too stupid.
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