– Strange feeling – VG

– I have only had a couple of songs before that have immediately jumped to first place in this way. Last time was Shawn Mendes og Camilla Cabellos «Señorita», writes Magnus August Høiberg in an e-mail to VG.

The Norwegian artist and producer, also known as Cashmere Cat, is heavily involved in the hit “Stay” by Justin Bieber and The Kid Laroi – which since July 10 has topped the Spotify list in Norway and a number of other countries.

Globally, the song is number two, and is only turned off Moonlight «Beggin ‘».

With the song, Bieber has too created history by being the youngest solo artist with 100 songs on Billboard Hot 100, when “Stay” went straight in as number three on the list.

– It is a strange feeling to see a song you have been enslaved to for months with the whole world in such an immediate way. And it’s great that it does so well in Norway as well, then mum and dad get something to post on Facebook about, says Høiberg.

– Grateful

This is not the first time the producer from Halden has written and produced songs for and with several of the world’s greatest artists. He has previously worked with artists such as Ariana Grande, Kanye West, Britney Spears and The Weeknd.

Høiberg says that the demo of “Stay” was created without him over a year ago.

– The first time I heard it, I knew it was a big hit immediately. I came in the last couple of months before the release to complete the song, and then I also added the Justin Bieber verse, he writes and adds:

– I am very grateful to the other producers who trusted me enough to hand over the demo to me and let me finish the song in my own way.

– More producer than artist

Høiberg has in recent years had his work in the USA. In addition to being a producer, he has, as mentioned, a solo career under the artist name Cashmere Cat, and released two albums.

But whether fans can expect new music from Cashmere Cat right away is uncertain.

– Right now I am more of a producer than an artist, especially after covid shut down all live music in the US. I spend less time touring, and more in the studio.

The fact that his touring life was put on pause has also given him the opportunity to do completely different things.

– It has given me more time for everything else in life! Teaches me to cook Japanese with a donabe (fancy Japanese steamer), and goes hiking in California’s national parks.

Høiberg has been nominated for the Spellemann Prize several times. In 2016 and 2019 he won for producer of the year, and in In 2017, he won in the category «pop soloist».

Throughout his career, Høiberg has appeared in a few interviews, and on official promo photos he often hides his face.

– I’ve always been shy. Ever since I started as an artist, I have been hiding my face, not wanting to do interviews, hiding behind other artists … I think you can say that I have been scared, he wrote himself on his own channels in 2019.

Here you can see more Norwegians from VG Rampelys:

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