Today we’d like to introduce you to Viljar Røysi.
Hi Viljar, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am Viljar Røysi, a Norwegian artist and lumberjack. I’ve always been kind of a showman, way back when I was a kid, but it wasn’t until my teenage years that the dream of an artist career took shape. I was, however, not a naturally talented kid singing or playing guitar, but I loved it anyway. I got help from amazing teachers along the way who helped me find my strengths and become a much steadier musician. When I was 15, I had my first paid gig. After that, gigs kept coming, and I started to realize I could maybe do this for a living. When I turned 18, I started my own artist company, and suddenly everything became much more professional. Everybody always told me that music is too unstable and that I should do something safer and keep music as a hobby, but I’ve never really been a fan of doing the same as everybody else. Somehow, I’ve always found it more comfortable swimming against the stream. Even though I’ve always been a country boy at heart, my ultimate favorite band is Shinedown, and they have probably shaped my music and life more than I’m aware of. I got to meet them all when I was at a crossroads about what to do after high school. Then I told Eric Bass, the bass player, that I really wanted to make it with my music, and he said, “Well, I hope to hear you someday.” That sentence stuck with me and has fueled the drive that got me here today. While I served in the Norwegian army, I took a short break from music, even though I got to play some shows at my base. But the absence of music also confirmed that my music is something I need, not only as a hobby but as a career.
I’ve always wanted to help people around me, and especially people who dare to dream. I think a strong drive and a dream are one of the most powerful combinations. Therefore, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education while pursuing my artist career. To manage, I needed multiple jobs, so at one point I was an artist, a student, a lumberjack, a teacher, and working in health care, all at the same time. I guess that makes me a workaholic, but I have a lot of energy to spare, hehe. I still work as a lumberjack whenever I’m back home in Norway, between shows and rehearsals, it’s kind of my way of connecting with nature and clearing my head.
During my Bachelor’s, I got to spend half a year in Nashville, and felt at home immediately. My artist career hadn’t grown so fast since I was on Norwegian Idol. I was lucky to get approved for a Master’s degree at MTSU, which meant 3 years in Nashville, a Master’s degree, pursuing my artist career, AND diving deeper into music production and recording, learning from the best in the world! What a win! I knew it would be a hard journey, leaving my fiancé, family, and friends, and not to mention the economic side. I also knew, if I was gonna do this, it would cost me everything I had. I sold everything I had and decided to take a leap of faith, knowing that I am doing what’s best for me. Moving to Nashville is definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. Always being curious and eager to learn has helped me a lot on the way. Through the university, I’ve been able to learn so much about music production, engineering, and the industry. Not to mention meeting people whom I’ve looked up to for such a long time, and record producers and engineers of my favorite records. I’ve always thought that you need to create your own happiness, and to me, that means creating your own opportunities. So I try to make friends and learn from as many as I can, write and collaborate as much as I can, and make every single day count. About a year ago, I received an assistantship at MTSU, where I work in studio maintenance, taking care of all the studios on campus. There, I met Clarke Schleicher, who has been an amazing mentor for me. Having him as my supervisor is really inspiring. I have always wanted to do my best at whatever job I do, and I think that has helped me get the chances I’ve had. I don’t think my learning curve has been as steep as after I just got to listen to his experience in making records. Every time I am behind the console in a studio, or in front of a microphone, I want to enjoy every second of it. That is true for every stage appearance I make as well. Do whatever fills you with energy and joy!
I guess a short answer to the question is that I try to always have a positive attitude to whatever comes my way, saying yes to opportunities, being curious and seeking experiences. And make friends! Just be a friendly and humble human being, and you never know which paths might cross your way, leading to great friendships.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being from Norway and living more than 4,000 miles away from the people I love is definitely hard. Seeing them once or twice a year makes you feel like you’re missing out on a lot, but again, I won’t get this opportunity anywhere else in the world. Thanks to technology and FaceTime, things feel a bit easier. But the biggest problem is probably managing my time and schedule, like everyone else hehe. Even though I am an artist, I am still pursuing a master’s degree, so assignments sometimes pile up and can take time, leaving less time for going to shows and writing. What I’ve noticed is that life is kinda like a rollercoaster, or maybe it’s just mine. I have some really great experiences, but suddenly life hits you in the face and gives you a mountain that, in the moment, seems impossible to climb. Just recently, I’ve had some major issues with my car, where it broke down on the interstate, but I managed to fix it, though. But, not having it every day turns out to strangle your opportunities hehe. Anyway, I think that we all have to take one step at a time and start climbing, no matter how long it seems. When I look back, it has always been like that for me. Some days are great, and everything just lines up, but sometimes obstacles are everywhere. So no, it has actually never been a smooth road, but the drive has always been stronger than the struggle.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Norwegian country/rock artist, songwriter, and producer. Most people describe my performances as energetic, but I also love doing more intimate storytelling as well. Some of the things I am most proud of are being able to play the stages I’ve played here in Nashville and opening the 2024 World Championship of Speed Skating for students with a song I wrote.
What sets me apart from others is probably mainly my story and sound. I have a lot of different influences from various genres, which I incorporate into my own sound. I also tend to use my own guitar tuning, which apparently is quite unusual, but I think it’s very cool and gives a lot of extra juice, especially with a solo show. And, here in Nashville, maybe the obvious, I have a Norwegian accent hehe.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I just wanna say thank you all for accepting me and including me in the amazing Nashville community. Also, I wanna say, if you wanna take the step, moving to Nashville or taking a chance to follow your passion, whatever it is? If I could travel half around the world to do it, you can do it too!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vroysi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viljar_roysi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vroysi#
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCckrEL_Jqxuz2w_P4WriwGQ?view_as=subscriber
