EP COMING SOON!
Mona Grytøyr Sets the Tone
“I’m not planning to ask for a place. I’m going to claim it – on my own terms.”
I write songs about life as it is lived—some drawn from my own experiences, others inspired by the people I meet along the way. My new EP brings together original songs and two cover versions that each hold a special meaning.
Some artistic journeys begin early. Others take time to find their true direction.
I made my songwriting debut in 2006, but it’s only in recent years that I’ve truly found my musical home. Working closely with producer and guitarist Richard Wikstrand has helped me discover a sound that feels honest and authentic—a place where the stories always come first.
My music blends elements of rock, Americana and folk, with songs about people, relationships, hope, loss and new beginnings.
This EP features both original material and deeply personal interpretations of songs that have followed me throughout my life.
I Wasn’t Ready is my most personal song to date. It tells the story of why I wasn’t ready to fully embrace music earlier in life. Some dreams simply need time—not because the talent isn’t there, but because life comes first.
What Happened to You Honey reflects on people searching for something they may never find.
Indian Summer is a new recording of a song I originally released on my 2006 album From Here to Paradise. Nearly twenty years later, I wanted to revisit it with the perspective and experience that only time can bring.
The EP also includes two cover songs.
Something Broken, written by RC Finnigan and Lars Håvard Hauge, has been reimagined in a new arrangement by Richard Wikstrand, Odd Arne Klungseth and myself.
The most personal recording on the EP is Peaceful Easy Feeling by the Eagles. I perform it together with my 77-year-old mother. It was a favourite song that my parents used to sing together while my father was still alive. Recording it together became our way of honouring his memory and preserving something that means so much to our family.
I hope my music can inspire others to believe that it’s never too late to create something they truly believe in. The strongest stories are often shaped by a life fully lived.
I’m not making music to become famous. I make music because I have something to say. If one of my songs can bring comfort, awaken a memory, or make someone feel a little less alone, then it has already fulfilled its purpose.
Produced by
Mona Grytøyr & Richard Wikstrand
Featuring
- Richard Wikstrand – guitars & mandolin
- Steinar Johnsrud – bass
- Odd Arne Klungseth – drums
Thank you for listening to my music.
“Just a dream” was created about 25 years ago by Richard Wikstrand and me. We have taken the song through new hands with Jarle Vespestad and Finn Guttormsen on double bass as a solid and fluid foundation for Richard’s beautiful guitar playing.
For me, the song is an expression of vulnerability and external influence. We are all vulnerable and must allow ourselves to be so.
My father passed away after an acute illness in July 2024. He was musical and had a strong voice. A cornerstone is gone in our family. This song is dedicated to my father Bjørn Falk Grytøyr
Music/melody: Mona Grytøyr and Richard Wikstrand Lyrics: Mona Grytøyr Guitar: Richard Wikstrand Drums: Jarle Vespestad Double bass: Finn Guttormsen
Mona on Radio Free Moscow i USA
Radio Free Moscow is a non-profit organization dedicated to the progressive values of peace, justice, democracy, human rights, multiculturalism, environmental protection and freedom of expression. Link to Radio Free Moscow
NEVER BEEN BETTER: Mona Grytøyr anno 2021 has never appeared better musically. We dare that claim, and we look forward to hear more from her. Also, kudos to the the musicians.
Mona was challenged early in life!
Already at the age of 12, she was in the spotlight, with her performance “Hit me with your best shot” at Halvsju in 1984. This image stuck for a long time. She moved away from home early and wandered somewhat rootlessly from environment to environment and made her experiences. As a young adult, she raised two daughters after a breakup in Oslo. Eventually she moved back to her home village of Mogreina in Ullensaker where she now lives an ordinary life.
Vulnerability and strength together in growing up and adulthood is a comprehensive description of Mona. Extreme as the shy twelve-year-old we saw presenting herself on national television (before she let loose with a voice like a 25-year-old) and a well-grown and mature woman today.
She is a creative soul
She is a creative soul and expresses herself with form, color and music. She often uses music to clear her own mind. The lyrics are about relationships. How can we learn about others and ourselves so that we can get the best out of life? This is a question that Mona likes to try to find an answer to.
More presence in her own life means that Mona takes up songwriting again. Two Grytøyrers are better than one, sister Stine puts a bit of her life into the lyrics. They have different life experiences and starting points, but like to play each other well. Humor in the lyrics comes naturally in precisely this collaboration, humor, seriousness and irony in a beautiful combination.
Mona gives herself another chance
With an unusually clear voice and flair for good melodies, Mona gives herself another chance, after a long stay. This time she has both hands on the wheel and she takes an active part in the productions.
Mona serves life itself, as it actually is, unfiltered. Treat yourself to it, treat yourself to a dose of wisdom and life without a filter. With catchy chorus.
