Norsk
About MÍO
«Restless folk rock from and for a chaotic world, breaking all boundaries!»
MÍO has earned a reputation as one of the underground's most exceptional and captivating live experiences. With a lead vocalist who grabs hold of the listener and refuses to let go - delivering raw vocal power and an immense stage presence, supported by a tight, playful, and energetic band - the result is an unforgettable musical force.
The band has created a unique take on folk rock - which they themselves like to call "Folk 'n' Roll". MÍO draws rich inspiration from Norwegian rock, punk, and folk music featuring hardanger fiddle with fuzz and a vast arsenal of folk instruments from around the world. The music is hard-hitting without losing balance with its more dynamic sides. MÍO explores Norwegian folk music in many innovative ways - through tonality and lyrical pictures. Melodies shine through with a strong folk identity, using teqniques such as vocal- and fiddle trills. The lyrics draw inspiration from timeless images in folk tales, mixed with the sharp-edge and frankness from punk and rock - addressing current themes that navigate between society, politics and human emotions. MÍO brings something new to the folk universe with their unique genre fusion. It´s fierce, bold, and progressive, yet versitile and engaging with a broad appeal – this is groundbreaking norwegian folk rock like never heard before.
On June 9, 2023, MÍO released their debut album, «Ingen tid å miste», on Lilith Records, receiving widespread acclaim for bringing something fresh to the Norwegian music scene. The album earned the top spot on The Nordic Sound as “Best Nordic Release” and Dagsavisen´s critic Mode Steinkjer called the music: “Restless folk rock for and from a chaotic world, with virtuosic details and an approach to raw musical foundations that breaks all boundaries!”
They followed the album release with an impressively active live presence - touring all across of Norway in 2023 and 2024. Performing on stages like Parkteatret in Oslo, Hulen in Bergen, UFFA in Trodheim, Rockeklubben in Porsgrunn, as well as at festivals such as Midgardsblot in Horten, Telemarksfestivalen in Bø, Rock mot Rus in Andenes, Pride in Oslo, and Pøbelrock in Trondheim. When playing at Midgardsblot 2023, journalist Tina Solda from Stalker Magazine wrote with great enthusiasm:
«A true newcomer, the Oslo-based sextet had only a few weeks earlier released its debut album, but took to the stage like they had never done anything else. Their bold mixture of elements ranging from Norwegian folk to punk, progressive rock and even jazz sounded utterly fresh and original, and the powerful vocals and total physical abandon of singer Dionisia Fjelldalen was rewarded by very active participation from the audience. Top recommendation!»
Spring 2025, MÍO will release their highly anticipated second album, "Hva nå?" (What Now?), on By Norse Music. This album takes their music in a darker, heavier and somber direction, reflecting the uncertainty and struggles of our times. It vibrates with frustration, anger, and apathy, all wrapped in a modern Norwegian folk rock package. The album release will be followed by a 2025 album tour, during which MÍO will make their international debut. The release concert for the album "Hva nå?" will take place at Parkteatret in Oslo on May 15th.
Members:
Dionisia Fjelldalen (vocals)
Maja Hveding Styffe (fiddle, Hardanger fiddle)
Hennie Hagen Johnsen (piano, accordion, key harp, flute and more)
Jakob Nome (guitar)
Marianne Friisberg Larssen (bass)
Eilif Hallingstad Finnseth (drums, percussion)