[Feature] COUNTESS MALAISE DOES NOT FOLLOW

"Countess Malaise says the stuff that others can't quite say"

Color me ignorant but I hadn't quite grasped the power and singularity of Countess Malaise before I saw her in concert. Yes, I had gotten a glimpse of her as I rummaged through billions of "items" fed to me via social media at any given day, but she didn't stick. Some months later I'm at a show with an eclectic line-up of artists: Godchilla, Seint, Une Misére. I appreciate all of them and I've seen them on number of occasions. Countess Malaise was on the bill as well, and this made it intriguing to the point I parked my fatherly duties for a couple of hours and turned out for this concert. And this is where Countess Malaise (real name Dýrfinna Benita) really got her hooks in me.

She emerges, valiant and galvanized, from a dark corner in Reykjavík. She is rising through the underground at a fast clip, hyper aggressive and sensual, angry and unruly, illuminating rape culture, slamming conventions at every turn with a lyrical fodder that makes stomachs churn.
Brave. You need to know. As you were...

With Icelandic hip hop scene swarming in new talent and endless eyes on the action, what separates Countess Malaise from the rest?
Countess Malaise says the stuff that others can't quite say. Countess Malaise does not follow.


Your lyrics are often uncomfortable. Something someone would rather not hear, but at the same time others are relieved or empowered to finally hear?
Yes. The people who (for a lack of a better words) 'get it' are the people that have lived through similar shit and thus feel less alone or at least are reminded that it's not supposed to be shameful but more educational and empowering.

You're referring to violence, abuse, rape?
Yes. Bullying, domestic violence, rape and mental disorders. Like depression, anxiety.

All of which you have suffered?
Yes.

How has living in Amsterdam informed and inspired your music and lyrics?
Moving out of your comfort zone is very humbling and gives you space to think about what matters to you. Amsterdam itself did not really inspire me though, maybe the parties a little. But definitely going to an art school and having a background in fine arts has a great impact on my style and concept.


Soundwise, what kinda programs and gear have you been using and see yourself getting more into when you produce future material?
Well I have gotten help from my friends that produce and mix. I mainly just say what I want but don't know how to do it myself at the moment. I am very bossy when I am making my more 'serious' songs. I haven't had the time to learn how to make a beat and what I mean by that is that I am a visual artist and do so many things at once and I basically just started rapping, so I am really just learning how to rap and write lyrics as I go and I feel I have to focus on that a little longer if I am going to get any better.
But when I graduate with my Bachelor in Fine Art/Design I will make time to learn how to produce my own beats. Now I am just getting acquainted with making music and people that listen are with me on that journey.
But really I have no idea what the future holds. So Que Sera, Sera.

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