Oh Land Opens Up About Frustrations Over Bjork Comparisons

Considering Oh Land sees music an extension of self, you can understand why the Danish-born singer-songwriter hasn't taken kindly to being compared to fellow Scandinavian singer Bjork.

"When I'd just started making music, I found it a little bit frustrating because I felt like I was nothing like Bjork," Oh Land tells Spinner. "I can see why people would refer to Bjork when they listen to my music, but I know my voice is nothing like Bjork's -- we sound completely different.

"But I think I've turned it into a compliment," she adds. "Now I just feel it makes it easier for people to quickly kind of know, [and] I think it's fine. Every time you meet a new person, [it's like], 'oh you remind me of this person' until you get to know them that well -- [and then] you only see that person."

Perhaps one explanation for the Bjork comparisons is Oh Land's similar penchant for performance. Known for infusing dance and costumes into her live act, she considers theatrics vital to the ultimate form of storytelling.

"When I was a kid, my Mom would bring me to the theatre and I would be babysat backstage, so I loved being in the theatre," she shares. "I experienced the magic, and even though I was really small, I understood what you needed to do."

"It was so special: this world where everything can happen. This is how you tell stories; you tell stories with music and costumes with dance with everything. I just can't not do it that way."

Yet with such a defined artistic approach -- not to mention the runaway success of smash single 'Sun of a Gun' -- it's hard to believe that less than five years ago Oh Land was afraid to make music.

Watch Oh Land's 'Sun of a Gun'

"Even though I grew up in a home filled with music and my parents were both musicians, the whole 'musician' term was really frightening to me because it was almost too close,"

"So I didn't really start to take it seriously, then every time I was sad or had some emotion to deal with, I turned to music and started to write about it."

Luckily for the songwriter and her listenership, it was through this cathartic process that she was able to create what she hopes to be a unique musical experience.

"I was a dancer for 10 years, so I don't know how you're supposed to do things in rhythmic music -- I never learned any rules," she explains. "When I started making music, I just found my own way to do it. I've never intended to sound a certain way. I just sound the way I sound."