Hey, everybody! Welcome to “Voices from the Dancing Lawn,” a companion interview series to Retro Narnia Rocks, where we sit down and chat with musicians and artists who’ve lent their talents to the musical tapestry of the land of Narnia.
Two weeks ago, in our latest edition of Retro Narnia Rocks, Volume 6 “Wunderkind”, we shared a link to a beautiful cover of the song by Danish recording artist Amalie Skriver. She not only liked our post but also reshared it on her own social media. We reached out to her, and she was so gracious as to take the time to sit down for an interview with us. We hope you’ll take the time to check out more of her music.
NARNIAFANS: Tell us a bit about yourself, for our readers who might not know much about you?
Amalie Skriver: My name is Amalie Skriver, and I am a Danish singer-songwriter from Copenhagen. I released my first single at the age of 16 and have been performing live and releasing music ever since. I write folk-pop songs inspired by life and my Christian faith, and some of these songs have received special recognition. In 2018 and 2024, I won categories in international songwriting competitions with “Nothing to Say” and “Uncertainty.”
NF: I’ll admit in a very Narnian fashion, I stumbled upon your music by accident. I was working on an article about “Wunderkind” for our Retro Narnia Rocks series, and listening to the music on Spotify, and found your cover.
AS: What a lovely coincidence! I’m so glad you discovered my music.
NF: I’ll admit, the second I heard your cover, I was blown away. I stand by my initial statement; I could have sworn it was Alanis Morissette singing. You have such a rich, powerful voice and your Danish accent gives it a nice “flavor” that makes it stand out from other covers.
AS: Thank you so much! It’s truly an honor to be compared to Alanis Morissette. She’s one of my biggest musical inspirations.
NF: An extra special treat was listening to the other songs on your discography, and listening to your honest, sincere reflections on life and faith. How do you balance musical artistry with sincere reflections on life and faith?
AS: There are moments when it might feel easier and less vulnerable to write about simpler topics for a wider audience. But my faith and honest reflections on life’s struggles have driven me for so long that they’ve become a natural and essential part of who I am as an artist.
NF: I have to ask, since you recorded a cover of “Wunderkind” from the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Are you a fan of the Narnia books or movies?
AS: I’m absolutely a fan! I love the books, the movies, and the soundtrack. I love the magical universe of Narnia and everything about it. The books contain such heartwarming storytelling. I must admit that I don’t read a ton of books, but the Narnia series are the only books I have read multiple times! C.S. Lewis is really good at telling the story as if he’s sitting right next to you.
I admire the way the story reflects themes from the Bible. I really like the development of Edmund’s character, the innocence, bravery, and curiosity of Lucy, and the loving nature of Aslan. I especially love the line in the book where Aslan says something like, “In our world, we know him by another name,” probably referring to Jesus — such a beautiful detail. I also enjoy how, in the third movie, Aslan encourages Lucy not to compare herself to her sister, but to believe in herself and embrace exactly who she is.
Not least, I love the soundtrack—especially the score by Harry Gregson-Williams and the songs by Imogen Heap, Alanis Morissette, and Lisbeth Scott. I’ve been listening to it over and over again for many years, and it has inspired my own songwriting and compositions from the very beginning. To me, the Narnia fairytale is sometimes a way to escape everyday life.
NF: Why did you record a cover version of “Wunderkind”?
AS: One summer, years ago, I was listening to the soundtrack to The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and the moment I heard “Wunderkind,” I fell completely in love with Alanis Morissette’s voice and the catchy piano hook.
I remember lying in a hammock with my headphones on, looking out over a meadow and the ocean, simply listening to the beautiful, magical reverb and sense of vastness in “Wunderkind.” This was my very first encounter with Alanis Morissette.
Later, I started playing it on the piano in my parents’ basement, with my father playing the double bass, and I arranged a cello part. I wanted people to hear it, so I recorded it as part of my third EP release.
Today, I would have changed a couple of things. I would add an acoustic guitar to the chorus, emphasize the piano hook even more, and add more synths — and maybe feel more free to make my own interpretation of it. But I also like it as it is.
Nowadays, my version of “Wunderkind” has over 150,000 streams on Spotify. I’m so glad it can spread some joy among Narnia fans and other listeners!
NF: When and why did you begin singing professionally?
AS: I always tell people that my mom was singing when she was pregnant with me, which I believe had an impact on me. I began singing when I was only three years old and have always loved singing. I grew up in a musical family, and I started writing songs when I was 13 years old.
For many years, I’ve been playing music with my childhood friend, who plays the cello and sings backing vocals on most of my songs. We played our first gig in 2009, and we have been playing ever since.
When I was 18, we formed a trio with my dad on double bass, and we played our first real concert in 2011. I’d say that was really the very beginning.
NF: When did you first consider yourself a singer?
AS: Everything became more real to me the moment I released my single “Nothing to Say” in 2018. I finally found the musical sound I had been searching for, and after winning an award in the UK Songwriting Contest, I felt that everything was possible. In that moment, I knew I was on the right musical path and truly began to see myself as a singer-songwriter.
NF: What inspired you to record your first album?
AS: After releasing four EPs, I created the compilation album Best of Amalie Skriver 2009–2024 two years ago, sharing my musical journey from 2009 and onward. Finally making a full album was a dream come true for me and a deeply nostalgic way of celebrating my songs.
The album includes three new songs — “I Surrender,” “Uncertainty,” and “I Can Do All Things” — which represent my folk-pop sound today, featuring a full band, strings, and heartfelt themes. “Somehow” and “Beautiful Worries” are also songs that lie close to my heart.
NF: If you had to choose, which singer would you consider a mentor?
AS: I would choose Elisa, an Italian singer-songwriter I discovered during a family vacation in Italy 25 years ago. She is one of my biggest inspirations. I especially love her albums Then Comes the Sun and Intimate – Recordings at Abbey Road Studios. They are the kind of albums that make me wish I had made them myself.
NF: Are there any new singers that have grasped your interest?
AS: Recently, I’ve been listening to the song “Say My Name” by Novelists, a French metalcore band, over and over again. I love the lead singer’s voice, but also the melancholy of the song, the lyrics, the guitar solo, and the drums. Before she took over as the lead singer of the band, there was another vocalist, Mattéo Gelsomino, who also has an amazing voice.
NF: What are your current projects?
AS: Since releasing my compilation album, I feel like I’ve closed a chapter in my musical journey, and now I’m ready to explore new directions and write new songs. I want to write about themes beyond my faith, perhaps even lighter topics, though it will always remain a part of my songwriting in some way. My goal is to reach a wider audience while staying true to myself as an artist.
NF: Do you have any advice for other aspiring musicians or singers?
AS: Simply be true to who you are as a singer or musician. You don’t have to make a certain kind of music just to fit in or sound like everyone else. Remember, only you can be you — and that is something truly unique. No one can ever take that away from you.
NF: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to our readers?
AS: Thank you for taking the time to read this interview. I would love to share my songs with you. You can find me on Spotify and YouTube, follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/amalieskriverofficial and on Instagram at instagram.com/amalieskriver, or visit my website at amalieskriver.dk. Thank you!
NF: Thank you so much for your time, Amalie. We’re honored to feature you on the Dancing Lawn.
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