Monica Heldal, ‘Boy From the North’ – Exclusive Album Stream + Bonus Track

While Americana has generally been a genre that's subsided stateside, Norwegian singer-songwriter Monica Heldal is doing everything she can to make it international. Her first step in doing so is releasing her debut album, ‘Boy From the North,' a beautifully folk-infused vision of the young artist. Diffuser is excited to give you a chance to hear the LP before its release (Sept. 16) in the audio player below.

Heldal has the innate ability to channel several different influences and combine them into her unique brand of music. "I feel the album is a mix of various styles and genres of music including elements of rock, pop, folk and blues. It was very important for me to keep the sound organic and honest," Heldal tells us. "I've listened to a lot of bands from the '60s and '70s, such as Little Feat, the Allman Brothers, Neil Young and Fleetwood Mac."

She continues explaining her sound: "My music is very guitar based, and I started playing the guitar when I was 12 years-old. I would practice a lot of fingerpicking styles and songs from artists such as Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed. I'm also a big fan of old country blues, such as Mississippi John Hurt and Blind Blake."

Heldal is about to embark on a tour that will bring her to the states for a few shows -- her first-ever visit to America. "This will be my first time in the U.S. and I'm really looking forward to it," she excitedly tells us. "I can't wait to play the shows over there and I'm really lucky to be joining the Last Bison on a couple of dates, and also going on tour with the John Butler Trio. I am looking forward to experiencing an American audience and doing some sightseeing around the cities we're visiting."

In addition to the complete album stream of 'Boy From the North,' we're pleased to give you a bonus track in the form of the unreleased tune, 'Swan.' Enjoy it below:

Get details on 'Boy From the North,' as well as Heldal's complete tour itinerary, at her official website here.