Imagine playing at the Moscow Peace Festival in Russia, with Motley Crue, Skid Row and Ozzy!
EV: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
VITNE: I really don’t remember. I was searching for some additional video promotion and I found you!
EV: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
VITNE: I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina (USA), near the beach. I love the beach! Before I moved to Norway I loved to go surfing all the time. My first instrument was the violin in 5th grade, and that sparked my interest in performance. It was my first taste of playing, and I really loved it. I changed to the flute in 6th grade and have stuck with that ever since. I’m a big Jethro Tull fan. As to what made me decide to be an artist…I have been in bands since I was a sophomore in high school (15 years old), and over time I wanted to make my own music the way I wanted, at my own pace. Rather than continuing to try to be a leader of a band, I wanted to take things into my own hands. Bands can be tough, because not everyone is as driven or focused as you, not everyone wants the same thing.
EV: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
VITNE: It is pronounced like “Vit-nuh” or “Vit-neh”. It means “witness” in Norwegian.
EV: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
VITNE: The only legal, and ethical free music is that which the artist gives away themselves. The online illegal “file sharing” is hurting artists. Some people seem to think that in exchange for them getting your music for free, they will return the favour and share your name with friends and promote you on Facebook. You wouldn’t go into an electronics store and expect them to give you a free TV with the argument “I should have that TV for free, because I will tell my friends about your store and promote you on Facebook” Does that sound right? It’s the same thing. I do give away music to those who subscribe to my artist newsletter.
EV: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
VITNE: Image, image, image. Take image seriously! Who cares about the next band wearing black t-shirts and jeans? Your music may speak for itself, but image can certainly make or break an artist before that potential fan even listens.
EV: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
VITNE: Of course! Everyone does. Just act like you don’t make them 
EV: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
VITNE: I toured Norway in my old band, but I haven’t yet as a solo artist. I have some plans, but nothing concrete yet.
EV: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
VITNE: I listen to my favourite artists and artists I like in the genre in which I’m trying to write. Usually the songs just come to me when I’m doing something else, or if I’m just messing around on guitar, not trying to write a song. That’s when I end up writing a song.
EV: Do you have a band website? Do you have a Facebook or Twitter? Do you use Bandcamp, Spotify, ExposedVocals or SoundCloud to share your music?
VITNE: Yep! Links are below:
www.VITNE.net
www.facebook.com/VITNEOfficial
www.twitter.com/VITNEOfficial
www.youtube.com/VITNEVEVO
www.soundcloud.com/VITNEOfficial
play.spotify.com/album/572RnjOLKoFnxSmZLTuZ7c
EV: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
VITNE: Nothing is embarrassing on my mp3 player 
EV: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
VITNE: I’d record a new album!
EV: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
VITNE: I recently upgraded to Pro Tools 11.
EV: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
VITNE: I’m always looking for new and better ways. What works best is personalisation. For example, if you have a bunch of online radio contacts, don’t e-mail blast them all at once. Take the time and write an email to each. Think about it if you were the one receiving it.
EV: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
VITNE: I think I would play at the Moscow Peace Festival in Russia. It had so many amazing artists! Motley Crue, Skid Row, Ozzy to name a few. I would have to add a few more though, like Billy Idol, Gackt, and X Japan.
EV: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
VITNE: Always something on my mind, but nothing concrete enough to mention unfortunately.
EV: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
VITNE: Probably acting.
EV: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
VITNE: No, I don’t remember what exactly was the first album I bought, but I remember getting Sugar Ray’s “Floored” album as a kid, and their album “14:59”. I remember I thought the CD artwork for “14:59” was really cool.
EV: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
VITNE: It’s not really an option. It’s a part of me, I must make time for it.
EV: What should fans look forward too for the rest of 2015 and beyond?
VITNE: New music, new videos, and possibly some live performances!
