Liv Kristine Covers Mike Oldfield’s Classic: A Personal Tribute

In a recent interview, Liv Kristine reflected on her deep connection to the music of Mike Oldfield, explaining why she chose to cover his iconic song “To France” for her band’s album, Meredead. Kristine, who co-founded the symphonic metal band Leaves’ Eyes in 2003 and departed in 2016, shared insights into her artistic inspiration and personal journey with music.

Kristine’s musical influences began in her childhood, where she found herself captivated by the sounds of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. Yet, it was Oldfield’s work that truly resonated with her. “I’ve loved Mike Oldfield’s music since I was a little girl,” she said. “I remember trying to imitate Maggie Reilly in front of the mirror with a hairbrush!” Her fondness for Oldfield’s music is rooted in nostalgia; she recalls listening to “Tubular Bells” on cassette and hearing his songs frequently on Norwegian radio.

Oldfield remains a prominent figure in Norway, with Kristine stating, “He’s still huge in Norway. One of my best friends has driven his tour bus!” She emphasized the emotional power of his music, describing it as “like sitting in a field and breathing in nature,” evoking feelings of tranquility and serenity.

Understanding the Inspiration Behind the Cover

When the opportunity arose to cover a song for Leaves’ Eyes’ upcoming album, Kristine immediately thought of “To France.” “The vocals are in a comfortable range for me. It’s also my favourite song of his,” she explained. Before recording, she conducted thorough research to fully grasp the song’s meaning. Initially believing it to be about Mary, Queen of Scots, Kristine discovered that the song encompasses much more than that singular narrative.

“I hope I’ve done it justice because it’s such a special song,” she added, expressing her dedication to honoring Oldfield’s legacy. The accompanying music video was filmed in a grand castle in Sweden, a location that added to the song’s dramatic essence.

Kristine also noted her admiration for Maggie Reilly, who sang with Oldfield on the original track. “I’ve seen video clips of Mike performing the song live with Maggie, and I really enjoyed watching her face while she was singing,” she remarked. This observation highlights Kristine’s commitment to learning and growing as an artist.

Musical Growth and Influences

Without formal musical education, Kristine has relied on self-teaching methods, often learning by singing along to the works of other artists. She cited Kate Bush as another significant influence, stating, “Her vocals are spellbinding.” Kristine keeps Bush’s greatest hits album, The Whole Story, on her MP3 player during tours, demonstrating her appreciation for diverse musical styles.

Reflecting on her journey, Kristine’s blend of nostalgia, admiration, and personal connection to the music of influential artists like Oldfield and Bush shapes her artistic identity. Her cover of “To France” not only pays homage to a beloved song but also showcases her growth as a musician who continues to explore the depths of her creativity.