– This is really great, says Arredondo, who in the past year has been both surprised and overwhelmed by the interest from the world’s most populous country.
The special thing is that there is only one song that has caused the fabulous streaming number, namely 20-year-old “Burning” from Arredondo’s second record “Not Going Under”.
As of today, it has been streamed 946 million times in China, according to her record company, Universal Music.
– We are very happy to see Norwegian Maria Arredondo with such a strong consumption in China. The song “Burning” seems to have hit a nerve there, comments Daniel Ursin Haugen, Commercial Director at Universal Music Norway.
It was not completely unexpected this time for Maria Arredondo. At the latest in September last year, she received a multi-platinum record for 750 million streams of “Burning”. When the increase is 200 million in just over six months, simple mathematics indicates that the magic billion mark is close.
– I have heard from acquaintances who come back from China and say that “Burning” has been everywhere, from taxis to shopping centers and hotel lobbies. But I wasn’t fully aware of how much it had been until I saw these figures, says Maria Arredondo.
The main reason why her song has become a Chinese phenomenon is probably that one of China’s most famous gaming celebrities – BurNIng – uses the song title as his trademark after being introduced to the Norwegian star’s song by chance through his then girlfriend many years ago.
It has since been picked up by several other Chinese artists and influencers, including Chinese artist and internet personality Feng Timo, who has tens of millions of followers on Chinese social media such as Doyuo and Weibo.
She has covered “Burning” several times, including HERE.
– I have actually had some digital contact with her, and we are trying to arrange a meeting when we are in China, says Arredondo.
The China trip later in May is under the auspices of the Norwegian authorities, which will mark 70 years of diplomatic relations with China. Another Norwegian artist, Peder Elias, is also going there. He received the Spellemann Award for 2022 for the year’s international success, having been streamed several hundred million times in the same territory, especially South Korea.
– We are going to do a duet down there. It feels very safe to have the Norwegian authorities at your back, they have been very helpful in making this happen. It will be very exciting, says Maria Arredondo, who will perform three performances this time.
Because it has not always been easy for her to try her hand in China. The first time she was invited – in 2016 – she did not get a visa.
In 2020, the plans were effectively stopped by the pandemic.
But now she is ready.
– Expectations are low. I’m pulling myself into it, so whatever comes may come. I am completely open to where it could end, but we are working towards getting back there with a tour, says Arredondo.
At home, husband – and fellow artist – Torstein Sødal holds the family fort with the couple’s two children, aged four and six.
– He makes arrangements and is a super dad, so that I can travel.
– But what is it about the song “Burning” itself that has made such a strong impression, do you think?
Also read: Maria Arredondo: – Torstein lured me back to music
– Say it… It’s a simple but very nice song. Lyrically, they can perhaps, like me, relate to it to the extent that I myself have often used music as therapy when I can’t find the words I want to use, she says.
At the same time, the Chinese interest has triggered something in Maria Arredondo.
– For the first time I have helped write songs, finally! I have to admit that I was a bit done with being served the stories I was supposed to tell, she says and nods smiling when VG suggests that it might have something to do with her role as Solveig in “Peer Gynt” in Fjæreheia last summer?
– Yes, he was a dreamer, he too…
Also read: Maria Arredondo out – I cried and cried
