Name: Jenný Kragesteen aka Frum
Nationality: Faroese  
Occupation: Singer, songwriter, producer
Current release: Frum's new single "Rise" is out now via Tutl.
Recommendations for the Faroes: Take a trip to some of our small islands we have in The Faroes, like Koltur.
Topic I rarely get to talk about: I’m really fascinated by space and the universe—how it all began, how it works, and the mysteries we’ve yet to uncover. Luckily, I have a few people around me who share this curiosity, so I get to indulge in conversations about it from time to time. It’s a topic that always leaves me in awe and inspires me deeply.

If you enjoyed this interview with Jenný Kragesteen of Frum, visit her official homepage. She is also on Instagram, tiktok, and Facebook.

For a deeper dive, we recommend our earlier Frum interview.



Do you think that some of your earliest musical experiences planted a seed for your interest in writing lyrics or poetry? How and when did you start writing?

Absolutely. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was captivated by how lyrics could tell a story and evoke powerful emotions.

I started writing when I was around four years old, and throughout my teenage years, it became a way to process my feelings and experiences.

I took a break from writing when I was about 17 but found my way back to it at 21, after moving to Copenhagen to study. It was during this time that FRUM was born.

Entering new worlds and escapism through music and literature have always exerted a very strong pull on me. What do you think you are drawn to most when it comes to writing?

For me, writing is about connection—whether it’s connecting with myself, with others, or with a feeling that’s hard to pin down. I’m drawn to the way words can create entire worlds, allowing us to escape or dive deeper into our own reality.

Writing feels like a bridge between the seen and unseen, between what we feel and what we want to understand.

What were some of the artists and albums which inspired you early on purely on the strength of their lyrics? What moves you in the lyrics of other artists?

Growing up, I listened to a lot of 70s music—songs about a better society, peace, and hope really resonated with me, even through my early teenage years.

It wasn’t until I was around twenty that I started exploring more modern alternative pop. Interestingly, I didn’t feel connected to popular music from the early 2000s at the time, but when I revisit it now, I find myself enjoying it a lot more.

I think “Rise” reflects a blend of these influences. The verses have a 70s-inspired feel, almost reminiscent of Paul Simon, while the chorus draws from the techno sounds of the late 90s and early 2000s.

When it comes to lyrics, I’m drawn to simplicity. After completing my bachelor’s degree in philosophy, I found myself a bit weary of overly complex or abstract texts. Now, I gravitate toward lyrics that are more concrete and straightforward—they feel refreshing and relatable.

Have there been song lyrics which actually made you change (aspects of) your life? If so, what do you think lent them that power?

I think lyrics resonate differently depending on the moment and the mood I’m in.

But if I had to choose one line that has stayed with me, it would be, “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is to love and be loved in return” by Eden Ahbez.



Its simplicity and truth make it incredibly powerful—it’s a reminder of what truly matters in life.

It is sometimes said that “music begins where words end.” What do you make of that?

I believe that’s true. Words can only take us so far; music fills the spaces in between. It’s like an emotional language that doesn’t need translation.

Where words might falter, music has the ability to evoke feelings, memories, and sensations that are otherwise indescribable.

I have always considered many forms of music to be a form of poetry as well. Where do you personally see similarities? What can music express which may be out of reach for poetry?

Music and poetry share a rhythm, a flow, and a way of painting vivid images with words. But music adds another dimension.

A melody can transform a simple lyric into something transcendent, amplifying its emotional impact. Music has the ability to create a visceral experience, while poetry often works more subtly, inviting reflection.

The relationship between words and music has always intrigued me. How do you see it? In how far can music take you to places with your writing you would possibly not have visited without it?

Music and words are like dance partners—they complement and elevate each other.

Sometimes a melody will lead me to a feeling or thought I didn’t know I had. Other times, lyrics come first, and the music helps shape their meaning.

Music has this magical way of unlocking emotions and ideas that might otherwise stay hidden.

What are areas/themes/topics that you keep returning to in your lyrics?

I often return to themes of transformation, resilience, and connection.

The idea of rising after hardship, finding beauty in imperfection, and our relationship with nature are recurring threads in my writing. These themes feel timeless and universal, yet deeply personal.

On the basis of a piece off your most recent release, tell me about how the lyrics grew into their final form and what points of consideration were.

For “Rise,” the lyrics began as a personal letter—a message of encouragement to a friend. As I refined them, I realized they resonated with my own journey and the experiences of many women I know.

I focused on keeping the language simple yet powerful, ensuring the emotions felt authentic and relatable.

Do you tend to start writing with what will be the first line of the finished lyrics? The chorus? At a random point? What are the words that set the process in motion?

It’s different every time. Sometimes a single line or phrase will spark the entire song. Other times, I’ll start with a melody, and the words will flow from there.

I don’t always know where the song will begin or end—it’s a process of discovery.

I’d love to know how you think the meaning or effect of an individual song is enhanced, clarified, or possibly contradicted by the EPs or albums it is part of. Does the song, for example, need to be consistent with the larger whole?

I think every song should stand on its own but also contribute to the larger story of the album.

An album is like a mosaic, with each piece adding depth and context. A song can take on new meaning when placed within a broader narrative, creating layers for the listener to uncover.

When you’re writing song lyrics, do you sense or see a connection between your voice and the text? Does it need to feel and sound “good” or “right” to sing certain words? What’s your perspective in this regard of singing someone else’s songs versus your own?

Yes, there’s definitely a connection. The lyrics need to feel natural in my voice—like they belong there.

Singing someone else’s songs can be a beautiful experience, but there’s something uniquely powerful about singing your own words. It’s like sharing a piece of your soul.

I would love to know a little about the feedback you’ve received from listeners or critics about what they thought some of your songs are about – have there been “misunderstandings” or did you perhaps even gain new “insights?”

I’ve had listeners interpret my songs in ways I never imagined, and I love that. It’s fascinating to see how people bring their own experiences to the music.

Sometimes their insights even give me a new perspective on my own work.

Creativity can reach many different corners of our lives. Do you feel as though writing song lyrics or poetry is inherently different from something like making a great cup of coffee? What do you express through music that you couldn’t or wouldn’t in more 'mundane' tasks?

There’s definitely creativity in everyday tasks, but music allows me to tap into something deeper. It’s a space where I can explore emotions, ideas, and stories in a way that feels limitless.

Making a great cup of coffee might be artful, but writing music is transformative.