BLAA is a distinctive musical duo from Norway, combining the rich cultural heritage of Trøndelag and Western Norway through their unique folk-pop fusion. Founded in 2013, the duo consists of Mari Klingen from Svorkmo in Trøndelag on vocals and Gisle Haaland from Sotra on keyboards and arrangements.

With lyrics written in Trøndersk dialect by Klingen, BLAA crafts melodic and atmospheric compositions that explore everyday life, human relationships, and the significance of nature. Their sound creates an intimate yet expansive landscape where Mari’s warm vocals take center stage against Gisle’s delicate rhodes playing, resulting in music that feels both deeply rooted in Norwegian tradition and refreshingly contemporary.

Both members bring impressive musical backgrounds to the project. Mari Klingen also performs with the progressive folk-rock band Lumsk and the traditional folk-based ensemble SalmeKlang. Gisle Haaland runs the independent label “gi faen records” and has collaborated with notable Norwegian artists including Benedicte Adrian and Erlend Ropstad.

BLAA’s releases include singles like “Desembervise” (2013), “Hav og fjell” (2015), and “Viskelær” (2016). Their new single “Svart frakk” (March 2025) explores the contrast between light and darkness, feeling and numbness, while their upcoming EP “Noko live” (May 2025) features remastered versions of their 2015 live studio sessions, bringing previously unreleased material to streaming platforms for the first time.