The 15-year-old who composed a global synth-pop anthem
In short: At just 15, Magne Furuholmen wrote the iconic synth riff for 'Take On Me.' That single melody helped propel A-ha to over 50 million albums sold worldwide, transforming a teenage composition into one of the most streamed songs of the 20th century.
Magne Furuholmen, known professionally as Mags, has navigated a dual career as a world-renowned musician and a prolific visual artist. As the keyboardist for the Norwegian synth-pop group A-ha, he has been a cornerstone of the band since its formation in 1982. His songwriting contributions are vast, co-writing many of the band's most enduring hits, including 'Stay on These Roads,' 'Manhattan Skyline,' and 'Cry Wolf.'
His musical influence extends beyond the keyboard. His early musical journey included forming the band Bridges with Paul Waaktaar-Savoy. This group released their sole self-financed LP, Fakkeltog, during 1980.
Magne Furuholmen and his a-ha bandmates, Paul Waaktaar-Savoy and Morten Harket, received 1st Class Knighthoods within the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav in 2012. Olav. This honor was bestowed by King Harald for their significant services to Norwegian music and their international success. This prestigious award recognizes distinguished service to both the nation and humanity.
His ability to blend genres is evident in his work with the artist collective Apparatjik, which features members of Coldplay and Mew. Beyond the stage, Furuholmen is a significant figure in the visual arts. His work in glass, paint, etching, and woodcut is held in prestigious institutions like the Bibliothèque Nationale de France and The Norwegian State Archives. In 2016, he completed his largest commission to date: 'Imprints,' a massive ceramic sculpture park located in Fornebu, outside Oslo, which utilizes 50 tonnes of clay. This project stands as Scandinavia's largest ceramic sculpture park, marking a major milestone in his career as a multifaceted creator. His diverse artistic portfolio also includes decorating the Adventure of the Seas cruise ship with glasswork. Furthermore, he has served as a mentor on the Norwegian television programme The Voice.
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