Liv Kristine Pays Homage to Mike Oldfield with Cover of “To France”

Liv Kristine, the co-founder of the symphonic metal band Leaves’ Eyes, has released a cover of Mike Oldfield’s iconic song “To France.” This decision reflects her deep admiration for Oldfield, whose music has profoundly influenced her since childhood. In an interview from March 2011, Kristine shared her thoughts on the significance of Oldfield’s work and how it has shaped her artistic journey.

Growing up, Kristine was immersed in a diverse musical landscape, frequently listening to bands like Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. Yet, it was Oldfield’s music that left an indelible mark on her. She fondly recalls how she would mimic the vocals of Maggie Reilly, Oldfield’s frequent collaborator, using a hairbrush as a microphone. “I had Tubular Bells on cassette, and I remember hearing his songs all the time on Norwegian radio – he’s still huge in Norway,” she explained.

Kristine described the emotional connection she feels when listening to Oldfield’s compositions, stating, “His songs are like a walk through his imagination – they really draw you in and make you use all your senses.” The tranquil and serene quality of his music evokes vivid imagery for her, akin to sitting in a field and breathing in nature. This connection inspired her to cover “To France,” a track she considers her favorite from Oldfield’s repertoire.

Creating the Cover

When contemplating a cover version for Leaves’ Eyes’ album, Meredead, Kristine felt “To France” would fit her vocal range perfectly. She dedicated time to researching the song’s meaning, initially believing it was solely about Mary, Queen of Scots. However, she soon discovered the song’s complexity and depth.

“I hope I’ve done it justice because it’s such a special song,” Kristine remarked, emphasizing her commitment to honoring Oldfield’s original work. The accompanying music video was filmed in a grand castle in Sweden, further enhancing the song’s ethereal quality.

Kristine also expressed her admiration for Oldfield’s live performances alongside Reilly, noting how she enjoyed watching Reilly’s expressive singing style. Despite not having any formal musical education, Kristine has developed her vocal skills by singing along with various artists, including Kate Bush. She finds Bush’s music particularly inspiring and always carries her greatest hits album, The Whole Story, on tour for vocal warm-ups.

Kristine’s dedication to her craft and her respect for musical icons like Oldfield and Bush highlight her passion and the influence these artists have had on her career. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her cover of “To France” stands as a testament to the lasting impact of music that transcends generations.