As of 2024, Girl in Red (Marie Ulven) has an estimated net worth of $5 million. She gained popularity as an indie artist with her breakout singles “i wanna be your girlfriend” and “we fell in love in october”, which became anthems for LGBTQ+ youth. Her debut studio album, If I Could Make It Go Quiet, was released in 2021 to critical acclaim, further solidifying her status as an international star. Marie’s success has been propelled by her strong social media presence, her ability to connect with fans, and the authenticity of her music. With millions of streams and a loyal fanbase, Marie has also been recognized by Billie Eilish as one of the defining voices of Gen Z, significantly increasing her influence in the industry.
Marie Ulven, known as Girl in Red, is seen as an LGBTQ+ icon and a symbol of authenticity for Gen Z. Her unapologetic openness about her sexuality, combined with her deeply personal lyrics, resonates strongly with younger audiences who value emotional honesty and representation. Songs like “we fell in love in october” have become queer anthems, making her music a staple in the playlists of many Gen Z listeners.
Gen Z appreciates Marie’s ability to express feelings of love, heartbreak, and self-acceptance in a way that feels raw and relatable. Her DIY approach to creating music, producing much of it in her bedroom, also adds to her appeal as a relatable, down-to-earth artist who hasn’t lost touch with her roots despite her growing fame.
However, some fans are eager to see her explore different musical styles as her career progresses. Overall, Marie’s blend of vulnerability, activism, and raw talent keeps her as a beloved and influential figure within the Gen Z community.
"Girl in Red’s music feels like a diary entry—her songs just hit differently because they’re so real."
— Lena, 21, Seattle, WA
"I love Marie, but I’d like to see her experiment with new sounds. She’s great, but her music feels a bit repetitive lately."
— Max, 20, London, UK
Marie Ulven Ringheim, born on February 16, 1999, in Horten, Norway, started her music career by uploading songs to SoundCloud in 2016, under the moniker Girl in Red. She grew up in a small town and was inspired by artists like Taylor Swift and Lorde. Early on, Marie taught herself how to play guitar and piano, and she also learned how to produce music using software like GarageBand.
Her breakout moment came in 2018 with the single “i wanna be your girlfriend”, which quickly went viral on music platforms. The song’s honest portrayal of queer love resonated deeply with listeners, and Girl in Red became a symbol of LGBTQ+ representation in the indie music scene.
Despite her sudden rise to fame, Marie has stayed grounded, often speaking about her struggles with mental health, which have also influenced her music. Her lyrics explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, and they are a raw reflection of her own experiences. Over the years, she has built a dedicated fanbase, thanks to her authenticity, emotional transparency, and activism within the LGBTQ+ community.
Marie Ulven, professionally known as Girl in Red, began her career by uploading homemade tracks to SoundCloud in 2016. As a self-taught musician, she used GarageBand to produce her early songs, which garnered attention for their intimate, honest lyrics and catchy indie-pop sound. Marie’s music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and mental health, resonating deeply with young, queer listeners who see themselves in her songs.
Her breakout moment came in 2018 with the release of “i wanna be your girlfriend”, a song that quickly gained viral success on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. The track’s success cemented Marie’s status as an emerging voice in the indie scene, particularly for LGBTQ+ representation. Following the success of her singles, Marie released her debut studio album, If I Could Make It Go Quiet, in 2021. The album was a critical and commercial success, receiving praise for its candid lyricism and bold sound.
Marie’s rise to fame has been meteoric, with co-signs from major artists like Billie Eilish and widespread media coverage. Despite this, Marie has remained grounded, continuing to write and produce her own music, often from the comfort of her bedroom studio. Her DIY ethic, paired with her raw and emotional songwriting, has made her a symbol of authenticity in a pop landscape often dominated by overproduced sounds.
Girl in Red’s career is defined by her deep connection to her fanbase, who appreciate her openness about her struggles with mental health and her identity as a queer woman. Her candid interviews and social media presence further reinforce her image as a relatable, down-to-earth artist. As she continues to evolve musically, Marie’s fanbase is eager to see what direction her sound takes next.
Marie Ulven, known as Girl in Red, has always kept her love life relatively private. However, her music often reflects deeply personal experiences with love, especially from a queer perspective, which has led fans to speculate about her relationships. Marie’s breakout hit “i wanna be your girlfriend” was widely interpreted as a candid reflection of her own experiences with unrequited love for a close friend.
Though Marie remains tight-lipped about specific relationships, she’s been open about her journey of coming to terms with her sexuality and how it has influenced her music. In interviews, she’s often spoken about the importance of representation for young queer people and how she wants her music to be a source of comfort for those going through similar experiences.
As of 2024, Marie has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships, choosing to keep her personal life separate from her public persona. She continues to focus on her music, mental health advocacy, and growing influence within the LGBTQ+ community.
Marie Ulven, or Girl in Red, has formed close relationships with other artists in the indie and LGBTQ+ music scenes. She has received praise and support from major stars like Billie Eilish, who named her one of the most influential young musicians of Gen Z. Marie has also been embraced by the queer music community, connecting with artists who share her passion for representation and authenticity in music. In addition to her friendships within the music world, Marie has built a strong bond with her fans, often referring to them as her extended “family.” Her direct and honest engagement with her audience on social media has strengthened these connections, making her not just an artist, but also a role model for her listeners.
Aside from making music, Marie Ulven is passionate about mental health advocacy. She often uses her platform to discuss her own struggles with anxiety and depression, encouraging her fans to seek help and take care of their mental well-being. Marie’s music itself serves as a form of therapy, both for her and her audience, with many of her songs delving into themes of mental health. Marie is also a huge fan of photography, often taking time to capture intimate, moody snapshots that reflect her artistic style. She shares some of these photos with her fans on social media, giving them a glimpse into her life beyond the music. Additionally, Marie enjoys gaming, frequently playing video games to unwind between projects. Her gaming habits have endeared her to many of her younger fans, who see her as someone who embraces a more casual, relatable lifestyle.
1. How did Girl in Red become famous?
Marie gained fame through her viral single “i wanna be your girlfriend” in 2018.
2. What is Girl in Red’s real name?
Her real name is Marie Ulven Ringheim.
3. What does “Do you listen to Girl in Red?” mean?
It’s a way for people to discreetly ask if someone is queer.
4. Has Girl in Red won any major awards?
Yes, she won a Norwegian Grammy for her debut album If I Could Make It Go Quiet.
5. Does Girl in Red identify as LGBTQ+?
Yes, Marie is openly queer and advocates for LGBTQ+ representation in her music.
6. Is Girl in Red involved in activism?
Yes, she’s a passionate advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights.
7. What instruments can Girl in Red play?
Marie is skilled at playing the guitar and piano.
8. Where is Girl in Red from?
Marie was born and raised in Horten, Norway.
9. Does Girl in Red have new music coming out?
Marie is currently working on her sophomore album, which is expected to explore new sounds.
10. How does Girl in Red connect with her fans?
Marie is active on social media, especially on Instagram and TikTok, where she interacts directly with fans
