What was the beginning pint for your music career? How did it all start?
Music has always been in my veins. I need to create. To express. I guess the “career” really started when I built my home studio, and was able to record and produce music without the interference of others, as well as release and distribute it. I’m a big fan of the DIY approach.
Was there any bumps on the road? What kind of challenges did you have to deal with?
I make the road as I go along, so no bumps here other than those I make myself.
What was the most fulfilling and satisfying moment so far?
Probably being able to work with a lot of talented people. I’ve had the chance to work with artists such as Christophe Szpajdel, Alan Forbes and Anna Marine, as well as Attreigner, Māra Lisenko and Misstiq. And most importantly, I’ve been able to see things through working with good personal friends and creating bonds that will last a lifetime.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
It’s based on Norwegian Black Metal, with a romantic touch. Gothic and uncompromising.
What is your creative process like?
I take a long time to create. It takes years of trial and error, shaping the songs, throwing away ideas and starting over. I usually start with a word, a feeling or a sentence, and let the music will itself to life based on this.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I try to avoid the industry. It’s deadly for the creativity. A big mainstream machine deciding how you should sound, how to look and what to think. I’m not into fast food entertainment, and the music industry is a rotten cesspool of mediocrity.
If you were asked to give a piece of advice to upcoming bands, what would that be?
Do your own thing, don’t stray from the vision and don’t be fooled by self-proclaimed helpers. They are vultures. Don’t become their empty shell of a corpse to feed on.
What has been the best performance of your career so far?
Minneriket does not play live, so there are no performances outside the studio. That is where the magic happens. Just a man and his guitar, no theatrics.
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing now?
I do plenty of other stuff in addition to being a musician. When you like what you do, the days have a few more hours.
What is new with the band at the moment? What are you currently working on and would like to share with the world?
Minneriket just released the album “Gjennom meg går ingen til hvile» earlier this year, and there’s a new music video coming out now March 18th. Check it!
