What was the beginning pint for your music career? How did it all start?
The very beginning would have been when I got a Casio keyboard for Christmas when I was around 9-10, then I started playing guitar a few years later. I played guitar and wrote a bit of music for years, and gradually played less and less. Then, about a year ago, I decided to get back into it and bought a new guitar and I suppose that’s when it really started. I really got into it again and found it surprisingly easy to write new stuff. I decided to set up a Bandcamp site using the name Solnedgang (which means ‘sunset’ in Norwegian) to force myself to actually release some music, and I’m really happy with the music I’ve created so far!
Was there any bumps on the road? What kind of challenges did you have to deal with?
Not too many thankfully. It can be a bit tricky as a one-man band, particularly when I only really play the guitar and a bit of keyboards, but at least there’s no arguing in the band, haha! Other than that, I guess it was that I tried to do the mixing and mastering myself, but just couldn’t get it to sound the way I wanted. I managed to find a fantastic guy called Ilarion Ivanenko to help with that part and I’m really pleased with the way the final tracks sound.
What was the most fulfilling and satisfying moment so far?
I think that’s got to be the amazing feedback I’ve got on my single ‘Nornir’. I’ve sent it around to quite a few people and the vast majority have been extremely complimentary, and I’ve got on a few great playlists alongside some fantastic artists.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I would describe it as immersive, atmospheric and melodic instrumental music in the post-rock/metal realm. It’s quite dynamic, and hopefully with melodies that resonate with people.
What is your creative process like?
Most of the time I’ll just sit down and start playing, and it’s usually the first thing I play when I pick up the guitar that will end up in a new song. Usually, it starts with a very simple riff, or just a few notes, which I’ll record and then build the song from there.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
That would have to be the amount artists get paid for streams. It’s absolutely ridiculous that a few people make a ton of money and the artists get practically nothing. I’ve got no issue with streaming services in general – in fact I think it’s great and I use it all the time myself – but that part of it just doesn’t make any sense.
If you were asked to give a piece of advice to upcoming bands, what would that be?
Believe in yourself – if you genuinely enjoy the music you’re writing, then there’s almost certainly someone else out there that will enjoy it as well. Try to do as much as you can yourself, but equally don’t be afraid to get advice and support if and when you need it. It’s always a good idea to get someone else to listen to it and see what they think.
What has been the best performance of your career so far?
I don’t actually play live, so it would have to be something I’ve recorded. There’s a track that will be on the album called ‘Folkvang’ that I’m really happy with. It’s got some cool melodies and interesting sonic textures – at least I think so!
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing now?
It would be something creative for sure, maybe fine art or something. I work as a graphic designer, and if I didn’t do that for a living then that would be my hobby.
What is new with the band at the moment? What are you currently working on and would like to share with the world?
I released the first single ‘Nornir’ a few weeks ago, and at the moment I’m working on my debut album. That should be out later this year, and there will be another single before that.
Website: https://www.solnedgang.co.uk/
Bandcamp: https://solnedgang.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1PD7uqkbQfqIQs7W5aAsYW
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089333672717
Instagram: https://instagram.com/solnedgang_music
