Andreas Sjøen (Umpfel) premieres solo debut single ‘Rapsodi-19’
The first lockdown phases in many countries earlier this year left many musicians deprived of entering a stage and performing live for their audience. Many took this as an incentive though to create new music in their (home-)studios. So did Norwegian drummer Andreas Sjøen, best known for his work with modern fusion prog upstarts Umpfel. Today, we are happy to present the exclusive premiere of his solo debut single, cheekily entitled ‘Rapsodi-19’.
Andreas Sjøen
Andreas about the inception of the song:
“‘Rapsodi-19’ has been a pompous passion project of mine since March, when the virus outbreak left me with very few opportunities to perform live music. I suddenly had lots of time to play around with ideas and come up with a concept that I am now excited to release.
The music expresses emotions from the early stages of the pandemic situation in Norway between March and July 2020 (referenced by the somewhat ironic title). Norwegian news samples are spread throughout the piece to tell an engaging story; as seen from the perspective of a musician. ‘Rapsodi-19’ connects emotions into a flow of melodic themes and contrasting vibes, with a focus on large soundscapes of both synthetic and acoustic sounds.
The piece starts off with feelings of confusion and opposing thoughts, leading into a sense of graveness from the ongoing pandemic. A buildup of conflicting emotions in the middle-section culminates into a raw drum solo. The piece concludes somewhat peacefully, having gone through the different stages of emotions over time. I believe the music I present in ‘Rapsodi-19’ will be of great joy and inspiration to many listeners. I for sure had a blast writing and producing it.”
Andreas Sjøen – Rapsodi-19 (click here if the video doesn’t play)
‘Rapsodi-19’ will be available on streaming services from tomorrow, October 13.
Written, produced, mixed & mastered by Andreas Sjøen, Norway 2020.
Andreas Sjøen – Drums/Percussion/Bass/Synths
Anund Vikingstad – Electric guitars
Øystein Folkedal – Fender Rhodes/Piano/Synths
Follow Andreas Sjøen here:
Website
Andreas Sjøen YouTube channel
Andreas Sjøen on Facebook
Andreas Sjøen on Instagram
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