We wanted to find out more about Solnedgang so asked them to take on our A-Z challenge!
A song that made you want to make music?
Probably something by Explosions in the Sky. Their music, apart from being a great inspiration, is the type where everything sounds easy (“I can do that!”), but is deceptively complex the more you dive into it.
Best rider you’ve had?
I think my rider would be pretty basic and boring to be honest. Some local stuff would be nice, like cheeses and mineral water.
Craziest moment you’ve had in the band?
There haven’t really been any crazy moments at all. It’s a one-man band and I don’t play live, so not many opportunities for craziness!
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
All my songs up until now have been instrumental, but I’ve been considering having at least one track with vocals on the album. I’ve got some lyrics, and generally they deal with grief and mental health, albeit in a fairly abstract way.
Easiest song you wrote?
The easiest was probably ‘Lament’, as it came together pretty quickly. It all seemed to flow naturally.
Favourite song in your set?
I think my favourite one to play live would be ‘Niflhel’. It’s quite heavy, with plenty of scope for experimentation and improvisation.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Robert Smith (The Cure), Serena Cherry (Svalbard) or GrutleKjellson (Enslaved).
Hardest thing about being in a band?
Definitely promotion. It just doesn’t come naturally to me to push myself on people, even online. It’s a necessary evil as far as I’m concerned.
Interesting fact about one of your members?
I’m not sure how interesting it is, but I’m a full-time graphic designer. Music and design have always gone hand-in-hand for me.
Jokes you have in the band?
It would be a bit sad and disturbing if I had internal jokes with myself, wouldn’t it?
Key to writing a song?
In my experience: just let it come naturally. If you have to force it, it probably won’t work. In that case I would shelve the song for a while and come back to it at a later point.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
Since I don’t play live I haven’t had to travel at all.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
I’ll have to mention The Cure again. Robert Smith has almost certainly been the one person who has had the most influence on me, both in terms of melodies, atmosphere and my approach to guitar playing.
New band you’d recommend?
I love the Guiltless EP, ‘Thorns’. Can’t wait for the album!
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Probably Alcest. I imagine there would be a big overlap in our audiences.
Place you’d most like to tour?
There are so many, but South America would be fantastic.
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” – Victor Hugo
Reason for the title of your recent/forthcoming release?
My EP is called ‘Valkyrie’, and I wanted a short, snappy title that reflects the theme of the tracks, which is different aspects of the afterlife in Norse mythology.
See us live at?
Nowhere, sorry!
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
As with everything else musical tastes and inspirations are cyclical, and I definitely feel very fortunate to live in an age where we have so much to choose from, both from the past and the present. Streaming has obviously been a massive game-changer and, apart from ridiculously low amount of money artists get from it, it’s been fantastic for the music lovers out there. Same with the vinyl revival.
Unusual merchandise?
I recently bought a Bossk long-sleeve, and they included some (long) rolling papers. I’ve stuck with t-shirts and stickers until now, but I’ll see what I can come up with!
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
I have thought about doing some remixes, which would probably include more electronic elements.
What do your fans mean to you?
I’m always appreciative of anyone liking my music and, though I’ve only been speaking to fans online, they’ve all been very nice people. I think that’s the best bit about creating fairly nichemusic – everyone seems to care a lot about it. I don’t think you get many post-rock or post-metal poseurs!
X-rays or any treatments needed for band related injuries?
Thankfully not!
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
Well, it would have to be mine, wouldn’t it (since it’s just me)? My sense of direction is terrible, so it would probably be because I couldn’t find the venue…
Zoo animal that next describes the personality of your band?
Wow, great question! I’ll go for the snowy owl: a beautiful, gentle looking bird which can be very aggressive when it needs or wants to be. I feel like that describes my music quite well too.