Interview: Solnedgang (Written)
Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life bring you a written interview with atmospheric and melodic post-rock/metal artist, Solnedgang.
1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.
I’m originally from Norway, but I’ve been based in London since 2009. After playing guitar and creating music for years without releasing anything, and then gradually playing less and less, last autumn I bought a new guitar and I really got back into it. It’s gone much better than expected!
2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
I create immersive, atmospheric and melodic instrumental music in the post-rock/metal realm.
3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.
I’m currently working on my debut album, which will be out later this year, and I’ve just released the first single from that, called ‘Nornir’.
4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?
Honestly, it’s been the writing process. I feel it’s been going really well, and I’m really happy with what I’ve written so far (not everything obviously). Other people seem to enjoy it as well, which has been a real bonus!
5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?
I think getting my music heard. There is so much stuff out there so it’s hard to cut through. A lot of it is great, but certainly not everything and not necessarily the ones that gets the most exposure. I’ve found a few websites that have been helpful, but there’s a lot of ‘submit and hope’. I’ve got some PR help now though, so that should help (thanks Rogue PR!).
6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?
It’s tricky, as it should just be about the music but that’s just not how it works. You can be all about the music but if no one hears it, then what’s the point in putting it out? I’ve got a small audience though, and the music I create is fairly niche, so it’s very manageable at the moment. I love chatting to people about music (not necessarily my own!) so please get in touch if you want to have a chat!
7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?
It’s much better these days where you can be as independent as you want and still get your music out there. The bigger record companies are always behind, and still seemingly unwilling to take risks, but there are so many great smaller companies and independent artists so that’s fantastic. I guess the biggest issue is how little artists get paid from streaming platforms.
8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?
As long as they listen to the music I’m happy, be it Spotify or whichever platform they prefer, but if they would like to support me then please buy my music on Bandcamp. It’s ‘pay what you want’ so whatever people feel comfortable with – no pressure! I also have some t-shirts out if they would like something physical.
9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?
I love being creative, but my main job is as a graphic designer and in my spare time I tend to work on music, so it will have to be something very relaxing indeed, like playing video games (I play a lot of role playing games), reading a book (I love sci-fi), or watching a good film or tv show.
10. Where can people find you?
You can find all the links on www.solnedgang.co.uk, but you can go directly to:
