The jury's reasoning: "Norwegians are not as urban as they think." The prizewinner's own claim is difficult to argue against when you see the popularity he, fellow composer Aslak Haugen and the Hallingdal band Hellbillies enjoy everywhere. Ever-increasing record sales and sing-alongs from packed rock clubs and country parks speak of a modern and inclusive repertoire. Music and lyrics have undisguised roots […]
/ 01/04/2014 / codex“Norwegians are not as urban as they think.” The prizewinner’s own claim is difficult to argue against when you see the popularity he, his fellow composer Aslak Haugen and the Hallingdal band Hellbillies enjoy everywhere. Ever-increasing record sales and sing-alongs from packed rock clubs and country parks speak of a modern and inclusive repertoire. Music and lyrics have undisguised roots in American folk music. Here, the “storyteller” tradition is a central element, and on the album Spissrotgang, the lyricist confirms his unique ability to convey simple, down-to-earth stories with dialect pride and love for his local environment. His background as a teacher and folk musician is reflected in solid professional craftsmanship and impressive insight. Within the strict musical framework of pop music, he writes with thematic originality, a conscious use of language and a lush voice.