Jury's reasoning: In June 2015, the young Bærum artist and songwriter Fay Hau Wildhagen released her debut album "Snow", and there is something incredibly solid about the album. Her voice is full of emotion, her guitar playing is impressive and creative, and the composer in her shows clear ambitions. Despite her young age, she has a personal and solid expression. "Into […]
The jury's reasoning: We've all heard the music, but few know the man behind the lyrics to some of Norway's most famous songs. From “Everyone Needs A Friend”, “Tell Me Where You're Going” to “Moving Time” and many more. Jeff Wasserman came to Norway in the 80s from Oyster Bay outside New York, and has made a career both as […]
Jury's reasoning: In this work, the composer does not hide behind clever artifices and impressive staging. From beginning to end, Olav Berg's concerto for viola and orchestra is an honest and sober account. In many ways, it is about the solo instrument as an individual. With a searching, careful hand, the viola draws out expressive, lyrical phrases. Everything that happens […]
Jury's reasoning: Amund Maarud's latest release "Volt" is the conclusion of his album trilogy that began with "Electric" in 2011, and continued with "Dirt" the following year. All the songs, both lyrics and melodies, are signed by Amund Maarud. He has produced, plays many of the instruments, and sings himself. The album is released on the record label Snaxville Recordings, which he also owns […]
Jury's reasoning: With the album Personal Piano, the concept of personal expression becomes inadequate. This is like musical DNA in album form. Personal Piano is the destruction of known genre barriers. Here, jazz, noise music, art music, electronica, pop, folk songs and indie rock are mixed in a unique way. What should a piano be in 2015? Or what can it be, for me? That train of thought, the […]