– The piano is definitely indispensable. The piano is the foundation of most of our recordings and the instrument that both of us play. There are also a number of other instruments that are used. Eirik's flugelhorn, a small broken cymbal and some small tealight holders with a very nice tone.
/ 11/01/2019 / Kristian Dugstadartist: Konradsen
Name: Jenny Marie Sabel & Eirik Vildgren
Age: 23 and XNUM
Current with: debut single "Never Say A" (More singles and debut album coming in 2019)
TONO member since: Jenny – 2014, Eirik – 2013
Photo above: Sebastian Warholm.
When and how did you start making music?
We started making music together in 2016. We had been playing in bands together for a while and had good chemistry. We agreed to record a song – it quickly became 18.
What was the name of the first song you ever wrote, and what is it about?
The first song we wrote together is called Dice, and is an insight into a relationship between two people at an early and perhaps a bit frustrating stage. But the first song Eirik ever wrote was called something like “we play rock n’roll,” but that was in the good old days. Jenny’s first song is called “if we were strangers,” and is a real hit.
How did Konradsen come about?
Through jamming and good dinners. Konradsen is Jenny's family name, and although most of the hours are spent in the studio as a duo, we are a much larger family of musicians and friends who contribute in their own way to the project.
How does Konradsen's music come about?
We often jam out ideas, or we start from a sketch, whether it's from the piano in the living room or a stanza in a book.
The songs often come to life in the studio. Through working on the recordings we find out what the songs are, and they take shape. But it's always useful to sit down and play without a specific goal. It can be easy to forget when you're working towards something, and that there should always be something out of what you're working on.
Tell us about the single "Never Say A"?
We listened to a lot of hip-hop at that time and were inspired to be playful in our approach. We wanted to use samples actively in the song and have a slightly more direct approach.
Lyrically, it's about breaking out of a role that's been given to you. "I would never steal your story." It consists of fragments of thoughts you have, expectations and desires. The ending is a kind of summary or conclusion. That you land in what is home and what is good.
What are you working on now?
We are now finishing mixing our album and working on new material. We are going to England next week to finish the mixing.
And we also have more time to be in the rehearsal room. It's nice after a long period in the studio.
What does 2019 bring for Konradsen?
More single releases, gigs and probably a debut album in the fall. The year is young, so we're excited for what's to come.
What does it mean to play Trondheim Calling?
It's really cool! A great opportunity to meet nice people and listen to good music. It's also fun for us to be able to show what we're working on.
What is your career highlight so far?
It was a big milestone to send the album to mix before Christmas. It's an album we've been working on for a long time, so it felt a bit like sending your child off to school on their first day. Only via email.
Do you have an instrument or other equipment that is indispensable in the writing process?
The piano is definitely indispensable. The piano is the foundation of most of our recordings and the instrument that both of us play. In addition, it helps with old video recordings that Jenny's father has filmed. It's a gold mine for sampling. There are also a number of other instruments that are used. Eirik's flugelhorn, a small broken cymbal and some small tealight glasses that have a very nice tone.
What do you do when you're not making music?
They both work at Litteraturhuset. Erik climbs around Oslomarka and Jenny usually babysits.
What is your greatest musical experience?
When we saw Bon Iver and Big Red Machine at Haven festival two years ago. It had been raining all day and after Feist left it started pouring. We had really good seats and wrapped ourselves in raincoats and whatever we could find. But of course it stopped raining when they went on stage. Magical!
Is there anything we should have asked you about?
What do you like to do most on a Sunday?
And what is the answer to that question?
No, it's easy to see that Eirik is out in the forest climbing. And then Jenny is babysitting for some sister or other.
