Interviews: Solnedgang

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Instrumental Post-Rock/Instrumental Post-Metal solo project Solnedgang from the UK. Check out this artist and follow him on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or come out just like that?

I considered a few names, but Solnedgang (which means 'sunset' in Norwegian) just felt right. I was a bit surprised it wasn't already taken, and I don't even remember the other names I was considering.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I've always been drawn to post-rock and post-metal ever since I first heard Mogwai and Mono, and then Isis and Neurosis. When I started writing my own stuff, that felt like the most natural fit for me, though I've mixed in loads of other influences as well.

3. Your favourite band?

Since it's only me I'll list my top five, though it changes all the time: Mastodon Cult of Luna The Cure Enslaved The Ocean

4. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

All kinds of things really. For my debut album, I've focused a lot on Norse mythology and channeled my own personal experiences through that lens. Even though it's instrumental music, I use writing music as a bit of a release and a way to express my own experiences and emotions – like most musicians do.

5. Where was your last gig?

I don't play live, so my last gig (in another band) was a long time ago, at a festival/house party thing that my friend organized. 

6. Where would you like to perform?

If I do end up playing live there's a long list, but I really like Islington Assembly Hall in London. I've been to some great gigs there. 

7. Whom would you like to perform with?

I saw Mono a few years ago, with Alcest opening for them. I'd love to be third on that bill! 

8. Whom not?

There's no one I wouldn't like to play with really, but if it's a completely different genre then that wouldn't really work. 

9. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

A little bit, but I just focused on my own playing and tried to tune the audience out. We had some videos playing in the background that they could focus on so I didn't feel like people were staring at me, which really helped.

10. What bands have inspired you the most?

I've mentioned a couple of these before, and there are loads more, but Mono, The Ocean, The Cure, Explosions in the Sky, Pelican, and Wolves in the Throne Room have all been massive influences on me.

11. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

It would have to be pretty extreme for me to consider it weird, and there's been nothing like that thankfully.

12. What do you think of your fans?

The ones I've spoken to seem like fairly normal, thoughtful people who just love music.

13. What do you think of our site?

I love the site particularly the 'Behind the Artworks' section. I work as a graphic designer so naturally I'm very interested in that side of music as well, and that's something that's not really covered much on other sites – at least not to the extent that you guys are doing.

14. Something to add?

Thanks for the interview! Hopefully, I can come back when the album is out, and talk more in-depth about the tracks and the artwork.