Airbag | PATRICIA THOMAS BAND MANAGEMENT

Posts Tagged ‘Airbag’

PROG ROCKERS AIRBAG RELEASE NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: May 10, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Airbag, Bjorn Riis, Karisma Records, Norway, Norwegian Prog, Norwegian Prog Rock, Prog, Prog Rock

The 14th June 2024 marks the day that Karisma Records will release “The Century of the Self” the sixth full-length album from AIRBAG, one of the most prominent Prog Rock bands to have emerged from Norway in the last few decades.

And, in anticipation of that day, the label has released a second single from the album. Titled “Awakening”, this is what the band had to say about the track:

“Awakening” is one of those songs that reflects on the band’s past, with strong ties to albums like “Identity” and “All Rights Removed”, whilst at the same time venturing into new sonics and production. Lyrically, “Awakening” is a message of hope in a time where se seem to stray away from caring for each other and allowing social media to create a destructive diversion.

“Awakening” can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of services at:

https://orcd.co/airbag-awakening

A video for the track “Awakening” by Crystal Media (known for their work with songwriter/producer Steven Wilson, amongst others) can be seen below

“The Century of Self” is an album that stands as a testament to the artistic vision and enduring creativity that AIRBAG bring to their music. Touching on themes such as cancel culture and the rewriting of personal histories, it is a reflection on modern society’s zeitgeist, and a poignant commentary of today’s world, which is steeped in fear and condemnation.

Recorded at Subsonic Society, Airbag Studio, and Riis Studio, and expertly produced, mixed, and mastered by Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, “The Century of Self” features guest appearances by Kristian Hultgren on bass on “Dysphoria” and “Tear it Down”, Ole Michael Bjørndal on guitar on “Dysphoria”, “Tyrants and Kings” and “Tear it Down” and Simen Valldal Johannessen on keyboards on “Tear it Down”.

With artwork by Asle Tostrup, track listing on “The Century of the Self” is as follows:

01. Dysphoria
02. Tyrants and Kings
03. Awakening
04. Erase
05. Tear It Down

“The Century of the Self” will be released in CD, Limited Edition Digisleeve CD and Digital formats, as well as three different LP version -Black Vinyl LP, Limited Edition Red Vinyl LP and Limited Edition Black and Red Splatter Vinyl LP.

It is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp: https://airbagsound.bandcamp.com/album/century-of-the-self
Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/

With this latest album, AIRBAG’s lineup of Asle Tostrup on vocals, keyboards and programming, Henrik Bergan Fossum on drums, and Bjørn Riis on guitars, bass, keyboards and backing vocals, lead the listener on a sonic journey through introspection and intensity.

Opening with the track “Dysphoria”, with its mesmerizing depths, “The Century of Self” is filled with the irresistible vocal hooks and virtuoso lead guitar work for which AIRBAG has become synonymous the world-over.

From the haunting crescendo of “Tyrants and Kings,” to the introspective balladry of “Awakening” we are led towards the foreboding depths of the single “Erase” that builds from a hypnotic bass line into a powerhouse of heavy refrains, setting the stage for the epic conclusion of “Tear it Down”, a 14 minute opus that goes from serene moments of reflection towards the heaviest musical landscapes AIRBAG has ever produced.

AIRBAG has been confirmed to play three shows in Poland in October and two shows in the Netherlands in November. More shows will be announced in due course

Poland
17 Oct: Stary Manez, Gdansk
18 Oct: Klub Progresja, Warsaw
18 Oct: Klub Kwadrat, Krakow

Netherlands
01 Nov: De Cacaofabriek, Helmond
02 Nov: Poppodium, Boerderij

More information about AIRBAG can be found on the band’s website at http://www.airbagsound.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/airbagsound

A lyric video for the track “Erase” can be seen below

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AIRBAG
Website: www.airbagsound.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airbagsound
YouTube: www.youtube.com/airbagsound
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airbagsound/
Airbag Booking: bjorn@airbag.no
KARISMA RECORDS
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records contact: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no
Karisma Records US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

PROG ROCKERS AIRBAG REVEAL DETAILS, NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO FROM UPCOMING SIXTH FULL-LENGTH ALBUM

Posted: April 11, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Airbag, Karisma Records, Norway, Prog, Prog Rock, Progressive

It’s the news Prog fans have been waiting for since 2020 when AIRBAG released their last album “A Day at the Beach”, because, on the 14th June 2024 Karisma Records will release “The Century of the Self”, the sixth full-length album from the Norwegian masters of Prog.

With AIRBAG’s trademark fusion of mellow introspection and dynamic energy, “The Century of the Self” promises to carry the listener on an auditory journey like no other, and, for those eager to assuage their thirst for new material from the band, Karisma Records have released a single from the album.

Titled “Erase” this is what AIRBAG had to say about it:

“Erase” is probably one of the heaviest songs we’ve ever written and it was the first we wrote for the new album. It pretty much defined the mood and theme for the rest of the material. “Erase” is a comment on the whole cancel culture and how everything we don’t like just gets wiped out. It really is a frightening concept and we tried to capture some of that brutality and force in the music and production.

“Erase” is available to stream or download from a variety of services at https://fanlink.tv/Airbag-Erase

A lyric video for “Erase” by Crystal Media (known for their work with songwriter/producer Steven Wilson, amongst others) can be seen below

Delving into the themes of cancel culture and the rewriting of personal histories, AIRBAG’s lineup of Asle Tostrup on vocals, keyboards and programming, Henrik Bergan Fossum on drums, and Bjørn Riis on guitars, bass, keyboards and backing vocals, have, with “The Century of the Self”, created much more than just a sonic odyssey. It is a reflection of our modern zeitgeist, offering a poignant commentary on a world steeped in fear and condemnation.

As the album unfolds, it transports the listener on a voyage through introspection and intensity. Starting with the mesmerizing depths of the opening track “Dysphoria”, each of the five tracks on “The Century of the Self” captivate the listener with the irresistible vocal hooks and virtuoso lead guitar work that has become synonymous with the Airbag sound.

From the haunting crescendo of “Tyrants and Kings,” to the introspective balladry of “Awakening” we are led towards the foreboding depths of the single “Erase” with its echoes of AIRBAG’s much-acclaimed work on the album “Disconnected”.

“Erase” builds from a hypnotic bass line into a powerhouse of heavy refrains, setting the stage for the epic conclusion of “Tear it Down.” Clocking in at a staggering 14 minutes, this opus traverses serene moments of reflection towards the heaviest musical landscapes Airbag has ever produced.

Standing as a testament to AIRBAG’s enduring creativity and artistic vision, “The Century of the Self” was recorded at Subsonic Society, Airbag Studio, and Riis Studio, and expertly produced, mixed, and mastered by Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes.

With artwork by Asle Tostrup, and featuring Kristian Hultgren on bass on “Dysphoria” and “Tear it Down”, Ole Michael Bjørndal on guitar on “Dysphoria”, “Tyrants and Kings” and “Tear it Down” and Simen Valldal Johannessen on keyboards on “Tear it Down”, track listing on “The Century of the Self” is as follows:

01. Dysphoria
02. Tyrants and Kings
03. Awakening
04. Erase
05. Tear It Down

It is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp: https://airbagsound.bandcamp.com/album/century-of-the-self
Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/

More information about AIRBAG can be found on the band’s website at http://www.airbagsound.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/airbagsound

PROG ROCKERS AIRBAG AND KARISMA RECORDS RENEW LONG-STANDING COLLABORATION

Posted: February 1, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Airbag, Karisma Records, Norway, Norwegian Prog Rock, Oak, Prog, Prog Rock

With their sixth full-length album well on its way to completion, Norwegian Prog Rockers AIRBAG will continue their journey with Karisma Records who have worked alongside the band since the very start.

It has been a collaboration that has stood both the band and the label in good stead over the past couple of decades, as AIRBAG explained:

We’re very excited to continue the strong partnership with Karisma Records. They’ve supported the band since the beginning, always with a firm understanding and belief in what we create. We really can’t wait to release our new album!

Formed in the mid 2000’s by five high school classmates, AIRBAG’s lineup today still includes two of those original members, Asle Tostrup on vocals and Bjørn Riis on guitars, plus Henrik Bergan Fossum on drums.

Since its inception, the band’s ability to blend diverse musical styles and sounds, with a strong narrative listening experience, has seen AIRBAG earn the plaudit as one of the most important bands to have emerged from the Norwegian prog scene over the past decades.

Karisma Records themselves are equally as enthusiastic to continue working and growing the relationship with AIRBAG as AIRBAG is enthusiastic about continuing to work and grow with the label:

We’re super happy to continue our journey with Airbag for their next albums. The band has been an integral part defining and growing Karisma Records for many years now, and it has been a privilege to see the band develop. Working with Airbag is always a pleasure, both professionally and personally. Having heard the master for the upcoming album, we can promise you yet another awesome piece of work!

AIRBAG will be appearing at the Cosmpopolite Scene in Oslo, Norway, along with label-mates OAK, on the 10th February. Details at https://www.facebook.com/events/298621546507344/

More information about AIRBAG can be found on the band’s website at http://www.airbagsound.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/airbagsound

A video of AIRBAG performing in Quebec in 2019 can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/3fFoN-JJr-U

AIRBAG CO-FOUNDER BJØRN RIIS CHANNELS PINK FLOYD FOR UPCOMING MINI ALBUM

Posted: August 5, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Airbag, Bjorn Riis, Durga McBroom, Karisma Records, Norway, Pink Floyd, Prog, Progressive

Round about the time that Karisma Records were preparing to release “Everything to Everyone”, the fourth solo album from AIRBAG co-founder BJØRN RIIS, the much respected guitarist posited the idea that perhaps the label would be interested in a new mini album, one in which the inspiration he derived from PINK FLOYD could be given free rein.

Of course, Karisma Records were not about to pass up on such an intriguing proposition, and thus work commenced on “A Fleeting Glimpse”, a four-track mini album, which will be released on the 30th September of this year.

Bjørn has always had a huge admiration for PINK FLOYD in general, and guitarist DAVE GILMOUR in particular, and he has long wanted to try and write new material, that, as he says “really tries to get as close to the PINK FLOYD sound, without actually copying or simply doing covers”. And with “A Fleeting Glimpse”, he has more than fulfilled that ambition.

So, for aficionados of both Bjørn and PINK FLOYD, Karisma Records are today releasing a single taken from the upcoming album, and not just any single, because “Dark Shadows (part 1)” features guest vocals by none other than DURGA McBROOM, one of PINK FLOYD’s backing singers during the ’80’s and ’90’s.

“Dark Shadows (part 1)” is available to stream or download from your preferred services at:

https://link.karismarecords.no/Bjorn-Riis_Dark-Shadows-part-1

Accompanying the track is a video directed by Anne-Marie Forker which can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/eaFW7z20wVQ

It is a track about which Bjørn has this to say:

Dark Shadows (part 1) was originally written for “Everything to Everyone”. I always liked the mood of this song so, for this project, I did some changes to the arrangements and wrote the lyrics. I’m very pleased with how it turned out because it is a powerful blend of both me and my sound and some familiar Floydian moods.

About working with DURGA McBROOM he went on to say:

It was such a thrill for me to work with Durga McBroom and have her beautiful voice on one of my songs. I grew up with that voice! She delivered a truly stunning performance.

McBroom herself seems to have relished the opportunity to have taken part, saying:

I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project. I think the song has a unique sound, and I’m honored to have been asked to sing on it.

“A Fleeting Glimpse” was recorded at the Double Decker Studios, Oslo (Pymlico) and the Riis Studio, Oslo. It was mixed at Subsonic Studio by long-time collaborator Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, and was mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo (WHITE WILLOW, THE OPIUM CARTEL).

Aside from Bjørn on vocals, guitars, bass and keyboards, and guest vocals from Durga McBroom, “A Fleeting Glimpse” also features appearances from Arild and Øyvind Brøter from PYMLICO, Per Øydir and Mimmi Tamba.

Coming in at just under 30 minutes, tracklisting for “A Fleeting Glimpse” is as follows:

1. Dark Shadows (part 1)
2. A Voyage to the Sun
3. Summer Meadows
4. Dark Shadows (part 2)

“A Fleeting Glimpse” will be available in Digisleeve CD, Digital and Limited Edition Transparent Blue Vinyl LP formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/kar240-bjorn-riis-a-fleeting-glimpse/
Bandcamp: https://bjornriis.bandcamp.com/album/a-fleeting-glimpse
North American Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/

Bjørn was still in his teens when guitar-led bands were at the forefront of the rise of the Progressive Rock movement, and this, together with an interest in Electronica and Movie Scores, influenced the young guitarist and led to him developing a style that is filled with soaring leads and gorgeous textures.

His undoubted skill stood him in good stead when he became one of the the founder members, lead guitarist, producer and main songwriter of one of Norway’s most successful Prog bands AIRBAG, and today he is also a prolific solo artist. Moreover, such is his knowledge of, the guitar, and all things related, that his YouTube channel has become an extremely successful destination for guitar fans. The channel can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/c/BjornRiisMusic

More information about BJØRN RIIS can be found on the guitarist’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BjornRiisArtistPage and on his website at https://www.bjornriis.com/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Band contact: bjorn@airbag.no
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BjornRiisArtistPage
Website: https://www.bjornriis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjornriis/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BjornRiisMusic
Bandcamp: https://bjornriis.bandcamp.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
Karisma Records US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music

AIRBAG CO-FOUNDER BJØRN RIIS DEBUTS NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO FROM UPCOMING SOLO ALBUM

Posted: March 4, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Airbag, Bjorn Riis, Karisma Records, Prog, Prog Rock

With its release date set for the 8th April on Karisma Records, BJØRN RIIS’s fourth full-length solo album “Everything to Everyone” deals with the toll that continuously having to meet the expectations of others takes on ones emotions, heightened by the fear of losing oneself in the effort to do so.

This is poignantly illustrated in the track “The Siren”, which Karisma Records have today released as a single.

As Bjørn explains:

Musically the song derives its inspiration from the more mellow side of Roger Waters, Richard Hawley and Tim Bowness, and is told from the perspective of someone observing a dancer. Lyrically it depicts how one can be easily misled by temptation and hurt by the need for approval.

“The Siren” itself dates back to the “A Day at the Beach” recording sessions with AIRBAG. It was one of many demos that I presented to the band but which didn’t quite fit in with the rest of the material.

Whilst writing “Everything to Everyone”, I redid most of the arrangements and lyrics and “The Siren” ended up being one of my favourite tracks on the album, and I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Simen Valldal Johannessen (OAK) for the beautiful piano, Henrik Fossum (AIRBAG) for the delicate drumming, and engineer Vegard Sleipnes for the mixing.

The single of “The Siren” can be streamed or downloaded from various services at https://link.karismarecords.no/Bjorn-Riis_The-Siren

At the same time, Anne-Marie Forker has produced a soulful video for “The Siren” which can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/2PqJXn0ozv0

For the album itself, which Bjørn admits was inspired by Dante’s Inferno, he has once again teamed up with long-time collaborator Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, who, as well as co-producing the album with Bjørn, also handled the engineering and mixing. Mastering was carried out by Jacob Holm-Lupo (WHITE WILLOW and THE OPIUM CARTEL).

In addition to Bjørn’s vocals and celebrated guitar playing, “Everything to Everyone” also features guest appearances from Henrik Bergan Fossum (AIRBAG), Kristian Hultgren (WOBBLER), Simen Valldal Johannessen (OAK) and Norwegian singer/songwriter MIMMI TAMBA.

With cover photo by Anne-Marie Forker and design by Asle Tostrup, track listing on “Everything to Everyone” is as follows:

1. Run
2. Lay Me Down
3. The Siren
4. Every Second Every Hour
5. Descending
. Everything to Everyone
Digisleeve CD bonus tracks:
7. Everything to Everyone (Alternative version)
8. Desolate Place

“Everything to Everyone” will be available in four different versions. Aside from the normal LP version, the vinyl format will also be available as a Limited Edition White/Black Splatter LP, whilst the CD format will be available both as a standard CD as well as a Limited Edition Digi Sleeve version which will include two bonus tracks comprising an alternative version of the title track, and the 2020 stand-alone digital single “Desolate Place”.

It is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/kar199-bjorn-riis-everything-to-everyone/
Band Camp: https://bjornriis.bandcamp.com/album/everything-to-everyone
North American Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/band/bjorn-riis

Now a much-respected guitarist within the musical community, Bjørn ‘s interest in music began whilst still a teenager, at a time when guitar-led bands were at their height and were spearheading the rise of the Progressive Rock movement. It was this movement, together with Electronica and Movie Scores, that influenced the young guitarist, leading him to develop a style filled with soaring leads and gorgeous textures.

Such is his knowledge of, the guitar, and all things related, that his YouTube channel, has become an extremely successful destination for guitar fans. The channel can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/c/BjornRiisMusic

More information about BJØRN RIIS can be found on the guitarist’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BjornRiisArtistPage and on his website at https://www.Bjørnriis.com/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Band contact: Bjørn@airbag.no
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BjørnRiisArtistPage
Website: https://www.Bjørnriis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Bjørnriis/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BjornRiisMusic
Bandcamp: https://Bjørnriis.bandcamp.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music

KARISMA RECORDS RELEASES DETAILS, VIDEO AND SINGLE FROM FOURTH FULL-LENGTH SOLO ALBUM FROM AIRBAG CO-FOUNDER BJØRN RIIS

Posted: January 14, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Airbag, Bjorn Riis, Karisma Records, Norway, Norwegian, Norwegian Prog, Prog, Prog Rock, Progressive

Aside from being one of the founder members, lead guitarist, producer and main songwriter of one of Norway’s most successful Prog bands AIRBAG, BJORN RIIS is also becoming a prolific solo artist, with his fourth full-length album set for release on Karisma Records on the 8th April.

Titled “Everything to Everyone”, the album contains six epic new tracks that deal with human emotions and the fear of losing oneself in the constant effort to meet every, often perceived, expectation, as Bjørn explains:

I was inspired by Dante’s Inferno when I started to write. A bit pretentious perhaps, but I’ve always been fascinated by that very personal journey and the search for some kind of piece or redemption, while being both mentored and hurt along the way. Musically, I wanted to take the listener on that journey, experiencing both hope and anxiety.

As a taste of what fans can expect from “Everything to Everyone”, Karisma Records have today released a single and video of the title track, about which Bjørn has this to say:

“Everything to Everyone” goes way back. It’s one of those songs that never got finished but it’s always been in the back of my head. The lyrics are about losing yourself in the struggle to live up to expectations. Either one’s own or those of others. I think we all can relate to that in one way or the other.

I’m very happy with how it turned out! It’s a dramatic piece and I’ve tried to allow the music to have a story in itself. Added to which are Mimmi Tamba’s amazing vocals, Simen Valldal Johannessen’s beautiful piano and Henrik Bergan Fossum’s powerful drumming.

The single “Everything to Everyone” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at https://link.karismarecords.no/Bjorn-Riis_Everything-To-Everyone_Single

Whilst the video, by Anne-Marie Forker, can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/sYccgTvoR00

For “Everything to Everyone”, Bjørn has, once again, revisited his highly successful partnership with long-time collaborator Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, who, as well as co-producing the album with Bjørn, also handled the engineering and mixing. Mastering was carried out by Jacob Holm-Lupo (WHITE WILLOW and THE OPIUM CARTEL).

Karisma Records plans to release “Everything to Everyone” in four different versions. Aside from the normal LP version, the vinyl format will also be available as a Limited Edition White/Black Splatter LP, whilst the CD format will be available both as a standard CD as well as a Limited Edition Digi Sleeve version which will include two bonus tracks comprising an alternative version of the title track, and the 2020 stand-alone digital single “Desolate Place”.

With cover photo by Anne-Marie Forker and design by Asle Tostrup, track listing on “Everything to Everyone” is as follows:

1. Run
2. Lay Me Down
3. The Siren
4. Every Second Every Hour
5. Descending
6. Everything to Everyone
Digisleeve CD bonus tracks:
7. Everything to Everyone (Alternative version)
8. Desolate Place

“Everything to Everyone” is now available to pre-order from:

Such is his knowledge of, the guitar, and all things related, that his YouTube channel “gilmourish RIIS”, has become an extremely successful destination guitar fans. The channel can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWcIN_-togBBmlCYsuuy6Pg

More information about BJØRN RIIS can be found on the guitarist’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BjornRiisArtistPage and on his website at https://www.bjornriis.com/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Band contact: bjorn@airbag.no
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BjornRiisArtistPage
Website: https://www.bjornriis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjornriis/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWcIN_-togBBmlCYsuuy6Pg
Bandcamp: https://bjornriis.bandcamp.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music

DETAILS OF UPCOMING ACOUSTIC ALBUM AND DVD RELEASE FROM PROG ROCKERS AIRBAG REVEALED

Posted: October 18, 2021 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Airbag, Bjorn Riis, Karisma Records, Prog, Prog Rock, Progressive Rock

When Karisma Records released AIRBAG’s fifth full-length album “A Day at the Beach” in June 2020, neither band nor label, or indeed the fans themselves, realised that the Pandemic would soon rage throughout the world, putting paid to any plans bands may have had to play live in front of an audience.

Eager to showcase their songs and show fans that they had not been abandoned by the band, AIRBAG came up with the idea of not just recording an acoustic set, but also of filming the recording process itself, which resulted in the band entering the Subsonic Society Studio in Oslo to set the process in motion.

As AIRBAG explained:

2020 had been a difficult year for us all. With our new album, “A Day at the Beach”, released in June of that year we had planned to tour and play live for all our fans and friends but it was not to be. Still, we wanted to do something special that would keep us connected to our fans and also to say thanks for everyone’s support in these trying times. Doing this acoustic session allowed us to revisit songs from the new album and a few old ones as well. A new challenge for sure but a fun and inspiring experience.

Having successfully streamed a portion of the studio set last Autumn, the full acoustic album, appropriately titled “A Day in the Studio” is now ready to hit the streets in December of this year. As well as the three tracks from “A Day at the Beach”, the new album will feature two classic tracks, “Colours” and “Sounds That I Hear” from AIRBAG’s 2009 album “Identity”, plus a previously unreleased track “Come on In”.

Both the CD and Vinyl versions come with a DVD of the original streamed session which shows AIRBAG in an intimate setting, away from the usual festival stages, which is where fans are most used to seeing them.

As to the decision to make “A Day in the Studio” an acoustic album, AIRBAG had this to say:

Most of our songs start out on an acoustic guitar and it’s always been about the melodies that go into making a great song. Since we never got to tour our latest album, “A Day at the Beach” due to the pandemic, going back into the studio with just acoustic guitars gave us the chance to revisit those songs.

We really didn’t intend for it to be more than a lockdown session, which everyone was doing at the time, but it sounded really good, with slightly different arrangements and all three of us singing. So we ended up with two sessions and digging deep into our catalogue to find songs that fit really well with the new stuff.

Mixed by Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes and filmed by Eirik Stordrange, tracklisting for “A Day in the Studio” is as follows:

Machines and Men (A Day at the Beach)
Sunsets (A Day at the Beach)
Into the Unknown (A Day at the Beach)
Come on In (previously unreleased)
Colours (Identity – cd/vinyl only)
Sounds That I Hear (Identity – cd/vinyl only)

“A Day in the Studio” will be released on Karisma Records on the 3rd of December, is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/kar217-airbag-a-day-in-the-studio-unplugged-in-oslo/
Bandcamp: https://airbagsound.bandcamp.com
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

Adept at blending diverse musical styles and sounds with a strong narrative listening experience, AIRBAG has been hailed as one of the most important bands to emerge from the Norwegian prog scene over the past decades. Formed in the mid 2000’s with a lineup that comprised five high school class mates, two of whom, Asle Tostrup on vocals and Bjørn Riis on guitars, have been joined by Henrik Bergan Fossum on drums and form today’s incarnation of AIRBAG as a trio.

More information about AIRBAG can be found on the band’s website at http://www.airbagsound.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/airba g sound

The original streamed version of “A Day in the Studio” can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/el-pY9U8TYQ

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Website: www.airbagsound.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airbagsound
YouTube: www.youtube.com/airbagsound
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airbagsound/
Airbag Booking: bjorn@airbag.no
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records contact: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

FINAL RELEASE FROM BACK CATALOGUE OF PROG ROCKERS AIRBAG ANNOUNCED

Posted: March 17, 2021 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Airbag, Bjorn Riis, Karisma Records, Norway, Prog, Prog Rock, Progressive

Karisma Records will release the final album from the back catalogue of Prog Rockers AIRBAG on the 11th June, and this completes the quartet of re-releases from the band that has been hailed as one of the most important to emerge from the Norwegian prog scene over the past decades, and one that has succeeded in garnering a world-wide fan base.

As with the previous AIRBAG re-releases, 2009’s “The Greatest Show on Earth”, 2011’s “All Rights Removed” and 2016’s “Disconnected”, “Identity” has been totally remastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo (WHITE WILLOW, THE OPIUM CARTEL).

“Identity” was AIRBAG’s first full-length album, which gave fans a taste of what the future would look like for a band with a unique sound that draws elements from classic and progressive rock, chill and jazz, and drawing their influences from artist from a wide range of genres – from Pink Floyd and Porcupine Tree to Talk Talk, Radiohead and Marillion (Steve Hogarth era).

Comprising eight songs, and showcasing AIRBAG’s classic progressive rock sound, blended with scenic soundscapes, epic guitars and soulful vocals, the re-release will be available in a special Limited Edition Deluxe version, complete with a 12 page booklet and a die-cut sleeve, as well as in Limited Digisleeve and regular jewel case CD formats

This is what the band had to say about it:

“Identity” has a very special place in our hearts and many of the songs are still staples in our live performances. It’s the album that started it all and it seems to mean so much to so many of our fans around the world. We’re proud to release this deluxe version and present the music and artwork the way we always envisioned it.

AIRBAG’s lineup on “Identity” is comprised of Asle Tostrup on vocals, Bjørn Riis on guitars & vocals, Jørgen Hagen on keyboards, Anders Hovdan on bass and Joachim Slikker on drums.

Tracklisting is as follows:

1) Prelude
2) No Escape
3) Safe Like You
4) Steal My Soul
5) Feeling Less
6) Colours
7) How I Wanna Be
8) Sounds That I Hear

In addition to “Identity”, Karisma Records will also be releasing a different version of “The Greatest Show on Earth”, which was originally re-released in 2020 as a Limited Edition, and which sold out virtually immediately. This was AIRBAG’s third full-length, and the first to be released directly onto vinyl, and the new 2021 version will be available as a double LP in Blue Vinyl.

On “The Greatest Show on Earth”, AIRBAG’s lineup of Bjørn Riis on guitars, Asle Tostrup on vocals Henrik Fossum on drums Jørgen Grüner-Hagen on keyboards and Anders Fossum Hovdan on bass, along with engineer and co-producer Vegard Sleipnes, raised AIRBAG’s music to the next level.

It is an album that sees AIRBAG continue their journey through atmospheric soundscapes and dealing in serious topics by creating cinematic pictures and drawing the listener’s emotions into the band’s world. The distinctive AIRBAG sound is still there, but this time the album is a bit rougher, with some heavier parts.

Tracklisting is as follows:

1. Surveillance (part 1)
2. Redemption
3. Silence Grows
4. Call Me Back
5. The Greatest Show on Earth
6. Surveillance (part 2-3)

Both “Identity” and “The Greatest Show on Earth” are now available to pre-order from:

Webshop Vinyl: https://www.karismarecords.no/product/vinyl/
Webshop CD: https://www.karismarecords.no/product/cd/
Bandcamp: https://airbagsound.bandcamp.com
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/

Formed in the mid 2000’s AIRBAG today is made up of Asle Tostrup on vocals, Bjørn Riis on guitars, and Henrik Bergan Fossum on drums, a trio that is adept at blending diverse musical styles and sounds with a strong narrative listening experience, as witnessed by their latest critically acclaimed album “A Day at the Beach” which, since its release in June 2020, has already been pressed 13,000 times.

More information about AIRBAG on the band’s website at http://www.airbagsound.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/airbagsound

A video of AIRBAG performing in Quebec in 2019 can be seen at https://youtu.be/3fFoN-JJr-U

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Website: www.airbagsound.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airbagsound
YouTube: www.youtube.com/airbagsound
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airbagsound/
Airbag Booking: bjorn@airbag.no
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records contact: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop: http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/

PROG ROCKERS AIRBAG RELEASE VIDEO OF LIVE ACOUSTIC SET

Posted: January 30, 2021 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Airbag, Bjorn Riis, Karisma Records, Live set, Norway, Prog, Prog Rock, Progressive

Prog Rockers AIRBAG have released a video of the band performing a short acoustic set comprising four songs, three of which are taken from the band’s current album “A Day at the Beach”, and a fourth track, which has never been released before.

In a play on words referencing their latest album, “A Day in the Studio” is a set that shows one of Norway’s leading prog bands in an intimate setting, away from the usual festival stages, which is where fans are most used to seeing them.

It is very much a way to connect with fans during a bleak period throughout the world, and one in which live shows are all but a memory. As the band explains:

2020 has been a difficult year for us all. With our new album, “A Day at the Beach”, out in June we had planned to tour and play live for all our fans and friends but it was not to be. Still, we wanted to do something special that would keep us connected to our fans and also to say thanks for everyone’s support in these trying times. Doing this acoustic session allowed us to revisit songs from the new album and a few old ones as well. A new challenge for sure but a fun and inspiring experience.

“A Day in the Studio” was recorded at the Subsonic Society Studio in Oslo, Norway, and can be seen blow and at https://youtu.be/el-pY9U8TYQ

Mixed by Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes and filmed by Eirik Stordrange, tracklisting for “A Day in the Studio” is as follows:

Machines and Men (A Day at the Beach)
Sunsets (A Day at the Beach)
Into the Unknown (A Day at the Beach)
Come on In (Unreleased)

There are also plans to release DVD of “A Day in the Studio” in the near future.

In addition, Karisma Records plan to release the entire “A Day in the Studio” set, along with two extra bonus tracks, in CD, Vinyl and Digital formats in the Autumn of this year. The two bonus tracks will be “Colours” and “Sounds That I Hear” from AIRBAG’s 2009 album “Identity” .

A new version of “Identity” itself will be released in vinyl format, and Karisma records will be announcing details of this, along with more details about the “A Day in the Studio” release, in the near future.

Hailed as one of the most important bands to emerge from the Norwegian prog scene over the past decades, AIRBAG was formed in the mid 2000’s with a lineup that comprised five high school class mates, two of whom, Asle Tostrup on vocals and Bjørn Riis on guitars, have been joined by Henrik Bergan Fossum on drums and form today’s incarnation of AIRBAG as a trio.

AIRBAG is band adept at blending diverse musical styles and sounds with a strong narrative listening experience and you can find more information about them on the band’s website at http://www.airbagsound.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/airbagsound

AIRBAG CO-FOUNDER BJØRN RIIS TO RELEASE POIGNANT NEW SINGLE INSPIRED BY PANDEMIC

Posted: November 30, 2020 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Airbag, Bjorn Riis, Karisma Records, Prog Rock

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought loss and suffering to millions of ordinary people world-wide, the majority of whom have had to face the fact that their lives have been completely changed, and that for many, life will never be the same again. Stuck inside their homes, denied the ability to see their loved ones, unable to perform the usual daily tasks, and living in fear, many have found themselves wondering what is happening, and when will it ever end.

AIRBAG co-founder, songwriter and lead guitarist BJØRN RIIS is no different from anyone else, but he has turned this universal despair into something beautiful, creating “Desolate Place” a song that expresses what so many are feeling, not just lyrically, but also through its haunting melody.

Here he explains how it all came about:

I can see the road from my house and the bus that drives by no longer stops like it used to. I had the guitar and this short piece that sounded like it could turn into something. “Desolate Place” pretty much wrote itself inspired by the strange and unfamiliar times we live in. It’s like a bad dream or a road movie where you drive to the next place or town in search of something better but it’s the same wherever you go.

Together with long-time collaborator Vegard Kleftåas Sleipnes, we created this dark and almost claustrophobic atmosphere that tells a story in itself. I’ve never done a stand-alone track like this before but it felt like the right time and it’s rewarding to feel inspired in times like these.

With music and lyrics by Bjørn Riis, who also produced the track, and with mixing by Vegard Kleftåas Sleipnes, and mastered by Henning Bortne, Oslo Mastering, “Desolate Place” features Bjørn on vocals, guitars, bass, keys and programming and Vegard on keys and programming.

Photography and design for “Desolate Place” is by Bjørn, and the single will be released on Karisma Records on the 10th of December.

A much-respected guitarist within the musical community, BJØRN ‘s interest in music started while still a teenager, when guitar-led bands were at the forefront and spearheaded the rise of the Progressive Rock movement. It was this movement, together with Electronica and Movie Scores, that influenced the young guitarist, leading him to develop a style filled with soaring leads and gorgeous textures. Bjørn has recently renewed his contract with Karisma Records, and begun work on his fourth full-length album which will be released during 2021.

BJØRN ‘s interest in, and knowledge of, the guitar, and all things related, have resulted in his very successful YouTube channel, where you can find guitar tutorials and equipment related matters The channel, called “gilmourish RIIS” can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6JRXuFfSeZ1AzenPh_krpA

More information about BJØRN RIIS can be found on the guitarist’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BjornRiisMusician/ and on his website at http://www.bjornriis.com

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Band contact: bjorn@airbag.no
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BjornRiisMusician/
Website: http://www.bjornriis.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjornriis/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6JRXuFfSeZ1AzenPh_krpA
Bandcamp: https://bjornriis.bandcamp.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop: http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music

PATRICIA THOMAS BAND MANAGEMENT

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AIRBAG CO-FOUNDER BJØRN RIIS TO RELEASE POIGNANT NEW SINGLE INSPIRED BY PANDEMIC

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