Posts Tagged ‘Airbag’

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

Posted: August 5, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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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
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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
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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). 

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. 

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:

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 “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
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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: 

  1. Machines and Men (A Day at the Beach)
  2. Sunsets (A Day at the Beach)
  3. Into the Unknown (A Day at the Beach)
  4. Come on In (previously unreleased)
  5. Colours (Identity – cd/vinyl only)
  6. 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/airbagsound

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
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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
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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

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/

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

Posted: November 30, 2020 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: , , ,
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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

KARISMA RECORDS RENEWS CONTRACT WITH AIRBAG CO-FOUNDER BJØRN RIIS

Posted: November 13, 2020 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: , , , , , ,
0

Following the release of three full-length album and a mini album, all very successful and highly acclaimed, Karisma Records have renewed their contract with AIRBAG co-founder, songwriter and lead guitarist BJØRN RIIS, who has already begun work on his fourth full-length, anticipated for release during 2021, and who had this to say about his continued collaboration with the label:

“I’m very excited to sign a new deal with Karisma Records. We’ve had some very positive and productive years together and I’m looking forward to further developing that relationship, with some very cool things to come.”

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.  

 “I have always felt that the guitar is an extension of me and a more comfortable and natural way of expressing myself musically” is how BJØRN views his relationship with music, and this has certainly been reflected in his previous releases, two of which, 2014’s “Lullabies in a Car Crash” and 2017’s “Forever Comes to an End”, will be re-released next year, and more details will follow.

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

KARISMA RECORDS ADD LIMITED EDITION VINYL AND A SECOND PRESSING FOR NEWLY RELEASED ALBUM FROM PROG ROCKERS AIRBAG

Posted: July 14, 2020 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES, Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , ,
0

Airbag 2020 PR4

With AIRBAG’s fifth full-length album “A Day at the Beach” having hit the streets barely a month ago, Karisma Records is already having to press more of the black vinyl version .   In fact, demand from fans and collectors has also been so great for the transparent vinyl  edition of the album that the label will be releasing a 180g gold vinyl version, limited to 1,000 copies worldwide.

Pre-orders for the gold version, which is due to be released on the 24th August,  are now being taken at the following:

Band Camp: https://airbagsound.bandcamp.com/album/a-day-at-the-beach
Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/

Featuring  six new songs recorded during the  autumn and winter of 2019-20, and inspired  by the resurgence of 1980s electronica, new wave and movie scores, “A Day at the Beach” sees AIRBAG  creating a powerful sound that combines ethereal soundscapes with their signature guitar driven progressive rock.  The result is a stunning selection of songs revealing a mature band looking forward from its already impressive legacy.

Once again teaming up with long-time collaborator and engineer Vegard Sleipnes, “A Day at the Beach” was mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo and  produced by Asle Tostrup and Bjørn Riis. Cover design, is, as always, by vocalist Tostrup.   Track listing for “A Day at the Beach” is as follows:

  1. Machines and Men
  2. A Day at the Beach (Part 1)
  3.  Into the Unknown
  4. Sunsets
  5. A Day at the Beach (Part 2)
  6. Megalomaniac

Airbag A day at the beach Albumart PR

As  well as the vinyl versions, “A Day at the Beach” is also available in CD and Digital formats and can be purchased, downloaded or streamed from the following https://karismarecords.fanlink.to/Airbag_ADayattheBeach , as well as from all the usual retailers.

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 by five high school class mates, which included two of today’s members Asle Tostrup (vocals) and Bjørn Riis (guitars).  AIRBAG is a band that is able to blend diverse musical styles and sounds, with a strong narrative listening experience. Today’s lineup also includes Henrik Bergan Fossum (drums) and “A Day at the Beach” is AIRBAG’s first album as a trio, and which also features talented guest musicians including WOBBLER’s Kristian Hultgren.

Airbag 2020 PR3

Regarding their latest album, AIRBAG recently had this to say:

The album is the result of a strong collaboration between all three of us. Having lost two original members since our last album, we were forced to rethink how we write and create new music, but it also allowed us to venture into something new that turned out to be very inspiring.

Lyrically, “A Day at the Beach” is very much a story of us and them, told by a husband, father and brother leaving his family behind into an unknown future. It’s the contrast between the desperate individual struggling to survive and people in power observing at a safe distance.

Airbag 2020 PR1

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


A
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/

FIFTH FULL-LENGTH ALBUM FROM PROG ROCKERS AIRBAG RELEASED TODAY

Posted: June 19, 2020 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES, Uncategorized
Tags: , , , ,
0

Airbag 2020 PR4

Karisma Records have today released “A Day at the Beach”, the fifth full-length album from  Prog Rockers AIRBAG.

Featuring  six new songs recorded during the  autumn and winter of 2019-20, and inspired  by the resurgence of 1980s electronica, new wave and movie scores, “A Day at the Beach” sees AIRBAG  creating a powerful sound that combines ethereal soundscapes with their signature guitar driven progressive rock.  The result is a stunning selection of songs revealing a mature band looking forward from its already impressive legacy.

Once again teaming up with long-time collaborator and engineer Vegard Sleipnes, “A Day at the Beach” was mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo and  produced by Asle Tostrup and Bjørn Riis. Cover design, is, as always, by vocalist Tostrup.   Track listing for “A Day at the Beach” is as follows:

1. Machines and Men
2. A Day at the Beach (Part 1)
3. Into the Unknown
4. Sunsets
5. A Day at the Beach (Part 2)
6. Megalomaniac

Airbag A day at the beach Albumart PR

“A Day at the Beach” is available in CD, black and coloured vinyls and Digital formats and can be purchased, downloaded or streamed from the following https://karismarecords.fanlink.to/Airbag_ADayattheBeach as well as all the usual retailers.

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 by five high school class mates, which included two of today’s members Asle Tostrup (vocals) and Bjørn Riis (guitars).  AIRBAG is a band that is able to blend diverse musical styles and sounds, with a strong narrative listening experience. Today’s lineup also includes Henrik Bergan Fossum (drums) and “A Day at the Beach” is AIRBAG’s first album as a trio, and which also features talented guest musicians including WOBBLER’s Kristian Hultgren.

Airbag 2020 PR3

Regarding their latest album, AIRBAG recently had this to say:

The album is the result of a strong collaboration between all three of us. Having lost two original members since our last album, we were forced to rethink how we write and create new music, but it also allowed us to venture into something new that turned out to be very inspiring.

Lyrically, “A Day at the Beach” is very much a story of us and them, told by a husband, father and brother leaving his family behind into an unknown future. It’s the contrast between the desperate individual struggling to survive and people in power observing at a safe distance.

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


A
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/

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