Posts Tagged ‘Alternative Pop Orchestra’

ALTERNATIVE POP ORCHESTRA MEER REVEALS DETAILS OF UPCOMING ALBUM ALONG WITH A NEW VIDEO AND SINGLE

Posted: June 11, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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With the release of the album “Wheels Within Wheels”  from Pop Proggers MEER on the horizon, Karisma Records have today released not only the details of the album, but also a single and video of the track “Golden Circle” which will give fans a taste of what to expect from the band’s much anticipated third full-length album. 

With its infectious hooks, “Golden Circle” showcases MEER’s unique blend of musical prowess and emotional depth, along their ability to captivate audiences. The combination of soft, serenade-like tones and an undeniable heaviness, and with quite possibly the band’s most catchy chorus to date, this  is a rock anthem in the making.

Exploring the depths of longing and desire, “Golden Circle’s”  lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist grappling with inner turmoil, seeking solace in fleeting moments of euphoria. and can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at:

https://orcd.co/goldencircle

Whilst the video, by Birk Rønningsbakken Groven, with its moody lighting by Kåre Nordseth, can be seen below:

Formed in Hamar, Norway, in 2008, by the charismatic sibling duo of Johanne and Knut Kippersund, MEER’s lineup has grown to eight members, each of whom has brought with them their own musical styles and interests, complementing and influencing each other so that the band’s music has become fascinatingly eclectic.

So, with Johanne Kippersund on vocals, Knut Kippersund on vocals, Eivind Strømstad on guitar, Åsa Ree on violin, Ingvild Nordstoga Eide on viola, Ole Gjøstøl on keyboards, Morten Strypet on bass and Mats Lillehaug on drums, “Wheels Within Wheels”  promises to be a masterclass in the blending of symphonic prog and intelligent pop, filled with exceptional musicianship, intricate vocal harmonies, and grandiose melodies.

It is also clear that “Wheels Within Wheels”, whose title symbolises the hidden complexities beneath the surface,  represents a significant evolution for MEER, featuring, as it does, tracks that reach soaring heights interspersed with moments of intimate reflection.

Reuniting with producer Lars Gärtner Fremmerlid, MEER recorded “Wheels Within Wheels” at Ocean Sound Recordings in 2023.   With artwork by Helena Haglund and Simen Sandbæk Skari, track listing on “Wheels Within Wheels” is as follows:

01. Chains of Changes
02. Behave
03. Take Me to the River
04. Come to Light
05. Golden Circle
06. Today Tonight Tomorrow
07. World of Wonder
09. Mother
10. Something in the Water
11. This is the End

With a running time of just over an hour, MEER’s most ambitious, dynamic and immersive work to date will be released on the 23 August 2024 in CD, Digital and Ltd Edition Double LP in Neon Magenta / Grimace Purple Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp: https://meer.bandcamp.com/album/wheels-within-wheels
Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/pre-orders

 MEER is scheduled to appear live at the following (more to follow):

07 July:  Havlystparken, Hvitsten, Norway
21 July:  Night of the Prog Festival, Loreley Amphitheater, Bornich, Germany
https://www.facebook.com/events/6575309745921403
8 Sept:  Two Days Prog +1 Festival, Campo Sportivo, Novara, Italy
20-21 Sept: Pulterkammer Festival, Hamar Teater, Hamar, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/events/960010719085265
27 Sept: Hunsfos Rock Festival, Hunsfos Bryggeri og Destilleri, Hunsfos, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/events/730511715879709

More information about MEER can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/meermusic/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOPFSGuj-8Grx2_1_A8m2kA
Band contact:    post@meerband.com
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/

KARISMA RECORDS TO RELEASE LIMITED EDITION REPRESS OF SOLD-OUT  LP FROM ALTERNATIVE POP ORCHESTRA MEER.  NEW VIDEO REVEALED

Posted: January 18, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Following on from the hugely successful release at the beginning of last year of “Playing House”,  the second full-length album from the Alternative Pop Orchestra MEER,  Karisma Records found themselves selling out of the vinyl version in record time. 

With fans still clamouring for an LP, the label has decided to release a new Limited Edition vinyl re-press of “Playing House”,  which has appeared in multiple “Best Of 2021” lists.   Strictly limited to 500 copies, the re-press of “Playing House” will be available as a Red Vinyl Double LP.

Set for release on the 25th March it is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
BandCamp: https://meer.bandcamp.com/album/playing-house
North American Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/ 

To celebrate the upcoming release, MEER have released a live video of the band performing the track “Beehive”, which can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/TWPvmjQ2ouQ

It is a track about which the band had this to say:

Beehive has been a long-time favourite on our live sets, and we love how the album version turned out. It’s sensual, chaotic, powerful and definitely one of our most hard hitting songs. The cinematic strings, heavy guitars and arpeggiated synthesizers create a suggestive drive over which Johanne gets to belt her heart out. We often work together composing as a collective, and for “Beehive” drummer Mats came up with the opening piano riff and then the rest of the band  added new parts, hooks and lyrics to it on several jams and rehearsals. We are thrilled to finally share this powerhouse with you!

With artwork by Helena Haglund and Simen Skar, “Playing House”  was Recorded at Ocean Sound Recording and Tanken, with producer Lars Gärtner Fremmerlid (EINAR STRAY ORCHESTRA) at the helm.   Tracklisting for “Playing House”, which is also available in CD and Digital formats, is as follows:

1. Picking Up the Pieces
2. Beehive
3. All at Sea
4. Songs of Us
5. Child
6. You were a Drum
7. Honey
8. Across the Ocean
9. She Goes
10. Where do We Go from Here?
11. Lay it Down
Vinyl only bonus track:
12. Here I Go Again (Whitesnake cover)

Formed back in 2008 MEER was, at that time,  simply a duo known as TED GLEN EXTENDED, but the band has now expanded its lineup to  become a veritable orchestra whose eight members include Johanne Kippersund on vocals, Knut Kippersund on vocals, Eivind Strømstad on guitar, Åsa Ree on violin, Ingvild Nordstoga Eide on viola, Ole Gjøstøl on keyboards, Morten Strypet on bass and Mats Lillehaug on drums.

With such a large lineup, it was inevitable that a variety of styles and influences would find their way into MEER’s material, creating a sound that is an eclectic mix of orchestral pop, classical music and progressive rock.   It is a massive sound comprised of  fantastic melodies and harmonies, not to mention quite a few surprises along the way.

More information about MEER can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/meermusic/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOPFSGuj-8Grx2_1_A8m2kA
Band contact:    post@meerband.com
Promo and other information: 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

ALTERNATIVE POP ORCHESTRA MEER REVEAL NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: January 8, 2021 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
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With “Playing House”, their second full-length album, set to be released on Karisma Records on the 29th January, MEER have today released a new track from the album.

“Beehive” is the track they have selected for the new single, because, according to the band,

Beehive has been a long-time favourite on our live sets, and we love how the album version turned out. It’s sensual, chaotic, powerful and definitely one of our most hard hitting songs. The cinematic strings, heavy guitars and arpeggiated synthesizers create a suggestive drive over which Johanne gets to belt her heart out. We often work together composing as a collective, and for “Beehive” drummer Mats came up with the opening piano riff and then the rest of the band  added new parts, hooks and lyrics to it on several jams and rehearsals. We are thrilled to finally share this powerhouse with you!

“Beehive” can be streamed or downloaded from https://karismarecords.fanlink.to/MEER_Beehive

Back in 2008, when MEER started out, the band was simply a duo known as TED GLEN EXTENDED, before expanding the  lineup and becoming the MEER of today with eight members including Johanne Kippersund on vocals, Knut Kippersund on vocals, Eivind Strømstad on guitar, Åsa Ree on violin, Ingvild Nordstoga Eide on viola, Ole Gjøstøl on keyboards, Morten Strypet on bass and Mats Lillehaug on drums.  

With such a large lineup, it was inevitable that a variety of styles and influences would find their way into MEER’s material, creating a sound that is an eclectic mix of orchestral pop, classical music and progressive rock.   It is a massive sound comprised of  fantastic melodies and harmonies, not to mention quite a few surprises along the way.

And there is nowhere better to hear just how varied the talents of MEER are than on “Playing House”,  which was Recorded at Ocean Sound Recording and Tanken, with producer Lars Gärtner Fremmerlid (EINAR STRAY ORCHESTRA) at the helm, and which will be available in CD, Digital and DLP formats, and which can now be pre-order from the following:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
Bandcamp: https://meer.bandcamp.com
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.aisamerch.com 

With artwork by Helena Haglund and Simen Skari, tracklisting for “Playing House”  is as follows:

1. Picking Up the Pieces
2. Beehive
3. All at Sea
4. Songs of Us
5. Child
6. You were a Drum
7. Honey
8. Across the Ocean
9. She Goes
10. Where do We Go from Here?
11. Lay it Down
Vinyl only bonus track:
12. Here I Go Again (Whitesnake cover)

More information about MEER can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/

A video of MEER performing an earlier version of “Across the Ocean” can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/AFPMoIJk6jU

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/meermusic/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOPFSGuj-8Grx2_1_A8m2kA
Band contact:    post@meerband.com
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/

NEW SINGLE AND DETAILS OF ALBUM FROM ALTERNATIVE POP ORCHESTRA MEER REVEALED

Posted: November 20, 2020 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: , , , , ,
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Karisma Records have revealed the details of “Playing House”, the sophomore full-length album from MEER, a band whose music is an eclectic mix of orchestral pop, classical music and progressive rock.

Scheduled for release on the 29th January 2021, Karisma Records have today, by way of a single taken from “Playing House”,  given us a glimpse into the massive sound comprised of  fantastic melodies and harmonies, not to mention quite a few surprises along the way, that we can expect to hear from the band.

The single, titled “Across the Ocean”, can be streamed or downloaded at https://karismarecords.fanlink.to/MEER_AcrossTheOcean 

Commenting on “Across the Ocean”, MEER had this to say:

“Across the Ocean” is a song about wanting out. The song encapsulates the moment when you decide to let go of your fears end start a journey that may take you to a better place. What lies around the bend? On the other side of the sea? The song was made during a band getaway in the deep forests of Hedmark. Maybe that’s why it feels a little mysterious?

“Playing House, was Recorded at Ocean Sound Recording and Tanken, with producer Lars Gärtner Fremmerlid (EINAR STRAY ORCHESTRA) at the helm, and with artwork by Helena Haglund and Simen Skari, tracklisting for “Playing House”  is as follows:

1. Picking Up the Pieces
2. Beehive
3. All at Sea
4. Songs of Us
5. Child
6. You were a Drum
7. Honey
8. Across the Ocean
9. She Goes
10. Where do We Go from Here?
11. Lay it Down
Vinyl only bonus track:
12. Here I Go Again (Whitesnake cover)

Formed in Hamar, Norway, in 2008, originally as a duo known as TED GLEN EXTENDED, MEER has expanded its lineup to eight members, comprising Johanne Kippersund on vocals, Knut Kippersund on vocals, Eivind Strømstad on guitar, Åsa Ree on violin, Ingvild Nordstoga Eide on viola, Ole Gjøstøl on keyboards, Morten Strypet on bass and Mats Lillehaug on drums.

The additional members  brought with them their own individual styles and musical interests and influences, and it is therefore not surprising that MEER’s music is as eclectic, and interesting, as it is today.

“Playing House” will be available in CD, Digital and DLP formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
Bandcamp: https://meer.bandcamp.com
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.aisamerch.com 

More information about MEER can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/

A video of MEER performing an earlier version of “Across the Ocean” can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/AFPMoIJk6jU

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/meermusic/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOPFSGuj-8Grx2_1_A8m2kA
Band contact:    post@meerband.com
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/

KARISMA RECORDS INKS DEAL WITH ALTERNATIVE POP ORCHESTRA MEER

Posted: August 19, 2020 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES, Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , ,
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Meer 2020 PR2

Karisma Records have welcomed alternative pop orchestra MEER into its capacious fold.

MEER started out as a duo known as TED GLEN EXTENDED, in Hamar, Norway, in 2008, and, since then, the duo have expanded considerably, to become,  what is today,  an eight-piece eclectic collective whose music is a mix of orchestral pop, classical music and progressive rock. With their grandiose string arrangements and polyphonic vocals, MEER’s sound is far from minimalistic and flows in seemingly constant motion.

Today’s lineup comprises Johanne Kippersund on vocals, Knut Kippersund on vocals, Eivind Strømstad on guitar, Åsa Ree on violin, Ingvild Nordstoga Eide on viola, Ole Gjøstøl on piano, Morten Strypet on bass and Mats Lillehaug on drums, and this is what the band had to say about their decision to join Karisma Records:

We are absolutely thrilled to be signing with Karisma Records! We have been working on this album for a long time, and are super excited to be teaming up with a record company with so much knowledge and passion for progressive music. To be a part of their great list of artists is an honour, and we couldn’t be happier.

Meer 2020 PR3

Karisma have not yet announced a release date for “Playing House”, which will be a follow up to MEER’s 2016, self-titled album. Recorded at the Ocean Sound Recording and Tanken, with producer Lars Gärtner Fremmerlid (EINAR STRAY ORCHESTRA) “Playing House”  will see MEER taking their prog pop one step further in both directions!

Meer 2020 PR1

More information about MEER can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/

A video of MEER covering Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again”, can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/vFLPzJkkrzI


A
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/meermusic/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOPFSGuj-8Grx2_1_A8m2kA
Band contact:    post@meerband.com
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/