Posts Tagged ‘Alternative’

ALBUM DETAILS AND FIRST SINGLE FROM ALTERNATIVE ROCKERS KOSMODOME REVEALED

Posted: October 15, 2021 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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When it comes to energetic, catchy and soulful alternative rock,  you can’t go far wrong with KOSMODOME, who will be releasing their self-titled, debut full-length album on Karisma Records on the 10th December.  And, in anticipation of this pre-Holiday treat, the label has today released the track “Hypersonic”, about which the band had this to say:


When you feel like a failure because a hectic life takes you out of balance, music can be the one thing that gives back a sense of control because it takes you to a different, more comfortable place; escaping reality. However, music and music creation can also end up distracting you from truly facing your issues and maintaining control in life, when you’re always lagging behind.

“Hypersonic” can be downloaded or streamed via a selection of services at: https://link.karismarecords.no/Kosmodome_Hypersonic_single

Originally Formed by brothers  Sturle (guitars and vocals) and Severin Sandvik (drums), KOSMODOME’s  riff-based Rock sound has  distinctive Stoner elements,  all of which fit very effectively  within a progressive framework.    By expanding their live lineup with a bassist and guitarist KOSMODOME are now able to appear on stage as a four-piece.

On “Kosmodome”, which will be available in, CD, Digital and Limited Edition Green and Black marbled vinyl, the clever song writing  of the Sandvik brothers demonstrates how it is possible to  successfully bridge the gap between what is considered to be melodic, and the explosive drive of bands like MASTODON, as they recently explained:

We aim to draw listeners into the “Kosmodome”, in all its diversity. Throughout the album, we dwell in the melodic and the groovy; a baseline for deep dives into massive, heavy soundscapes and spacy atmospheres. Instrumental sections are central to our musical storytelling, further supported by our lyrical themes; introspection and wonder, ruminations on the human condition, and frustrations toward contemporary society.

With artwork by Mirkow Gastow, track listing for “Kosmodome” is as follows: 

  1. Enter the Dome
  2. Retrograde
  3. Hypersonic
  4. Deadbeat
  5. Waver I
  6. Waver II
  7. The 1 %
  8. Orbit

“Kosmodome” is now available to pre-order from:


Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/kar223-kosmodome-kosmodome/
Bandcamp: https://kosmodome.bandcamp.com
US. Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/ 

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Kosmodome
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kosmodome/
Band Contact:  elrutss@gmail.com
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMOKQ_uFZWEm–P15YzHSFQ
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 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
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
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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
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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
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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


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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/

LJUNGBLUT ALBUM DETAILS AND NEW TRACK REVEALED

Posted: September 13, 2018 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES, Uncategorized
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Ljungblut PR2

Karisma Records have revealed details of “Villa Carlotta 5959”, the upcoming release from Alternative Rockers LJUNGBLUT, as well as releasing the first single from the album.  The single, for the track “Hasselblad”,  whose cover features a photo by the photographer Bjørn Opsahl and a guest appearance by A-HA and ZEROMANCER’s Erik Ljunggren,  along with his wide array of analogue synths,  can  be heard below, and is available to purchase and stream from https://ljungblut.bandcamp.com/track/hasselblad as well as from  various streaming and digital services via http://phonofile.link/hasselblad


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About the track, band founder Kim Ljung had this to say:

 It was just one of those days. An early morning.

I read somewhere about the twelve Hasselblad cameras left on the moon. Made some fresh coffee and locked myself into the studio without any particular ideas in my head.
In a few hours it was all there. Lyrics and everything. 

 A real special feeling when it happens. The guys loved the demo. A few weeks later we rehearsed “Hasselblad” as a band, keeping it close to the original idea. Of course, Ted added  a real great drum-pattern. It was only just over a 2-minute arrangement though.

Right after I wrote it, I was visting Erik Ljunggren in his studio. Blown away by the collection of modular and vintage synthesizers, I asked him if he wanted to contribute for the end part. The Arp 2600 and the Oberheim Matrix creating most of the magic. All analogue. It was perfect.

The drums, the bass, the guitar (with the Morley flanger pedal), the Omni and the Roland strings were all recorded live. I believe it was the third take.

Sincerely happy with this one. Enjoy.

Ljungblut Hasselblad artwork PR

When he formed LJUNGBLUT  in 2005, Ljung was looking for a vehicle for the material he didn’t think was right for either SEIGMEN or ZEROMANCER, for whom he is the bassist and main songwriter.  Three solo albums later, LJUNGBLUT evolved further with the addition of full-time members, some of whom had collaborated on LJUNGBLUT’s  first two albums.  Joining Ljung (keys and vocals) are Dan Heide (ZEROMANCER, RED7) on guitars, Ted Skogmann (APOPTYGMA BERZERK) on drums , Joakim Brendsrød on keys and Sindre Pedersen on bass, and, as a quintet, the band released two independent albums with Norwegian lyrics.

“Villa Carlotta 5959”, which will be LJUNGBLUT’s sixth full-length album, is the last in the trilogy of the Norwegian language albums.  It is an album in which Ljung explores matters both historical and personal.  Whilst tracks like “Hasselblad”, about the 12 Hasselblad cameras left behind on the surface of the Moon, and “Superga”, which refers to the province of Turin, Italy, best known for  its Cathedral and the plane crash that killed the Torino football team in 1949, deal with actual events and places, tracks like “Min Krig” (My war) and “Aldri helt stille” (Never completely quiet), are much more personal, dealing, as they do, with Ljung’s chronic migraines.

The basis of “Villa Carlotta 5959” having been recorded live in the studio and mixed by Alex Møklebust (SEIGMEN / ZEROMANCER) and Terje Johannesen, Ljung’s characteristic vocals are embraced  by a plethora of vintage synths and instruments.  With its wide range of tempos and dynamics,  “Villa Carlotta 5959” presents the listeners with a cohesive sound and a melancholy mood.

Guest artists on “Villa Carlotta 5959” include Ljunggren (A-HA, ZEROMANCER), Ginge Anvik (SUBGUD, soundtrack composer) and  Terje Johannesen.  With artwork by Hanne-Christine Flåten, track listing for “Villa Carlotta 5959” is as follows:

  1. Hasselblad
  2. Oktober
  3. Til Warszawa
  4. 235
  5. Superga
  6. Diamant
  7. Himmelen som vet
  8. Ohnesorg
  9. Aldri helt stille
  10. Min Krig

Ljungblut Villa Carlotta Albumart PR

“Villa Carlotta 5959” is set for release on Karisma Records on the 2nd November in CD, Digital and Vinyl, as well as a Limited Edition Turquoise LP formats.  It is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp (all versions) : https://ljungblut.bandcamp.com/
Webshop (CD and LPs): https://www.karismarecords.no/webshop/

LJUNGLUT  will play the following dates in Norway to celebrate the release of “Villa Carlotta 5959”

09 Nov:  Papirhuset, Tønsberg
10 Nov:  Papirhuset, Tønsberg
12 Nov:  Kulturkirken Jacob, Oslo

More information about LJUNGBLUT can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Ljungblut-86549322482/

A video for the title track from LJUNGBLUT’s 2016 album “Ikke alle netter er like sorte”  can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/ukmQo13JkPY


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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ljungblut-86549322482/
Website: www.ljungblut.com
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2GURpUy14Zv87L9T-ftYTg
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 on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
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 KlickTrack Store (digital only):  http://shop.klicktrack.com/karismadarkessencerecords