Two Good Ones: Liam Hudson - Kråkesølv
Background promo - Liam Hudson started writing music from a young age, but didn't begin to hone his skills till his mid-teens when he started writing Jazz, and Baroque and Movie style compositions. Through this time he was heavily inspired by the works of Jazz artists like Dave Brubeck, Bob Mintzer, Ray Charles and composers like Bach, Hans Zimmer, and John Williams. After finishing school, Liam started learning electronic production and recording, writing and recording entirely from his bedroom.
The song ‘You’ll Be Fine’ was written, recorded, and produced all at Liam Hudson’s home. The song came about after a break-up, when Liam’s friends were supporting him, telling him that he will be fine, and everything works out. The song discusses how just because you know everything will be fine in the end, it doesn't make the sadness any easier while you're in that place: “It’s all good to say it'll be fine. Don't tell me what happened to you. I’ve heard your story all before and I know your life’s a bore.”
The song is similar in style to Chet Faker, or Jack Garratt’s ballads, but with electronic elements and vocal play like Safia, whilst still having its own unique sound and tone. “You’ll Be Fine” by Liam Hudson will be released 23rd of September 2016.
'You'll Be Fine' is for me, more of an indie song, than folk. Liam's vocals are such a key component, with the music sensitively placed behind him, in what is one hook laden song.
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Background - Kråkesølv comes from Bodø, and they’re not hiding it. Rock music, Norwegian lyrics and great songs and choruses. These are keywords you’ve heard being used about the band previously, but now they’re releasing their fifth album and it’s time to do something different.
The title track, "Pangea" - the first single from their upcoming album - shows a band who can still write anthems in Norwegian, and that easily can play at both big festival stages and at small village parties.
Kråkesølv’s music is still anchored in two guitars, bass, drums and lyrics written in their own dialect. But this time they’ve forced themselves to paint with a broader brush. "Pangea" shows a band challenging staid frameworks, and they’re moving into landscapes that bands like Dungen and Radiohead have plowed before. But, as always, Kråkesølv land safely on their own Northern Norwegian feet.
The reason why Kråkesølv now are taking a different direction than before, is mainly due to their producer, Lars Horntveth (Jaga Jazzist, Susanne Sundfør). In addition to producing, he has contributed in many ways, with giving good advice, with being a motivator and with playing instruments like piano, mellotron and vibraphone. Throughout the entire recording process, Horntveth has also been offering them fresh coffee and fiery cheers.
Their lyrics have the same melancholy character that has coloured Kråkesølv’s universe since their debut album, and they continue to make connections between interpersonal and universal matters.
So many songs from Scandinavian bands are sung in English, which makes sense considering the size of the potential market. 'Lenge sia sist' remains in the bands native language of Norwegian, and once again demonstrates that, music as art can cross any language border. Full of indie rock vibes, there is something quite attractive about this song, melodic, and with fine musicianship and vocals, that just blend with it all so well.
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