Sometimes you just run into something which is so simple it’s simply great. The fact that a video with somebody sitting on a chair singing can capture your attention this much is amazing.
Eirik has a fantastic singing voice, and his ability to act out the emotions from that chair impressed me a lot. I really fell in love with the song, and watching Eirik struggle holding back when he gets to the chorus makes me want to stand up on his behalf and scream out “Før meg heim”.
The song is called “Før meg heim” which can be translated to “Take me home”, but I don’t believe you need to know the lyrics meaning to enjoy this song. It`s a very melodic song, and there are so many layers to enjoy. The backdrop with the norwegian fjord is magnificent.
The whole package here made it impossible for me not to contact Eirik, I needed to find out more about his video. So I sent some questions to Eirik.
It looked really hard sitting still on the chorus, how hard was it not to stand up?
“Yes! The truth is that it was so freaking cold so all I wanted was to run home to my warm sofa…haha. But yes to be honest. I tried to go into the characters mind and express the lonely and desperate feelings he’s carrying.
I had one camera, one chair, a beautiful location and myself. The only thing that could create any dynamics to the video was me and my gestures, so I had to portion out the intensity thru the song, I think the chair actually helped me to do that.”
What was the main thought of the video?
“I wanted to make a simple, minimalistic and “unpolished” video because I ran out of money! Haha! No actually I tought that, that is what this song and character need. Any big production could ruin the relationship or intimacy between him and the listener. That’s also why I wanted to record the vocals on “Før Meg Heim» without any effects, it’s the pure vocal track live from the studio. No filters or effects.”
I know this song is part of a bigger Project, can you maybe tell me a little about it?
“Yes talking about no filters or effects… I wanted to make an honest rock record who had kind of “back to the basic” band sound. I think this record reminds me a little about some late 70s early 80s rock records I had been listening to. I like that honest sound.
In the lyrics-writing for this “Heim” project songs (5 singles releasing during 2017 and 2018 with videos! Go and check out!) I digged deep into my darkness and found some lonely voices. Voices in search for a home or anchor, something or somewhere safe in life. I tried to give them a voice in these “Heim”- songs. I tried to tell their stories.”
I believe that Language is universal when it comes to Music. But if you now the context, the song might get stronger. How important do you think it is for «Før meg heim» to know the lyrics meaning?
“Hmm. Maybe people can get a feeling or impression by watching the video or by listening to the song even if you don’t understand the language…When I record vocals or play a song live, I try the best I can to go into the characters state of mind.. I have to feel, sense and hear the character in the song. That is much more important for me instead of perfect timing or pitch. A desperate young voice doesn’t care about pitch, he care about being heard. He wants to be seen.
For me the song is sung by a young voice who is struggling to find a safe anchor or home in his heart and/or surroundings and he is begging for someone to take him there or help him find that place inside of him.”
What`s Next for Eirik Sognnes?
“I’m playing some concerts this summer together with my band and some solo alone with an acoustic guitar. I love to do both!
Next show is during Regnbuedagene the Pride festival in Bergen at Festplassen 8th of June! You should come and celebrate love and freedom with us!
I also have some songs that I have recorded in a great studio in Oslo with a great producer that I’m waiting to release. More political rock stuff… Can’t say more about it at this point, but it I’m really looking forward to share it with you.”
Thank you so much for your answers Eirik, and I hope more people will discover this fantastic artist.
Be sure to follow Eirik Sognnes on Facebook, Instagram, twitter, YouTube, eiriksognnes.com
About the video
Music: Lyrics/Music: Eirik Sognnes
Eirik Sognnes: vocal, guitar
Vidar Vasset: Guitar, vocal
Malin Hovland Hellebø: Bass, vocal
Karl Edwin Lysne: drums
Alexander Laberg: Horns
Jens Kristian Rimau Mørkeby: Keys
Producer: Jens Kristian Rimau Mørkeby and Eirik Sognnes
Leave a Reply