Happy Friday! We continue to hear from some amazing artists and it really has been a joy to keep discovering new music. We were recently contacted about Pjusk, a pair of musicians from the stunning west coast of Norway.
Today sees the release of a new track called ‘Seil‘ which can be found on ‘Ambient Layers’, a new compilation by 7K! Records. We find out more about the duo including what other work they have coming up, which sights to see in Norway and some great Norwegian jazz recommendations!
Tell us who you are and what is your sound?
Hi! We are Pjusk – Jostein Dahl Gjelsvik and Rune Sagevik. Two old geezers from the west coast of Norway with a huge passion for electronic music. In particular ambient with a minimalistic twist using organic sounds. Basing much of our sound on Norwegian nature and mood. We would like to communicate expanse and open space. Cold streams. Mountains. Immersive music, really.
What exciting projects have you got coming up?
We are currently working on an album collaborating with a very talented double bass player from Norway named Steinar Raknes. We also just got a request to create music for a ballet company – so we are happy to stay busy and focused these days.
Where did you grow up and what music influenced you?
We grew up in Norway (Bergen and Naustdal). When it comes to music that shaped us, we always mention Biosphere. Sort of our main inspiration, I would say. Of course a myriad of other projects, but Biosphere sort of paved the way for us.
What cool places do you recommend to visit in your city (bars, restaurants, etc)?
Jostein: I would like to recommend the Geiranger fjord (on the UNESCO world heritage list) and Trollstigen. Spectacular sights. Breathtaking. If you would like to go to a bar, go to London. Oh. When it comes to restaurants, Bro in Aalesund has this concept called coastal gastronomy. Comes highly recommended!
Rune: You know..sad to say but I can’t really think of anything of particular interest here where I live. Mostly flat, boring farmland. If you want spectacular sights, visit the west coast or the northern part of our country.
We love recommendations – what have you been listening to, watching, or reading recently?
Jostein: I have been listening to Norwegian jazz lately. In particular to artists Dag-Filip Roaldsnes and Tord Gustavsen Trio.
Rune: I’ve occasionally listened a bit to old Scanner stuff and also some Autechre. For the last month or so I have actually not been listening to a lot of music, but rather felt the need for more silence. I fairly recently picked up a book called Matter from one of my favourite science fiction writers, Iain M. Banks, and started reading a bit more again.
Finally, what was the last thing that made you swear out loud?
Rune: I generally try not to swear so much, but I must admit that the last time the principal at my kids school started talking about homeschooling again some muffled profanities were uttered.
Interview by Alex Minnis
