Herkedal in conversation with FAULT Magazine
Herkedal in conversation with FAULT Magazine
We step into the enchanting universe of Øystein Herkedal, an artist whose musical journey defies conventional boundaries. With a debut EP titled ‘Wild Raspberries & Plum Trees’ released, Herkedal’s distinctive blend of chamber pop and soul evokes a sense of timeless nostalgia. We caught up with Herkedal to discuss his musical journey and as always, his FAULTs.
Your EP features a unique blend of genres, from chamber pop to soul – is this by design or more an illustration of your personal tastes?
I come from a classical background and love jazz and soul. When creating this project, I wanted to blend jazz, soul, classical and pop-elements and create a musical universe where every song has it´s own sound and personality. I don´t want to put myself in a box when it comes to creativity. I aim to always explore and be whatever I want to be whenever I feel like it.
Could you share the personal significance behind the title track “Wild Raspberries & Plum Trees” and what it means to you?
The title is a picture of my grandmother’s garden. As a child her home up in the mountains west in Norway was a paradise for me and my sisters. There was so much to explore and new fruits and berries around every corner. I see the songs on the EP as fruits from her garden.
Your lyrics are often distinctive and carry deep emotions – is it ever emotionally draining to leave so much on the track?
It´s honestly quite redemptive to put so much of myself in every song. I think a lot and always have a lot on my mind so I use music to speak out, leave things behind and move on. It´s the best way of therapy.
You co-wrote ‘Weeping Willow’ with producer duo Andrea Louise Horstad and Bjørn Helge Gammelsæter. What was it like collaborating on that track, and how does collaboration influence your creative process?
Different people will always see things in different angles and have other ideas than myself. So, I think it´s nice to sometimes create with new people. And Andrea also plays in my band, so writing with her is extra special.
Can you explain the inspiration and the message you intended to convey with opening track “Beauty In It All,”?
Beauty In It all is a reminder to myself to breathe. I wrote this song on the piano in my childhood home. I had just moved back home from Oslo during covid and started thinking about all the beauty in life I took for granted. Sometimes I disappear in a bubble of work and forget to enjoy my surrounding and just live my life in a slower pace.
When you look back on your musical journey, what’s been the most challenging hurdle to overcome?
Moving to Oslo pursuing a career in music has been hard. I love Brekstad, the town where I grew up. It´s a tiny town out in the ocean where I´m the best version of myself. Everyone knows everyone, and it´s a lot of weather and close to nature. It´s just very special.
You had the opportunity to study at the prestigious music school LIMPI and work with notable mentors and musicians. How did this experience shape your musical growth and the sound of your EP?
LIMPI was so special! The people I met there are all my friends today and it´s so unique to have this group of young artists cheering for each other. When it comes to the music I think the pop-sound comes a lot from LIMPI.
What is your FAULT?
My thoughts are in 10 different places at the same time haha!!