Some music comes from undeniable places and very contemporary places. Much of it is designed to be a soundtrack to modern life, to entertain and underscore, perhaps a way of discussing current issues or maybe acting as an antidote or escape from them. It is music of the here-and-now, of, in, and about the modern world.
And then there is music that is more, well, let’s just call it “other”. Music seems to have completely different reasons for existence than merely to entertain. Obviously, Aursjoen is a music maker in the conventional and modern sense, but the sound that she makes on “Nytår,” her debut single, seems to come from a more ancient mindset and a more primal place. It sounds like the echo of the earth’s pulse as much as it does a slow and cinematic, ambient, and emotive synth-string arrangement.
The song, meaning “New Year” in Danish, has a poignancy inherent in it. It was written not only as an old year ended and a new one was ushered in according to the conventional calendar but also as the world of lockdowns and isolation gave way to a new and unknown future. It was, therefore, written on the eve of a new year in every sense.
Ria Aursjoen is more often found as the vocalist and keyboardist for critically acclaimed post-punk outfit Octavian Winters, but this solo project offers a new sonic outlet for her, one that allows her to explore the sounds of her Scandinavian heritage. With a William Faith produced EP, Strand, out soon, one which sees her aided and abetted by band mate Stephan Bryan Salit, never has there been a better time to immerse yourself in Aursjoen’s sonic world, both as a band member and a solo player.
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