Solnedgang interview 25/08/23
MM: Can you tell us about your Band and whos your biggest influences
Solnedgang (which means ‘sunset’ in Norwegian) is a one-man band and I (Jon) play mainly
guitar, but also keyboards, drum programming and occasional samples. I would describe my
music as immersive, atmospheric and melodic instrumental music in the post-rock/metal realm.
The influences that are probably easiest to identify in my music are bands like Mono, Pelican,
Explosions in the Sky, Sigur Ros – and even Pink Floyd and The Cure. I’m inspired by all kinds
of music, and I listen to a lot of metal as well – I’m from Norway so black metal is of course a big
influence.
MM: Where do you draw your inspirations and ideas from
I really like mythology and religion as concepts or themes. My new single ‘Nornir’, and my
forthcoming debut album as a whole, is all about Norse mythology. Although, since I create
instrumental music, the listener can impose their own meanings onto it and I quite like that.
MM: What would you say is your Bands favourite song ?
I guess I should say the new single, ‘Nornir’, but the most special one to me is one that will be
on the album called ‘Lament’. I wrote that after my cousin and uncle both passed away within a
few days of each other (completely unrelated).
MM: Plans tour and festival wise for 2023
Unfortunately, I don’t play live so no plans!
MM: Which three Bands would be your ultimate touring buddies
If I were to go on a tour I’d love to be able to see Mastodon, Enslaved and The Cure every night.
I think they would a lot of fun to hang out with as well.
MM: What's the most memorable concert you've been to (other than your own) and why
I saw Radiohead at the Roundhouse in London a few years back, and seeing them in such a
small venue (relatively speaking) was really amazing. There was also a fantastic gig at the
Underworld, which I think was the same year actually, that featured Rosetta, North and
Telepathy and another 2-3 bands. What a line-up!
MM: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment so far with
I’m just happy that I managed to put some music out, and even happier that a few people seem
to like it! Some of the feedback I’ve received has been really amazing.
MM: Which are your Two favourite Albums of all time
I think Disintegration by The Cure has got to be one of them for sure. The second one is harder,
but I’ll go for Pelagial by The Ocean. That has an instrumental version as well, so it’s a 2-for-1
essentially.
MM: Can you remember the first time you ever played live and how it felt to have people
watching you?
In a previous band we played this house party/festival thing and I was pretty nervous
beforehand, but when I started playing it was absolutely fine and I quite enjoyed it. It helped that
it was just friends and friends-of-friends there, and it was semi-improvised as well so I just
focused on my playing and tuned out the audience.
MM: Growing up which Bands posters did you have on your bedroom wall.
I was actually really into hip-hop when I was around 14-15, and I had a couple of Cypress Hill
posters. When I got over that phase it would have been The White Stripes and The Strokes I
think – bands like that. I still like Cypress Hill though!
MM - Who do you think influenced the world of Metal / Rock more than any other person
In terms of metal, probably Black Sabbath. I’ll go for Robert Smith and The Cure though –
they’ve influenced so many different artists and even whole genres!
MM - What's the most important thing to the band right now?
Getting the album finished and get it out by the end of the year!
MM:If you could do a cover of any song which one would it be and why?
That’s a good question, I’ve never considered doing a cover. It would have to be one I can do
something interesting with. I’ll choose ‘Day’ by Jaga Jazzist – one of my favourite bands. I’d
probably slow it down and play most or all of the parts on guitars, and add some distortion.
MM: Tell us why we should buy and listen to your Band
If you like instrumental music you should definitely check it out, and even if you’re not, if you are
into any of the bands I’ve mentioned you might find something in my music that you like.
MM: Four words to describe your band
Sunsets: beautiful but melancholic
Final Words for your fans and our readers
I hope you enjoy my music! If you’d like to support me, please head to my Bandcamp site where
you can buy my music (pay what you want) and I’ve also got a limited run of t-shirts available:
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