Askemåne’s debut album Gravitasjon has captivated audiences with its blend of Nordic and shamanic influences. We discuss the album’s reception, standout tracks, and future plans.
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1. It’s
been a few months since the release of "Gravitasjon" in May. How has
the reception been so far, and did it meet your expectations in terms of
audience response?
The
reception of this debut album has been really positive and exciting for us. As
this was our first production, we didn't have much expectations! We obviously
enjoy our music and make our best to share it on live and throught the web. A
lot of lovely feedbacks gave (and still give) us much joy and passion to
celebrate what's been done and create what's coming!
2. "Vinter
Saga" and "I Rotasjon" were highly anticipated before the
album's release. Looking back, how do you feel these singles set the stage for
the rest of "Gravitasjon"?
The album
idea was there since the beginning. During the composition process, we were
thinking about 2 songs that would be interesting to present ourselves. The
choice has been "Vinter Saga" for the soft and orchestral vibe,
whereas "I Rotasjon" could show something primal and deep. Maybe we
have been influenced by the chronology since "Vinter Saga" is our
very first track ever composed...
In
addition, each track has somehow its own identity! We hope that the whole album
feels consistent.
3. The
music video for "Dyaul" was released in April and created quite a
buzz. What was the concept behind the video, and how did you bring the
ritualistic elements to life?
We
generally sing in Norvegian, French, and... spontaneous language, wich
refers to something intuitive and impersonal. That's the case for
"Dyaul". More that a strong message, the video is about the self, the
roots, the interiority. So the script didn't have to be very precise.
We worked
with Raphael Klein for the video production : even if we globally knew what to
do before filming day, we had grat time finding new ideas on the cave. So yeah,
a little bit of preparation and a liltte more of improvisation!
4. Now
that the album has been out for a while, have there been any standout tracks
that fans particularly resonate with or that have surprised you in terms of
popularity?
Seems not.
Streams and discussions after lives shows that people's favorite track can be
different! Some of music listeners prefers album's format, so is our audience
maybe !
5. "Gravitasjon"
blends modern production with primal, Nordic, and shamanic influences. How do
you think this unique mix has contributed to the album's success and your
growing fanbase?
We hope
that this choice made this album versatile. We wanted to try an approach on the
mix that is actual, with indeed ancient influences. It's always interesting to
cross the genres and combine the methods! The aim was having something deep,
mystic, powerful at the same time.
6. You
worked closely with Guillaume Schappacher from Gravity Sound Prod on this
album. Reflecting on that collaboration, what do you think he brought to the
project that was essential to its final sound?
He's experience is mostly on metal music. Asuf' and him already worked together for Second Day's last album "Dawn", wich contains a neo-folk track named "Ghelan San". The result was convincing, so later, we naturally made the album whith Guillaume! We like his modern sound full of brillance, and his ideas during the production process have been precious.
7. Since
May, have you had the chance to perform "Gravitasjon" live? If so,
how have audiences responded to the new material in a live setting, and what
has been your experience bringing these songs to the stage?
Yes we had
the chance to perform at "Les passagers du Zinc" for the release
party, "La guerre du Son" festival, and few other shows in France.
The response was enjoyable for us, people are always so encouraging! The
material had been played on stage before the album release date because it's
the first one. So people who has show up at previous concerts already knew the
new songs!
8. The
album has been described as a "mystic travel" through Nordic and
shamanic landscapes. Now that it’s out, do you feel that it achieved the
spiritual or mystical journey you intended for listeners?
Question of
individual! It depends of your music taste or sensibility.Yet, we know that
some listeners really apprecieated the travel... That's what matters for us in
the end.
9. As a
band from Besançon, how do you feel your French roots have influenced your
interpretation of Nordic and shamanic themes, especially after the album's
release and reception?
No idea at
all haha. Celtic heritage is part ouf inspiration for sure, among others. But
our main influence register is nordic culture, if the french filter has an
impact on the final result, it's not specially wanted!
10. Looking
forward to the rest of 2024, what are Askemåne’s plans? Can fans expect any new
music, videos, or perhaps a tour to continue promoting "Gravitasjon"?
As we are writing we are looking forward a show at Le Bastion on september 7th at Besançon (at home, so to say). Another live is programmed at Novosonic Festival (Dijon) on september 19th and after this one, we will focus on creation. No new release shall be out on 2024 but obviously next year...
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