Torgeir Waldemar

 

Having played in several semi-successful Norwegian rock bands while also working at an institution for people with drug problems, Torgeir Waldemar had seen a lot of the darker sides of both the music industry, and life in general by his mid-thirties. Anxious to try something else, and with a batch of songs written – going solo seemed like the obvious choice.

The three track EP Take Me Home was released in 2012, and although it didn’t catapult Waldemar to stardom right away, it made some ripples, or waves, attracting the attention of local record label Vestkyst Records. It also landed him support slots for several more famous artists as well as a handful of festival bookings.

For those who hadn’t already been paying attention, Waldemar’s self-titled debut album seemingly came out of nowhere in 2014 and took Norway by storm. His folky, mellow and tragic songs, the sinister vibes, his aching voice and his tall and dark, bearded and long-haired persona all combined to fully launch the artist Torgeir Waldemar. The critics went wild and comparisons to Neil Young, Gene Clark and the Laurel Canyon Scene in the 1970’s were widespread. The album spawned an unlikely underground hit in “Streets” and Waldemar was nominated to Spellemann (the Norwegian equivalent of Grammys) awards in both the Country category and Newcomer of the Year.

Apafter widespread touring and signing a deal with tastemaker label jansen records torgeir waldemar was ready to release his sophomore effort in whereas the first record an introspective contemplative album unleashed rock monster on no offending borders. angry norway inhuman immigration policy right-wing government let fury be heard among crunching guitars backed by juggernaut band. landed him another spellemann nomination this time category. also properly launched outside of rave reviews uk germany benelux stars uncut as highlight.

Keeping momentum alive went back into studio covers ep sorts only he did own songs. jamais vu contains electrified versions songs from debut folky stripped down second album. mesmerizing song collection displayed both versatility musician band leader but adaptability quality summer fall recorded what become third full-length love. still very much message songwriter is call compassion meditation around love awesome horrible things it can make us do. mighty vintage while at same taking music new directions. effective rockers uplifting numbers explorative experimental jams all tied together contemporary pieces composer ole henrik moe most ambitious work date.

Fast forward just skip pandemic part readying follow-up acoustic mercy.