SOJO

"New music out now!

On friday the 14th the group SOJO release the single «Swankstar»! Featuring the exceptional talents of rapper Andy Stewlocks together with some of Bergens finest musicians this indie-jazz-funk is something else.

The mastermind behind the project is composer and musician Eirik Breivik Minde who has teamed up with long-time friend and inspiration Stewlocks and up-and-coming producer Thomas Nordvik to create what they have dubbed the «Kontinyou»-project; Old originals in radically new dresses.

“Kontinyou” is about moving and connecting. It`s about recognizing the organic process that is life and it´s reflection in arts. As human beings we are surrounded by energies, some very defined and long-studied, some a matter of personal belief and experience, unproven and mystical. As artists we exercise the gift of reflecting and interacting with these energies. That´s why SOJO at it`s core is a process, not a product, and any recording will just be a snapshot from that journey. We still hope it´s a picture you`ll enjoy tough.

We have chosen “Swankstar” as out first single for several reasons; It gives a nice punchy, fanfare-like opening to the project. And while it`s quite short and intense it still showcases a lot of what SOJO is about with it`s eclectic mix of styles, meters and sounds. The original composition was named “Suecos”, which means swedish people. It was a tribute to the people, works and values that inspire us and how we connect to all these things that fuel our own process and thus allowing energies to move between people, recordings, stories written, etc. The word “Swankstar” is really just Andy trying to pronounce the norwegian word “svensker” (swedish people again) but Eirik heard “Swankstar” and thought it fit the song really well.

The list of musicians centers on the Chameleon-orchestra and their friends:
HC Dalgaard (Drums), Hades Hernandes (Percusssion), Sigmund Vik (Bass), Erik Evja Eikill (Guitar), Johannes Nøkling Aagaard (Guitar), Berit Stangeland (Cello), Helene Reigstad (Euphonium), Øivind Stømer (Saxophone), Hans Marius Andersen (Trumpet).

Some other names to mention;
Ravn Breivik Minde, only seven years old, has composed the theme for the final part of the song.
Paul Bernard is both a brilliant friend, artist and photographer. His Paul Bernard Visuals is responsible for our sexy shots.
Askøy Kommune gets a shout for believing in us and supporting our work.
Olav Vlam and Hans Heum are always supportive and inspirational, as musicians and video-artists.
Magnus Kråvik and Katerina Pantela are dear friends and brilliant animation artists. Can`t wait to see what they come up with.
Askjell Solstrand who will honor his old teacher with a remix later this year. (Stay tuned).
Thea Lindtner Ness whose beautiful vocals are not on this first single, but will turn up to grace coming releases.
Morten Gjul who will fuse his painting skills with our musical energies on the upcoming single «Slow down».
Linn Karen Lyngbø and Elizabeth Bovoli for all their support and help. And for being such lovely people.
Iver Sandøy for mastering the track beautifully, never needing a second try.

All of the above have, or will have, some hands-on contact with the project and some they have been named. In addition there are so many beautiful people that has influenced us, inspired us, pushed us, loved us, laughed at us, and so on… you are all important and we love you madly!

«Kontinyou» is about connections.