The album results from thorough sessions in drummer Per Eriksen’s studio, known for its impressive acoustics and atmosphere. The creative process spanned several months, during which the songs came to life with a primary focus on preserving the live sound while adding some extra elements.
“I had a shoebox filled with ideas that had accumulated over time, and I felt that the time was right to develop them into almost finished songs. Together with our band, we presented the ideas, practiced, and experimented, and the songs naturally evolved through our collaboration,” Nordhagen explains.
Nordhagen has been the primary creative force behind the song ideas and lyrics on the album, with one exception: the second track of the album, where an unfinished text from ten years ago was provided by his friend Egil Birkeland. This collaboration led to a unique dynamic on the album.
Referring to musical inspiration, Nordhagen says, “I’ve always drawn inspiration from a broad rhythm & blues tradition, in addition to incorporating elements of soul and jazz. The album also draws influences from the Memphis sound of the 1960s, and it’s been exciting to blend both modern and classic elements in the music.”
The album “Relics” is a celebration of Nordhagen’s musical journey and experiences, and it showcases the band’s synergy and harmony that have developed over many years of collaboration. With a diverse and rich collection of songs, “Relics” takes listeners on an exploratory journey within the rhythm & blues genre.
