Real stories
Erik Fosse has written all the songs which are based on his own experiences from working as a doctor with refugees in several countries, especially in the Middle East. The songs are written with respect and admiration for the people who had to give up their life in the place they grew up and started a new life in a foreign culture. They risk a lot to create a future for themselves and their family. Many of them also risk their life.
The songs are based on individuals’ own stories and interviews in different media. Many of these interviews are found in TV shows produced by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), who made multiple programs concerning people on the run. The lyrics of «Leo går i trappen», «Kostas Pinteris», «Sambujang», «Sjåføren», «Forbudte drømmer» and «Hjemme er der hvor du er trygg» are based on the TV show “Flukt” from 2017, hosted by Leo Ajkic. Likewise, the lyrics of «Trandum» are based on the TV program «Helene sjekker inn», shown on NRK in 2017. This concerns Trandum Camp, a Norwegian institution intended for asylum seekers who have had their applications rejected. The lyrics of «Auberginer og Squash» are based on interviews and stories in the Program «Ceuta i Marokko» from the TV show «Mediterranean», produced by BBC and shown on NRK in 2019 with Simon Reeve as a host. The lyrics of «De kom inn i rommet med skoene på» are based on a repost in Lofotposten in 2019 about Ahmad Charafeddine and his family.
Sagene Ring
Sagene Ring was established in 1988 and consists of Erik Fosse (vocal, guitar, and harmonica), Petter Udland Johansen (vocal, mandolin, and fiddle), and Per David Martinsen (vocal, chorus, and double bass). The band released their first album called «Rett opp fra elva» in 1997, second album «Sporskift» in 2000, «Nattas fløyel blir til stål» in 2013, and now their fourth album called «Flukt» in 2021. All of the albums are released on the folk music label, Heilo. Musicians like Sveinung Lilleheier (guitars, dobro, and sandur), Trond Nagell Dahl (accordion, piano, and organ), Arnfinn Bergrabb (percussion), and Arianna Savall (harp on track 1) are also participating in this album.
