About
Who is Garness?
The duo GARNESS consists of the two Norwegian identical twin sisters Ingelin Reigstad Norheim and Hildegunn Garnes Reigstad. The sisters grew up in a home filled with music on the island Holsnøy outside Bergen, where the piano play could be heard through the walls in the late hours. They wrote their first songs at the age of 5, inspired by both dad and grandmother, and started to play instruments not long after. The family toured together in the weekends, playing concerts in churches and venues around the country. The girls did well on school, but decided early that it was pursuing the path of music together that was the right direction for them to choose. Long story short; 35 years later they are well established as artists and musicians on the Norwegian music scene, and about to release their fifth studio album with Garness. For the first time they will release a pop album with Norwegian lyrics in their own dialect.
The music of Garness can be described as organic indie pop with a hint of singer-songwriter elements and folk-rock inspiration. All of the music for the 10 songs on their upcoming album are written by the sisters, while some of the lyrics are co-written with Spellemann (Norwegian Grammy) awarded songwriter Christine Sandtorv (Stjerneteller-series, Ephemera) as well as Pål A. Frøiland (Ellemelle). Two of their earlier releases have been concept albums (Christmas and Easter). Now the girls feel like sharing some catchy and melodious pop songs written for a broader audience and for no particular season of the year.
In the process of making the new album, Garness have been working closely with the acclaimed producer and drummer Thomas Gallatin (Morten Abel, Odd Nordstoga, Marit Larsen, Siri Nilsen among others) to refine their sound. Thomas is a long-time friend and musical collaborator, as they have been playing live and recording together for many years. This time the girls asked Thomas to put the producer hat on, which has been a refreshing and exciting creative journey.
"Ut i lyset" (Norwegian for "Out into the light") is the first single from their upcoming album, setting the tone for a fresh start, and a slightly new direction for the experienced duo. The unique blend of their warm and unpretentious voices is complemented by a band consisting of some of Norway's finest musicians (Thomas Engebretsen on bass, Thomas Gallatin on drums, Torjus Vierli on keys and Håkon Aase on violin), along with the incredible Swedish guitarist Daniel Ögren (one of the band members of Dina Ögon, who just won several Swedish Grammis). The music is organic sounding, yet thoroughly produced.
The girls wanted to explore different relational topics when writing for the new album, such as openness and curiosity in our social relations, the great things we can achieve when we team up with someone who shares the same dreams, the ways of which we influence and are influenced by each other, what it is that drives us to action or apathy, the importance of being generous towards our selves and others when we meet the hard realities of life - and more. Many of the songs have a strong message of hope and encouragement. One of the songs lay out a mothers heart and hopes for her child when meeting obstacles and discomfort. Resilience is a theme the duo is fond of exploring.
Ingelin and Hildegunn play a number of different instruments, such as guitars, piano, harps, ukulele, drums and percussion, vibraphonette etc., and seek to provide a unique sonic experience for their listeners. Along with their special vocal blend as identical twins, the duo has become known for their musical originality and their personal, engaged way of performing.
To the sisters, playing their music live is the best part and biggest privilege of being artists. They wish to move, inspire and enthuse the audience with their performance, and seek to write lyrics that their listeners can relate to and feel at home in. They’re comfortable in stripped down settings, but also love bringing their whole band to the scene, to be able to explore the full range from soft and airy to powerful and haunting.
Since the girls went all out on the music business in 2003, they have played hundreds of concerts and events in Norway, but also Denmark, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and Austria. They have a lot of experience as musicians touring with other well-respected artists, and from 2003 to 2009 they were members of the highly acclaimed Oslo Gospel Choir, doing a support set with Garness in every concert.
From time to time they are also working as studio musicians and producers in the studio that Hildegunn and her husband Torjus Vierli have build near their home in Grimstad at the southern coast of Norway, Flanellofon Recording Studio.
Garness plan to tour with the new music with just the two of them on stage, presenting their music in the most unique and personal way. More information on tour dates will come in the near future.
For more insight on the duos musical journey and artistry, please see the discography.
Photographer: Øyvind Ganesh Eknes