Norway Music - Exploring Norwegian Sounds and My Original Compositions

Welcome to Norway-Music.com!

Welcome to my musical home! I'm Rune Flækøy, a Norwegian musician, composer, and artist deeply passionate about the rich and diverse musical landscape of Norway. This website is a celebration of Norwegian music in all its forms, from the ancient, haunting melodies of Sami joik to the vibrant and innovative sounds of contemporary Norwegian artists. It's also a place where I share my own original compositions, which are profoundly influenced by my Norwegian heritage, my Christian faith, and my love for a wide range of musical genres.

I believe that music has a unique power to connect us – to our history, to our culture, to each other, and to something larger than ourselves. My own musical journey has been one of constant exploration, and I'm excited to share both my discoveries and my creations with you.

Growing up in Norway, I was surrounded by the sounds of both traditional folk music and the ever-evolving world of pop and rock. I was particularly drawn to the soulful sounds of blues piano, the storytelling power of Christian hymns, and the catchy melodies of pop music. These diverse influences have shaped my own musical style, which I strive to make both authentic and accessible.

My Musical Influences

I have always been inspired of artists like Elvis, and how he took old gospel hymns and made something new of them. I do some of this my self, I take traditional songs and make them in a way i like.

The Sound of Norway: A Deep Dive into its Musical Heritage

Norway's musical landscape is as varied and breathtaking as its fjords and mountains. It's a land where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, where the echoes of the past resonate in the music of the present. Let's explore some of the key elements that make Norwegian music so unique:

The Ancient Echoes of Sami Joik

In the far north, the indigenous Sami people have preserved a vocal tradition unlike any other: joik. More than just singing, joik is a way of connecting with nature, expressing emotions, and remembering people, places, and animals. It's a deeply personal and spiritual practice, often described as "joiking" someone or something, rather than singing *about* them. The circular melodies, the guttural sounds, and the improvisational nature of joik create a truly mesmerizing and timeless experience. You can learn more about this fascinating tradition on our Traditional Norwegian Music page.

The Heart of Norwegian Folk: The Hardanger Fiddle

No discussion of Norwegian music is complete without mentioning the Hardanger fiddle (hardingfele). This uniquely Norwegian instrument, with its sympathetic understrings and distinctive decorations, produces a rich, resonant sound that is instantly recognizable. The Hardanger fiddle tradition is deeply rooted in the rural communities of western and central Norway, where it has been used for centuries to accompany dances, weddings, and other celebrations. The intricate melodies and rhythmic drive of Hardanger fiddle music are both captivating and exhilarating. Discover more about this iconic instrument on our Traditional Norwegian Music page.

The Voices of Norway: From Kvad to Stev

Norway's vocal traditions are as diverse as its instrumental music. From the epic poems (kvad) that recounted historical events and legends, to the short, improvised verses (stev) exchanged in social gatherings, singing has always been a vital part of Norwegian culture. Ballads, work songs, and hymns have also played significant roles in shaping the country's musical identity. These traditions, often passed down orally through generations, offer a glimpse into the lives and stories of the Norwegian people. Explore these vocal traditions further on our Traditional Norwegian Music page.

Norwegian Pop: A Global Force

While grounded in its rich heritage, Norway has also made significant contributions to the global pop music scene. From the synth-pop anthems of A-ha to the modern electronic soundscapes of Röyksopp, Kygo, Alan Walker, and Aurora, Norwegian artists have consistently pushed boundaries and captivated audiences worldwide. The ability to blend international trends with a distinct Norwegian sensibility is a hallmark of Norwegian pop music. Learn more about some of the most influential Norwegian pop artists and their contributions on our dedicated page, History of Norwegian Pop Music.

Featured Music: My Original Compositions

Here's a selection of my own music, reflecting the diverse influences that shape my creative process:

I believe that it is my best song, it reflect my core beliefes.

You can find a much more comprehensive collection of my work, including more songs from each genre, on my ReverbNation profile and my YouTube channel.

Join My Musical Journey!

I'm constantly creating new music and exploring new sounds. The best way to stay up-to-date with my latest releases, live performances (both online and, hopefully, in person!), and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my creative process is to subscribe to my YouTube channel. I regularly share new music videos, live sessions, and even some insights into my songwriting process.

You can also find a wider selection of my original compositions, organized by genre, on my ReverbNation profile. There, you can listen to more of my work, read lyrics, and connect with me.

I truly appreciate your support and I'm excited to share my musical journey with you! I also have a passion for visual arts I like to draw portraits.

Subscribe on YouTube Listen on ReverbNation

Art and drawings

Besides music, I also create art. You can see some of my artwork here: Art

Norwegian Music Today: A Thriving Scene

The Norwegian music scene is more vibrant and diverse than ever before. From intimate folk concerts in traditional venues to large-scale music festivals showcasing international headliners, there's something for every musical taste. Here are some of the key aspects of the contemporary Norwegian music landscape:

Music Festivals

Norway hosts a wide range of music festivals throughout the year, catering to various genres. Some of the most prominent include:

• Øyafestivalen (Oslo): One of Norway's largest and most respected music festivals, featuring a mix of international and Norwegian artists across genres like rock, pop, indie, and electronic.
• by:Larm (Oslo): A showcase festival focusing on emerging Nordic talent. It's a great place to discover the next big names in Scandinavian music.
• Inferno Metal Festival (Oslo): A major event for black metal and extreme metal fans.
• Moldejazz (Molde): One of the oldest and most prestigious jazz festivals in Europe.
• Riddu Riđđu (Manndalen): An indigenous music and culture festival, showcasing Sami artists and artists from other indigenous communities around the world.
• Førde Traditional and World Music Festival (Førde): Focuses on folk and world music.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other smaller, more specialized festivals throughout the country.

Key Genres and Artists

While we covered some of this in the "History of Norwegian Pop Music" page, here's a quick recap with some additional contemporary artists to illustrate the breadth of the scene:

• Pop: Sigrid, Aurora, Astrid S, Dagny, Highasakite
• Electronic: Kygo, Alan Walker, Röyksopp, Cashmere Cat, Lindstrøm
• Indie/Rock: Girl in Red, Boy Pablo, Pom Poko, Sløtface
• Hip-Hop/R&B: Karpe, Cezinando, Arif
• Black Metal/Extreme Metal: Dimmu Borgir, Mayhem, Enslaved, Darkthrone
• Jazz: Nils Petter Molvær, Tord Gustavsen, Susanna Wallumrød, Mathias Eick

Music Education and Support

Norway has a strong commitment to music education, with numerous music schools, conservatories, and universities offering high-quality programs. The government also provides significant funding for the arts, including music, through organizations like Arts Council Norway. This support helps to foster a thriving creative environment and allows Norwegian artists to develop their talents and reach wider audiences.

The Future of Norwegian Music

With it's strong musical foundation, and ongoing success on the world stage, the norwegian music scene will continue to grow. New artists are constantly emerging.

My personal reflections on Norwegian music.

I have grown up listening to norwegian music, and i have also been playing in several bands in Norway. I have played conserts in Oslo, and in the south of Norway. I like to jam, and play music together with other people. It is fun to improvise, and make songs on the fly. I like to make music that is unique. I also like to listen to music from other countries. Music from other cultures can be inspiring. I like to make music that makes people happy. And i like to make music that makes people think. I have made a lot of music that is not published. This is because im a perfectionist, and i always think my music could be better. I started playing guitar when i was 16 years old. I had a band and we played rock music. Later i joined a christian band, and we played christian rock. I also like classical music, and i like to listen to Mozart.