Recently named ”one of Americana’s biggest head-turners” by Popmatters, for their 2020 album We Wither, We Bloom, The Northern Belle continue to release music. A more layered, eclectic sound acts as an example of the group's continued musical evolution. 

Self-produced by frontwoman Stine Andreassen and her band, the new songs are products of our time. Personal feelings and ideas have run wild and free. Due to the pandemic, the need for human interaction – cooperation and collaboration – is at the heart of the music. The last year has also been a time for contemplation and retrospection, a chance to revisit old favorites and inspirations. The culmination of this nostalgia is the band’s brand new version of a John Prine classic: “Summer’s End”. Andreassen says of the choice:

– I love John Prine’s humor, his way of seeing the world and his soft touch. It broke my heart when he passed away last year and as a result I started singing his songs more often at home. I’m forever grateful that I got to see him perform at Oslo Konserthus in 2018 – the same night I ran into Phoebe Bridgers in the bathroom and made a fool of myself and talked about allergies and just wanted to be her best friend. 

– I smile when I think back to when I got to visit Oh Boy Records in Nashville. Eileen, who works there, gave me a book of Prine’s lyrics and some stickers for my guitar case – I was screaming inside with joy. Beside the fireplace was a fake white Christmas tree with so many colors and funny ornaments. I especially liked the one with Miley Cyrus on a wrecking ball! John Prine will be a part of my life forever and I wish I had written this song.

The Tromso-via-Oslo septet are led by singer-songwriter Stine Andreassen. A true storyteller inspired by Norwegian folk and country music which results in a hybrid you might call Nordicana. It is a style that has seen them secure support slots with the likes of Courtney Marie Andrews, Sturgill Simpson and Erin Rae.

The Northern Belle - Summer's End (DWYBO Records)

Jeg drømte at Magnus, aka, Cosmic Scorpio sang melodien på denne visa og siden har jeg ikke sett meg tilbake. 

I had a dream and DOOM was rapping on this tune that was written by (in the dream) Magnus, aka. mr Bass aka. Cosmic Scorpio.

MF DOOM - My Favorite Ladies (Magnus i Drømmeland Gunerius version)

Pre-save the track in the streaming service of your choice here: https://orcd.co/dwybopre

Norwegian-American singer/songwriter Signe Marie Rustad was born and raised on a farm in central Norway, where the forest, river and fields have filled her with a deep calmness and never-ending restlessness. As a result, many of her songs carry within them a search for a balance between these elements. 

After catching the attention of the growing americana-loving audience in Norway with 2012 debut Golden Town – the title a reference to her mother's hometown Golden, Colorado – Rustad secured her first Spellemann (Norwegian Grammy) nomination with critically acclaimed second album Hearing Colors Seeing Noises (2016).
 
On upcoming third album, When Words Flew Freely, Rustad returns with the powerful, elastic voice and poetic lyrical style that has earned her a loyal fan base in Norway. The album's nine tracks revolve around traumatic life events, and the feeling of emotional stagnation, with a severe writer’s block as a result. On the first single from the album, Rustad says:
 
“’Die With Your Boots On’ was my writer's block recovery, written parallel with recovering emotionally from a traumatic time in my personal life. The song basically addresses how music can save your life, and it was initially written as a homage to my booking team and all the great music they've brought on to stages and played during their DJ-sets around Oslo.  ’So the night came with darkness, but there's plenty of light in a pure, golden, heartfelt voice that breaks the ice’: I'm trying to describe the magic that can happen when you're in the audience at a concert, or just someplace where music is being played – and maybe you haven't had a very good day – and then a voice, an instrument, the words of a song or just something that you can't quite pinpoint in what you are hearing grounds your feet, creates this warm feeling inside your chest and truly makes you feel like everything is going to be OK. The phrase ‘Die With Your Boots On’ is kind of an alternative way of saying ‘don't give up’. Despite anything you may be going through, don't ever give up. Don't take those boots off – don't stop walking onwards.”

Together with producer Kenneth Ishak (of Norwegian cult-band Beezewax), and with backing from new label Die With Your Boots On Records, Rustad looks to build on the success of her previous albums, with a new excursion into free-flowing, folksy, cosmic music.
 
When Words Flew Freely is scheduled for worldwide release on November 1st, with single “Die With Your Boots On” out May 31st, and second single “Something Easier” out on September 27th.

Signe Marie Rustad - Die With Your Boots On

Die With Your Boots On Records

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