Clouds EP out now!

Johan Lager grew up in Gothenburg in the 90s, playing and writing music in the emerging indie-rock scene of the city. Years later he began releasing ambient music on his own under the moniker Wilhelm, to date having produced 5 EPs and albums. He was also part of the indie-cinematic musical duo Hidden Land, where the album ‘Perspectives’ was released on the dutch label Volkoren to critical acclaim.

On "Clouds" Lager has returned to his roots of 90s D.I.Y. mentality, finding his voice with simple songs on the guitar, recording sketches in his apartment in a dark wintery Stockholm during Sweden’s soft lockdowns.

In February of 2021, he entered the Green Room studio with engineer Fredrik Moberg (The Virtues, Kristofer Åström) to record. Some of the influences were clear from the beginning - almost attempting to summon the ghost of Elliot Smith for guidance. Other artists important in the process are Red House Painters, Iron & Wine, and even The Cure.

The end result is a stripped back and emotionally baring record, far from the large cinematic productions of his earlier music. Johan’s voice and lyrics and the acoustic guitar are at the center of the music, accompanied by sparse cello arrangements from Ardie Son and Temilia on backing vocals. 

Instrumental: @iamwilhelm
Post-rock project: @hiddenland
Ambient project: @katedralmusic

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