I BELIEVE IN MUSIC AS ACROSS CULTURAL GLOBAL LANGUAGE.
Music moves. Music speaks. Music is like a language that expresses things spoken words can not.
We are happy that you found the time for this written interview, and we are all looking forward to hear more about you and your music.
Would you like to tell us a little about yourself?
I grew up on a farm close to Hokksund, a village about one hour out of Oslo, Norway, and have always been interested in music. Later in Life, I have been living
“Kjell Braaten” is that your real name?
Yes, that is my real name, I do have a middle name, but it is only possible to spell it with the Norwegian alphabet (we have three more letters than the English one,) so to make it simple, I only use Kjell 🙂
How long have you been playing and producing music?
Since I was a little boy. My first solo release (on cassette) was in 1993, first album in 1995 🙂
And how did it start for you with playing music?
I started up in the local school band, but soon understood that I had much more than that in me and started to explore more.
What music inspired you at that time?
Oh… So much! Neil Young, King Chrimson, Pink Floyd, Huun Huur Tu, Djivan Gasparyan, Red Harvest, Sepeltura…
Have you ever played in any bands?
Oh yes! Quite a few!
Origami Arktika, Vaibmugiella, Origami Galaktika, Nebala, Angstsemblet, Wardruna, Ehwaz, Skvalthr, Leaf, Varde, to mention some.
How many instruments do you play and which ones?
Oh… I have no idea! A friend once told me she lost count after counting about 100 instruments in my studio, and I play them all, hehe…
Percussion, wind instruments, bras, strings.. I find all instruments fascinating, but what speaks to me the most is unpolished traditional instruments from around the globe.
Any plans about learning to play a new instrument?
Always!
Did you have any kind of music education, or did you learn by yourself?
I do. I was a certified conductor and music instructor/ teacher at the age of eighteen, then I went for my education as a sound engineer and producer after that.
I know you have made collabs with other musicians, would you like to tell a little about that and maybe with whom you have done collabs with?
So many… Nemuer, Kati Ran, Trevor Morris (Vikings Valhalla soundtrack), Byrdi, Anette Aga, Kentin Jivek, Carina Dulea, Stuba, SKAIDRA JANČAITĖ, Martine Kraft, Agdir, Ravenferd, Runahild, Astralseid, Marit Hætta… And the list goes on, hehe..
Would you do more collabs.?
Absolutely! Collab’s is always interesting. And it is also a great way to explore new things, to learn, and to push your boundaries.
Do you have a favorite band or musician that means more to you than others?
Many. They all mean different things. But these days, I work so much with music that I guess
silence is my favourite.
Do you make other kind of music than what we know you for?
Probably for many. I mean, as Kjell Braaten, I do quite a bit of different music genres, but I also used to be known as one of the craziest punk guitarists in Norway, and I do also work with more digital/ programed music. And I always loved to work with deep ambient stuff. If you check out my discography at www.kjellbraaten.com you will find a lot of different stuff.
Where do you typically get your inspiration to compose/ produce music?
Hmm… From Nature. But also from places, people, conversation, and of course from other artists.
Are you a believer of the Nordic/old ways or finding the history interesting?
Well, I do definitely find it interesting. That’s why I spent the last 25 years teaching about music and instruments in their time. I do not believe in the old- Norse religion as some may do, but I do believe in the phenomenon the figures represent. Most of all, I believe in Nature. Honestly, I think my believes does not fit in in any set religion but has bits and pieces from many.
Can it be hard to find time for the music and the balance between music/family life and other things in life? (many feel they have to little time to make their music)
Always. Tho I do music full- time, as my work, there is never enough time, hehe… And I guess that this answer also say that there is not enough time for family and friends either. Time is a strange thing, and unfortunately, it feels like we have less and less time, the older we get.
Any new releases of tracks or album soon?
Yes. Next year, there will be several. A new Kjell Braaten album is in the works, and I will also let out a new project, Ethnosonic Sound System, and …
Are you playing on festivals in 2025?
As always, I will do lectures and concerts at loads of Viking markets/ festivals, but music festivals, I have none booked so far. So… If anyone… Now is the time to ask, hehe 😉
Do you have other interest like crafting, painting, games or carving?
Mu music takes up most of my time, but I also make some images, I do the lecturing, and I love spending time in Nature.
Where are you in 5 years with your music journey?
Hopefully still on the path, hopefully with some more people listening to my music, and some more concerts, making the economy a bit more stable, hehe 🙂
Also, hopefully, I have learned a lot of new things and have a broader experience from collaborating with more artists around the world.
We would like to thank you for answering our questions about your music, and glad we could do this written interview.
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