私達はいつも共同作業をしています。作曲のアプローチとしての様々なやり方にやりがいを感じています。私達がコラボレーションで何を
するのかという要望については頑固なところはありますが、大きな全体の一部分であるというは楽しく、また大きな喜びを与えてくれます
。実は、『Solstov』のすべてのゲストはバルセロナのStorung Festivalで出会ったアーティスト達です。Sleep Orchestraとはコラボレー
ション・アルバム『Drowning in the Sky』も制作してそれはロシアの“Dronarivm”からリリースされています。
We started the project back in 2005 in the town of Bergen in Norway. Originally we started out being a trio - Rune and myself
- and a graphic designer, Stig Bo. He created the terrific logo and also some CD artwork for our demo that ended up at 12k
with Taylor Deupree. We were really confident about creating a concept that also consisted of a strong visual side, but
during the first months we realised that these thoughts simply couldn't be realised the way we wanted. But we went on being a
duo. Hopefully we can connect again soon for some visual collaborations.
We envisioned a project with strong connections to Norwegian nature and language - all our album titles and track names are
in Norwegian - often referring to nature and landscape. This helps create an overall framework that also assists us in
creating our music. Pjusk is the sound of cold streams. The sound of mountains.
Why did you choose "Pjusk" for the project? And, what does it mean for English?
To be quite honest, we wanted a name that stood apart from the usual computer-scifi-electronic names that we were quite used
to. Something short that also would be easy to visualise. And yes, Pjusk is a Norwegian word. It has several meanings. One of
them, meaning to be "pjusk" - being a bit off - not up to your usual standards. It is also possible to "pjusk" someone -
being cuddly and cosy. Actually the word is being used by Norwegian teenage girls. But you didn't know that.
How did you make the latest album "Solstov"?
Solstov was made by focusing on (and circling) the sound of the trumpet (played by Kare Nymark Jr.). It is fair to say that
it is an album that uses acoustic sources quite a lot - although manipulated and tweaked into new territories. We asked
Taylor Deupree (the label manager of 12k) to use his Kyma system to push a lot of our trumpet material into completely new
directions. A process that we were really happy with. We were also fortunate to get an exclusive cover painted by Marianne
Morild that we think captured the spirit of the album in a delicate way.
Sleep Orchestra, Yui Onodera and some more guests joined this album. How was the collaboration with them?
We have alway been really into collaborative work. It is rewarding in many ways - although we are certainly quite stubborn
about what directions we want the collaboration to take, it gives us great joy to be part of a bigger whole, so to speak.
Actually all the guests on Solstov were artists we met in Barcelona (at the Storung Festival) and we also did a collab album
with Sleep Orchestra (Drowning in the sky) - this album was released on the Russian label Dronarivm.
This album was released from 12K. How about the label?
12k has been and still is, a welcome home for us. The dialogue with Taylor has been nothing but excellent and we are happy
to release our music on his label. When that is said, we are currently exploring more percussive elements in our sound, and
we know that this kind of sound is beyond the scope of 12k - so perhaps we have to look for a new label to release our
“uptempo” tracks? Stay tuned. Pjusk going Berlin-style…
You will come to Japan next Spring. I can't wait! I think this will be the first time visiting Japan. How do you feel
about Japan?
Coming to Japan is a dream come true for us. We have been talking about Japan since we started creating music together -
that going to Japan playing our music would be an experience of a lifetime. Sort of the icing on the cake (to use a silly
expression). It means a lot to us and we are looking forward to this trip with great enthusiasm.
Do you have some Japanese favorite artists?
We are familiar with the Japanese 12k artists and have listened to them - in addition we are familiar with the work of Yui
Onodera.
We are in Niigata. Niigata is the country side (2 hours by the bullet train from Tokyo), and they have much snow (maby
like Norway?). Could you give a message to the audience in Niigata?
We are so looking forward to be playing our music for you - and also in similar surroundings like Norway. This is exciting!
We can't wait!
INTERVIEW in January 2016
TRANSLATED by Yui Onodera
TEXT by Masato Hoshino
PJUSK
