Born in Oslo in 2000, Vetle Nærø moved to Ålesund at 5 years old where began studying piano, starting with classics such as Chopin and Rachmaninoff. At the age of nine he discovered the forefathers of minimalism such as Philip Glass and Arvo Part, these are the influences that created Vetle Nærø’s philosophy and goal to convey feelings and thoughts through his music, to perform and compose emotionally spontaneous music directly from the heart, which is simple and can be understood by anyone.
Vetle Nærø’s second album Introspection is out the 16th April on 7K! ‘Introspection’ is an album inspired by an inward, emotional gaze, conveying feelings which are often difficult to translate into words.
FACTS
1. I find dreams really interesting
2. Think before you speak
3. We almost never stop and just listen anymore
QUESTIONS
1. What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
Moments and memories from life. I think that all the things that happens to me, good and bad, is what gives me the urge to write music.
2. How and when did you get into making music?
At one point when learning classical piano, I got so tired of playing pieces by others. I felt that they represented feelings that were not mine, which is why I felt distanced from it. I then got into making music which conveyed my feelings and emotions. I was around 15 at that time.
3. What are 5 of your favourite albums of all time?
1. Presomnal – Benjamin Gustaffson
2. Async – Ryuichi Sakamoto
3. For Emma, Forever Ago – Bon Iver
4. City Lake – Bing & Ruth
5. Kid A – Radiohead
4. What do you associate with Berlin?
I have only been in Berlin once a long time ago. I don’t remember much, but I find huge interest in Berlin and its appreciation for culture. I would love to travel there soon. Maybe the feeling I associate with Berlin is curiosity.
5. What’s your favourite place in your town?
My favourite place in my town is the woods just outside my house. Its about a five minute walk, and then you enter these beautiful and peaceful woods. It is a perfect place for inspiration or just to zone out into the nature.
6. If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
Probably pursue photography or overdose on coffee.
7. What was the last record/music you bought?
That was the LP ‘some kind of peace’ by Olafur Arnalds. It is a really touching and inspiring record.
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
A person where we can share and extract the same visions and dreams in music. I see collaboration more than just working together. I think it is more about a deep understanding and appreciation for each others work and thoughts. That is the who I would love to collaborate with. Looking forward to meet you in the future.
9. What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
A couple of years back I performed my song ‘From Her Words’ at a graduation. In the midst of the performance I completely forgot the whole song, and started improvising instead. The song took completely new directions. Never ever have I felt so present in a moment before, and connected with music on a so spiritual level.
10. How important is technology to your creative process?
I think technology is a big part of being a modern artist. We work through technology and live through technology. I love to work with synthesisers and effects, and it is really is affecting my creative process in a lot of good ways.
However, I try to involve a share of skepsis as well. Technology like for instance social media, can also entirely kill the creative process. It sucks you in and never lets you out again. Some things are only temporary and ever evolving, so I like to think that I can still create music without technology also.
11. Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career/art?
I have two younger brothers. They like what I do, and think it is cool that I pursue my dream. But they are also afraid for me not making enough money for myself in the future.
Photo © Vetle Nærø
