Following on from the release of his highly-praised studio album 'Places' last year, Norwegian singer-songwriter dePresno has now returned once again with his uplifting new single 'Silence'.
Capturing more of that warm and tender aesthetic he is known for, 'Silence' makes for a wonderfully rich and alluring listen. With his soft yet euphoric voice riding a bed of humbly-played piano from start to finish, he is continuing his rise as one of the more heartfelt names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Hm, that's a surprisingly tricky question. I suppose the guitar? My dad always used to play around the fire when we were at my childhood cabin so it was almost a given that I would pick it up as well. But I've never really considered myself a guitarist. I mostly look at instruments as a means to an end sort of. Just a way to convey emotion and lyrics in a slightly more beautiful way I suppose.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
So I grew up in a bit of a different home. I have 21 foster siblings in total and almost all of them from different countries around the world. So i grew up listening to a buuunch of different music, but I always felt the most at home when listening to my dad's old folk records.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Honestly one of the first new vinyls I ever bought was “silence fiction” by O. Martin! And coincidentally he has co-produced and written a bunch of songs on my upcoming album with me! so that turned out alright for me haha.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I have a whole Spotify playlist dedicated to this question actually so narrowing it down to just one seems borderline impossible, but if I had to it’d probably be Don McLeans Vincent
The playlist also contains contributions by the likes of:
Dan Croll
Mario
Jason Isbell
Bonnie Tyler
Joni Mitchell
James Bay
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really, no. I've come to a sort of place where I only write for my own project when I really feel like it, so all the rituals and habits are all saved for the manic stages I go through after all the writing and stuff.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Anything by Donovan woods or Holly Humberstone and I'm there all night. absolutely incredible songwriters and performers. Also I’ve listened to Marcus Mumford's new album more times than I'm proud to say.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Ah, maybe my good ol’ friend lissie! just cause that would be the best excuse to see eachother again? and her newest record is bangin.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Honestly just the humanity of it all. The relationship to the people I meet and write with and share beautiful, intense and meaningful moments with on and off stage. That's why I keep doing it anyway. There's just no better high than that.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I don't know about frustrating, but one of the most challenging parts for me is the “all-consumingness” of it all. You are the artist and the artist is you and therefor you sort of link the value of those two things as well. And that can be a real challenge sometimes.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Just fucking do what you believe in! And honestly - no one knows what they're doing so just do you and you'll be good.
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dePresno's new single 'Silence' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.