Sondre Lerche heads out on U.S. tour
Early February sees pop icon Sondre Lerche touring the U.S. with his critically celebrated new album Heartbeat Radio.
Born and raised in Bergen, Norway, Lerche has been living in New York for several years, and has by now established himself as one of the most interesting Norwegian songwriters of his generation. Early February sees Lerche heading back to the US for a string of dates across the country.
Inspired by bands like A-ha, the Beach Boys, and Prefab Sprout, Sondre Lerche began taking guitar lessons at age eight. As a teenager he performed acoustic sets at the club where his older sister worked, before eventually being “discovered” by Norwegian producer HP Gundersen.
By the time Lerche had released his major-label debut, the then 19-year-old Norwegian was already something of a veteran in the music business. Signed to Virgin Norway in 2000, Lerche released a chart-topping EP, “You Know So Well”, in February 2001. His easily recognizable voice and songwriting abilities quickly drew attention throughout Europe. In recent years, he has used New York as a base for extensive touring throughout the US, which has created a loyal US fanbase as well.
‘Heartbeat Radio, which saw its release in September 2009, is Lerche’s boldest and most challenging record so far, mixing acoustic guitars with eclectic orchestral pop.
Wrote Spin Magazine in its review of ‘Heartbeat Radio’ : “Pop prodigy matures into cool, composed maestro: On his previous offerings, this Norwegian singer-songwriter has been a smooth jazz crooner, a spiky pop-rocker, and a simpatico soundtrack composer. With Heartbeat Radio, Lerche aligns all his identities: Gentlemanly melodies glide across elegant guitars and High Llama Sean O’Hagan’s swelling string arrangements. Living in cramped New York apartments has sharpened both Lerche’s wit and feng shui – a heightened wryness now complements his compositional facility, and every banjo and trombone filigree feels essential.” 8/10 stars.
Tour dates here.
Source: MIC Norway
