Motgift

2021

“Motgift” (“Antidote”) is the title of Tom Roger Aadland’s ninth album. A year ago he looked over the new songs he’d written. “What are these songs really about?” was the question he asked himself. Vulnerability, was the word that came to mind. “Motgift” is an album that contains both light and darkness. The music has edge and attitude, the lyrics may well be the best he’s written.

Produced by Lars Voldsdal
Mixed by Lars Voldsdal
Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, New York

Tom Roger Aadland: vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica
Kjetil Steensnæs: acoustic and electric guitars, baritone guitar, pedal steel guitar, banjo, backing vocals
Kristian Kvalvaag: acoustic and electric guitars, backing vocals
Mikael Lindqvist: piano, hammond organ, synthesizer, mellotron
Ruben Fredheim Oma: bass, backing vocals
Karl Oluf Wennerberg: drums, percussion
Lise Voldsdal: violin
Kaja Fjellberg Pettersen: cello
Espen Reinertsen: saxophone
Dag Stiberg: saxophone
Lars Voldsdal: percussion, electric guitar

Design & web: Raffaele Malanga
Photo: Edgar G. Bachel
All songs: Words and music: Tom Roger Aadland © 2021

Lyrics

På veg til deg – Single

2021

This is the first single from the Tom Roger Aadland’s upcoming album «Motgift». What matters is where you’re heading.

Produsert av Lars Voldsdal
Tatt opp og mikset av Lars Voldsdal
Mastret av Greg Calbi, Sterling Sound, New York

Tom Roger Aadland: vokal, gitar
Kjetil Steensnæs: gitar, kor
Kristian Kvalvaag: gitar
Mikael Lindqvist: orgel, piano
Ruben Fredheim Oma: bass, kor
Karl Oluf Wennerberg: trommer
Dag Stiberg: saksofon
Espen Reinertsen: saksofon

Tekst & musikk: Tom Roger Aadland
Omslag: Raffaele Malanga, Far Studios, London

Tøyenv – Single

2020

Tom Roger Aadland has lived at Tøyen, Oslo for the last fourteen years. Now he has written a tribute song to his neighbourhood.

Produced by Lars Voldsdal
Recorded and mixed by Lars Voldsdal at Velvet Recording, Voldsdal Studio and Tøyen skole
Mastered by Gene Grimaldi, Oasis Mastering, Los Angeles

Tom Roger Aadland: vocals
Kjetil Steensnæs: guitar, backing vocals
Kristian Kvalvaag: guitar, backing vocals
Mikael Lindqvist: organ, piano, synthesizer
Ruben Fredheim Oma: bass, backing vocals
Karl Oluf Wennerberg: drums, backing vocals
Tøyen barnekor conducted by Sølvi Hansen: backing vocals

Words & music: Tom Roger Aadland
Artwork: Raffaele Malanga, Far Studios, London

Hald meg – Single

2020

“Hald meg” is a roots ballad written by Tove Bøygard and Tom Roger Aadland. The song deals with a serious theme. Bøygard says: “It’s about the slow changes happening in our community. There’s a development towards bigger differences. It takes place without making the headlines, almost in secret.”

Produced by Freddy Holm
Recorded and mixed by Freddy Holm at Kleiva Studio, Halden

Tove Bøygard: vocals
Tom Roger Aadland: vocals
Freddy Holm: guitar, lap steel, mandolin, strings
Jørun Bøgeberg: bass
Eivind Kløverød: drums

Words & music: Tove Bøygard og Tom Roger Aadland
Artwork: Raffaele Malanga, Far Studios, London

Engel ifrå Seljord – Single

2020

«Engel ifrå Seljord» is a Norwegian version of John Prine’s classic “Angel from Montgomery”. Tom Roger Aadland has translated the lyrics and recorded the song with singer Tove Bøygard and her band. This is the third single Tove and Tom Roger release together.

Produced by Freddy Holm
Recorded and mixed by Freddy Holm at Kleiva Studio, Halden

Tove Bøygard: vocals
Tom Roger Aadland: vocals & guitar
Freddy Holm: guitar, lap steel, mandolin
Jørun Bøgeberg: bass
Eivind Kløverød: drums

Words & music: John Prine
Norwegian lyrics: Tom Roger Aadland
Artwork: Raffaele Malanga, Far Studios, London

Flamma i ditt blod – Single

2020

Tove Bøygard and Tom Roger Aadland are two of the most critically acclaimed Norwegian singers and songwriters the last years. Now they’ve started writing together, and what a debut! “Flamma i ditt blod” (“The Flame in Your Blood”) is a playful, energetic gem of a song with an irresistible chorus.

Produced by Freddy Holm
Recorded and mixed by Freddy Holm at Kleiva Studio, Halden

Tove Bøygard: vocals
Tom Roger Aadland: vocals & guitar
Freddy Holm: banjo, bouzouki, guitar, lap steel, strings
Jørun Bøgeberg: bass
Eivind Kløverød: drums & percussion

Words & music: Tove Bøygard og Tom Roger Aadland
Artwork: Raffaele Malanga, Far Studios, London

Play

Live i Oslo Konserthus

2019

Tom Roger Aadland has released seven critically acclaimed studio albums. “Live i Oslo Konserthus” is his first live album and catches Tom Roger backed by a six piece band featuring some of Norway’s finest musicians. The fourteen songs include audience favourites such as «Alle dei i ei» («All of Those in One») and «Min beste ven på ein dårleg dag» («My Best Friend on a Bad Day»), as well as exciting new versions of Dylan translations such as «Vikla inn i blått» («Tangled Up in Blue») and «Leopardskinnsbunadshetta di» («Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat»). The album also includes a duet with singer Tove Bøygard, «Farten til lyden av einsemd» – a Norwegian version of John Prine’s «Speed of the Sound of Loneliness». “Live i Oslo Konserthus” has been produced by Lars Voldsdal (Madrugada, Hellbillies).

Produced by Lars Voldsdal
Recorded by Lars Voldsdal in Oslo Konserthus February 8th 2019
Assisted by Jan Olsen Skare
Live sound by Martin Fixdal
Mixed by Lars Voldsdal
Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, New York

Tom Roger Aadland: lead vocals, harmonica, acoustic guitar
Tove Bøygard: lead vocals
Kjetil Steensnæs: acoustic and electric guitars, baritone guitar, pedal steel guitar, banjo
Kristian Kvalvaag: electric guitar, lap steel guitar
Lise Voldsdal: violin, octave violin, autoharp, percussion, backing vocals
Asbjørn Ribe: piano, organ, accordion, backing vocals
Ruben Fredheim Oma: bass, backing vocals
Karl Oluf Wennerberg: drums

Graphic design: Raffaele Malanga, London
Photo: Edgar G. Bachel, Arash Taheri
Words & music: Tom Roger Aadland
A2/B2/C4/D2 Words & music: Bob Dylan, Norwegian translation: Tom Roger Aadland
© Dwarf Music / Sony/ATV Music Publishing Scandinavia
B1 Words & music: John Prine, Norwegian translation: Tom Roger Aadland
© BMG Rights Management

Farten til lyden av einsemd – Single

2019

When Tom Roger Aadland played in Oslo Konserthus accompanied by a six piece band earlier this year, he invited singer Tove Bøygard to join him in a Norwegian duet version of John Prine’s beautiful “Speed of the Sound of Loneliness”. The chemistry between the two artists was perfect, and the result is the single “Farten til lyden av einsemd”.

Photo: Sara Andersson

Blod på spora (Special Edition)

2018

Blod på spora  is a Norwegian version of Bob Dylan’s masterpiece Blood On The Tracks and was recorded with musicians from the low-fi post-rock band The Low Frequency in Stereo, in addition to Brian Connor on keyboards. Blod på spora was released in September 2009, and the brilliant reception led to extended touring all over Norway. The opening track Vikla inn i blått (Tangled up in Blue) was later voted one of the best all-time Norwegian cover songs by streaming service Tidal (WiMP). This special edition contains the bonus track Opp til meg (Up to Me).

Produced by Brian Connor & Tom Roger Aadland
Recorded at ABC Studio, Etne August 2 – 5 2009
Engineered by Stig Morten Sørheim
Mixed by Stig Morten Sørheim at ABC Studio
Mastered by Björn Engelmann at Cutting Room, Stockholm
«Opp til meg» recorded at ABC Studio February 14 2017

Tom Roger Aadland: vocals, guitar, harmonica & organ (11)
Brian Connor: piano & organ
Per Steinar Lie: bass & guitar (11)
Ørjan Haaland: drums & organ (11)
Linn Frøkedal: vocals (2, 9)
Erling Kvarven: accordion (7)

Photo: Edgar G. Bachel, fin Costello (portrait)
Design: Raffaele Malanga

All songs: Words & music: Bob Dylan
Norwegian translation: Tom Roger Aadland
© Ram’s Horn Music / Sony/ATV Music Publishing Scandinavia

Lyrics

Songfugl

2018

Rock poet Tom Roger Aadland’s seventh album “Songfugl” has been described as his most steadfast and self confident – and emotional. Three singles have already been released from the album, all warmly received. “Sommaren utan ende” was declared “a pop song monument” upon its release last summer, while the anthem “Vestland, Vestland” rapidly became a people’s favourite. The newest single “Alle dei i ei” is currently on heavy rotation on national radio. “Songfugl” has been produced by Lars Voldsdal, and in addition to Tom Roger’s regular, excellent studio band (third successive album) it features some very interesting guest appearances.

Produced by Lars Voldsdal
Mixed by Lars Voldsdal
Mastered by Björn Engelmann at Cutting Room, Stockholm

Tom Roger Aadland: vocals, harmonica, acoustic guitar, string arrangements
Kjetil Steensnæs: acoustic and electric guitars, baryton guitar, pedal steel guitar, banjo, piano, backing vocals
Sigbjørn Apeland: harmonium, hammond organ, backing vocals
Tor Egil Kreken: bass, banjo, electric guitar, backing vocals
Erland Dahlen: drums, percussion, timpani, glockenspiel, tubular bells, dulcimer, saw, piano, omnichord, drone box, drum programming, backing vocals
Anne Lise Frøkedal: vocals (Skal eg tilgje), synthesizer
Ingrid Andsnes: piano (Det vakraste ordet)
Lars Håvard Haugen: electric guitar (Moskusen på Dovre)
Lise Voldsdal: violin, backing vocals, string arrangements
Ragnhild Lien: violin
Isa Caroline Holmesland: viola
Kaja Fjellberg Pettersen: cello
Ole-Jacob Ebbesen, Benjamin Valen Aadland: backing vocals (Ein dag)
Lars Voldsdal: electric guitar

Design & web: Raffaele Malanga
Photo: Geir Dokken, Arash Taheri
All songs: Words and music: Tom Roger Aadland © 2018

Lyrics

Alle dei i ei – Single

2018

«Alle dei i ei» is the third single from Tom Roger Aadland’s forthcoming album «Songfugl» (out March 1st).

The song has been produced by Lars Voldsdal and recorded at Velvet Recording, Spydeberg with musicians Kjetil Steensnæs (guitar, piano), Tor Egil Kreken (bass, guitar) og Erland Dahlen (drums). In addition Oslo Strings participates: Lise Voldsdal (violin and string arrangement), Ragnhild Lien (violin), Isa Caroline Holmesland (viola) and Kaja Fjellberg Pettersen (cello). Mastering by Björn Engelmann, Cutting Room, Stockholm. Photo: Geir Dokken. Cover art: Raffaele Malanga.

Lyrics

Vestland, Vestland – Single

2017

“Vestland, Vestland” is an energetic pop rock tune with a chorus that you want you hear again even before the first listening is over. The song is a nuanced, warm greeting to the part of Norway where Tom Roger grew up: ” I can see you within me / I can hear you wherever I go / There’s no pain that you can’t soothe / You make me whole, that’s what you do”.

“Vestland, Vestland” has been produced by Lars Voldsdal and recorded at Velvet Recording with Kjetil Steensnæs (guitar, baritone guitar, pedal steel), Sigbjørn Apeland (Hammond organ), Tor Egil Kreken (bass, banjo) and Erland Dahlen (drums, percussion). In addition Oslo Strings contributes: Lise Voldsdal (violin, backing vocals, string arrangement), Ragnhild Lien (violin), Isa Caroline Holmesland (viola) and Kaja Fjellberg Pettersen (cello). Lars Voldsdal has mixed, the mastering has been done by Björn Engelmann at Cutting Room, Stockholm, while the artwork is by Raffaele Malanga, Far Studios, London.

Lyrics

Sommaren utan ende – Single

2017

This time Tom Roger Aadland has simply made a catchy, melodic pop song with a bright, yet warm sound, and with a slightly wistful feelgood factor. As the title implies, the song is about that summer – some time when you were 14-15-16 years – that you thought would last forever, but which is never coming back. “Four-five fishes, two-three loaves of bread, a flock of seagulls in the middle of the fiord/My brothers with a cigarette in his mouth, crouched over the boat engine”. A song about “girls that overnight turned into wondrous angels” and “boys that just as fast shot like misadjusted flower stalks”.

“Sommaren utan ende” has been produced and mixed by Lars Voldsdal and recorded at Velvet Recording with Kjetil Steensnæs (guitars), Sigbjørn Apeland (hammond organ), Tor Egil Kreken (bass) and Erland Dahlen (drums). Also featured is the fine string ensemble Oslo Strings: Lise Voldsdal (violin and string arrangement),  Ragnhild Lien (violin), Isa Caroline Holmesland (viola) and Kaja Fjellberg Pettersen (cello). The mastering has been done by Björn Engelmann, Cutting Room, Stockholm and the artwork is by Raffaele Malange, Far Studios, London.

Blondt i blondt

2016

Tom Roger Aadland has translated Bob Dylan’s masterpiece Blonde on Blonde into Norwegian and recorded the classic songs together with some of his favourite musicians. The result is Blondt i blondt. Seven years after his success album Blod på spora, Aadland again turns his attention to popular music’s most important songwriter.

Produced by Lars Voldsdal
Recorded and mixed by Kjetil Ulland at ABC Studio, Etne
Mastered by Björn Engelmann at Cutting Room, Stockholm

Tom Roger Aadland: vocals, harmonica, guitar, piano, hammond organ
Kjetil Steensnæs: guitars, dobro, pedal steel, banjo, piano, backing vocals
Sigbjørn Apeland: harmonium, hammond organ
Tor Egil Kreken: bass, banjo, electric guitar, backing vocals
Erland Dahlen: drums, percussion, glockenspiel, saw, rhodes, backing vocals

Design & web: Raffaele Malanga, Far Studios, London
Photo: Arash Taheri

Lyrics

Eg må ha deg – Single

2016

“Eg må ha deg” has been produced by Lars Voldsdal and recorded at ABC Studio, Etne, with some of Norway’s finest rock musicians. Erland Dahlen (drums, percussion), Tor Egil Kreken (bass, backing vocals) and Kjetil Steensnæs (guitar, piano, backing vocals) also played on Aadland’s critically acclaimed album “Rapport frå eit grensehotell”. This time they were joined by Sigbjørn Apeland (Hammond organ). Kjetil Ulland at ABC Studio has mixed and Björn Engelmann at Cutting Room, Stockholm has mastered the track.

Rapport frå eit grensehotell

2015

Rock poet Tom Roger Aadland’s new album Rapport frå eit grensehotell deals with human loneliness and yearning for love. The sound is darker and dirtier than previously; it’s more rock and less folk. The music shifts from gothic soundscapes via aching melancholy to energetic rock. It is atmospheric, dark and beautiful, and it’s cinematic. It is Norwegian Western Gothic at its most captivating. Producer Lars Voldsdal (Madrugada, Hellbillies) has mixed the album, which has been mastered by legendary Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, New York.

Produced by Lars Voldsdal
Mixed by Lars Voldsdal
Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, New York

Tom Roger Aadland: vocals, guitar, harmonica
Kjetil Steensnæs: electric and acoustic guitars, pedal steel, backing vocals
David Wallumrød: piano, Hammond, Clavinet, Prophet5
Tor Egil Kreken: bass, backing vocals
Erland Dahlen: drums, percussion
Lise Voldsdal: string arrangements, violin, viola
Lars Voldsdal: mando-guitar, electric guitar
Grethe Svensen: backing vocals
Robert Post: backing vocals
Raffaele Malanga: backing vocals

Design: Raffaele Malanga, Far Studios, London
Photo: Edgar G. Bachel

Lyrics

Fløyel og stål

2012

Fløyel og stål was written in South Africa the winter of 2011/12, outside Durban by the coast of the Indian Ocean. The album was recorded at Rainbow Studios, Oslo and mixed in L.A. by David Bianco. Fløyel og stål was released in September 2012 to great reviews. The song Min beste ven på ein dårleg dag (My Best Friend on a Bad Day) swiftly went into heavy rotation on Norwegian national radio.

Produced by Jørund Fluge Samuelsen
Mixed by David Bianco, L.A.
Mastered by Björn Engelman at Cutting Room, Stockholm

Tom Roger Aadland: vocals, guitar & harmonica
Olav Christer Rossebø: fiddle, mandolin, mandola & banjo
Kjetil Steensnæs: electric & acoustic guitar, dobro, pedal steel & lap steel
Bjarne Gustavsen: piano & Hammond
Jørun Bøgeberg: bass
Trond Augland: drums & percussion
Hildegunn Garnes Reigstad: glockenspiel & celesta
Grethe Svensen: vocals

Design: Raffaele Malanga, Far Studios, London
Portrait: Ragnhild Kjetland

Lyrics

Det du aldri sa

2011

Det du aldri sa (What You Never Said) was Tom Roger Aadland’s first album with original songs in Norwegian. The album was recorded with a rock combo expanded by pedal steel, double bass, fiddle and mandolin. Det du aldri sa was released in March 2011 and received fine reviews. Songs noted by many were Fall for deg for alvor (Fell for You for Real), Der eg er no (Where I Am Now) and Postkort i oktober (Postcard in October).

Produced by Tom Roger Aadland
Mixed by Stig Morten Sørheim at ABC Studio
Mastered by Björn Engelmann at Cutting Room, Stockholm

Tom Roger Aadland: vocals, guitar & harmonica
Linn Frøkedal: vocals
Olav Christer Rossebø: fiddle, mandolin, mandola
Kjetil Steensnæs: pedal steel, dobro, guitar
Brian Connor: piano & Hammond
Kjetil Lundø: double bass
Per Steinar Lie: bass
Ørjan Haaland: drums

Photo: Edgar G. Bachel
Design: Raffaele Malanga, Far Studios, London

Lyrics

Blod på spora

2009

Blod på spora  was a Norwegian version of Bob Dylan’s masterpiece Blood On The Tracks and was recorded with musicians from the low-fi post-rock band The Low Frequency in Stereo, in addition to Brian Connor on keyboards. Blod på spora was released in September 2009, and the brilliant reception led to extended touring all over Norway. The opening track Vikla inn i blått (Tangled up in Blue) was later voted one of the best all-time Norwegian cover songs by streaming service WiMP.

Produced by Brian Connor & Tom Roger Aadland
Mixed by Stig Morten Sørheim at ABC Studio
Mastered by Björn Engelmann at Cutting Room, Stockholm

Tom Roger Aadland: vocals, guitar & harmonica
Brian Connor: piano & hammond
Per Steinar Lie: bass
Ørjan Haaland: drums
Linn Frøkedal: vocals
Erling Kvarven: accordeon

Photo: Edgar G. Bachel, fin Costello
Graphic design: Tom Roger Aadland / Landa Design

All songs: Lyrics & music: Bob Dylan
Norwegian lyrics: Tom Roger Aadland
© Ram’s Horn Music / Sony/ATV Music Publishing Scandinavia

Lyrics

Obviously Embraced

2007

After travelling and giving concerts all over Ireland, it was natural for Tom Roger Aadland to record his debut album Obviously Embraced in Dublin with Irish musicians. Pianist and producer Brian Connor brought in some of Ireland’s finest rock musicians to the sessions. After hearing the recordings, Alastair McMillan, at the time Van Morrison’s private engineer, offered to mix the album, which was then mastered by legendary Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, New York. Obviously Embraced was released in Ireland in March 2007, and in Norway six months later. Songs especially noted by the critics were Timelock and the title track Obviously Embraced.

Produced by Brian Connor
Mixed by Alastair McMillan
Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, NYC

Tom Roger Aadland: vocals & guitars
Brian Connor: piano, Hammond, Fender Rhodes
Albert Niland: guitars
Nick Scott: bass
Robbie Casserly: drums, bodhran, percussion

Photography by fin Costello
Graphic Design by Marc Bessant

Lyrics