In Bergen, the pop music capital of Norway, people have been familiar with her name and her voice for a long time. Now the rest of the world is getting the chance to hear Joanne Vaardal-Lunde.
For 33-year old Joanne, music has been an important part of her life since she was a little kid winning local talent shows. Since the beginning of her twenties she has worked hard at writing songs, developing her sound and building experience as a live artist. Instead of rushing out her first release, Joanne has chosen a patient, perfectionist approach, taking law school and starting a professional career while continuously working on her music. As you might know, real love also means being willing to wait.
However, now theyre finally here – Joanne and ”Soft Spot”, her beautiful, soft voice and those sweet, catchy melodies. Working as a classic singer/songwriter in the pop, folk and country field, she favors emotion and quality instead of glitzy trappings and over-the-top production. Her wide range of influences include Eva Cassidys delivery, the moods of Leonard Cohen, Dolly Partons songcraft and Sophie Zelmanis melodies (not to forget Shania Twains spirit!)
Joanne bases her songs on her own experiences and observations. Like most thins in life, the real subject in people – all the wonderful, confusing and funny things that happen when people interact.
The album was recorded with the help of some very experienced local musicians. The arrangements emphasize the individual strengths of each song, giving the record a varied, interesting feel. While the calm, elegant beauty of ”Mother Next Time” might remind you of Mazzy Star, ”Let Me Know” is a delightful, springy pop tune with soul style horns and a cheeky organ hook. Between these two extremes youll also find the subdued accordion tones of ”My Sweet Lover”, the sweet string ballad ”Only The Stars” and the elegant ”So Harsh”, co-written with H. P. Gundersen, a veteran on the Norwegian music scene.
Gundersen is only one of the many respected musicians working with Joanne. On ”Soft Spot” youll hear important contributions from Mads Eriksen, Bergmund Waal Skaslien, Steinar Krogstad and Erik Halvorsen. When you add the fact that Joanne has played in a band with Sgt. Petter and worked with Sondre Lerche, its almost surprising that she isnt well-known outside of Bergen already.
With ”Soft Spot” she intends to make sure you learn the name Joanne Vaardal-Lunde.
