Gåte ''Sigil showcases the full breadth of our musical identity''
Gåte are the creators of wonderfully enchanting music that captures the listener with a sound that is melancholic yet uplifting and wholly satisfying. A combination of the electronic and traditional, the new album is the stunning “Sigil” created of the earth and further proof of their status as one of Norway’s premier bands. Their music is complex yet immediately rewarding, transformational and evocative. It is both emotional and visceral, progressive and accessible . They have recently won The John Lennon Songwriting Contest with “Sannsiger”!
Jon Even Schärer (songwriter & drummer) ‘’Thank you! Yes, it is a great honour. To be honest, we had not heard of the competition before, but once we received the news and did some research, we realised just how significant it is. “Sannsiger” also marks a new direction for the band, so it is especially exciting that this particular song won its category.
Does Sigil represent a further evolution of your sound—a continuation of the riddle that is Gåte?
‘’Sigil showcases the full breadth of our musical identity. The album ranges from the heaviest djent riffs to the softest, most beautiful, and fragile moments. It reflects the different musical backgrounds and tastes of each member of the band, so we are very proud that we managed to weave such a wide spectrum into one cohesive whole.
Is this a more outward-looking, international album, filled with its own distinctive intensity?
‘’We are now focusing on reaching an international audience, so yes, I would say that it is.
The album also has a distinctly rock-oriented and electronic edge. How important is it to create a balance between electronica and instruments such as the Hardanger fiddle and hurdy-gurdy?
‘’Creating that balance is not a goal in itself for us; it is about choosing whatever serves each song best. Those decisions emerge naturally during the creative process. On this album, we were fortunate enough to work with producer Kristian Tvedt, who has worked with everything from pop to black metal. He understood the breadth of what we do from an early stage.
Is creating colour and texture an essential part of your music?
‘’Yes, I would definitely say so.
You have an ability to convey both wonder and mortality. Are these things we should not fear, but instead embrace as part of the cycle of life?
‘’Yes. This is an honest album, with lyrics that explore a wide range of themes, including some of these subjects. Mortality is absolutely something we should embrace as part of the cycle of life.
There is a sense of renewal throughout the album, both spiritually and mentally?
‘’To a certain extent. As I mentioned, the band consists of five very different individuals. We also have different personal perspectives on spirituality, faith, and related subjects, so this is a difficult question to answer on behalf of everyone. However, there are certainly several parallels that can be drawn between the album and personal growth.
What is it about Norwegian culture that makes its stories and sources of inspiration so unique? Is it even possible to explain?
‘’We draw a great deal of inspiration from traditional folk music and old folk melodies. They are deeply rooted in specific local traditions, and there are some truly unique gems to be found if you look carefully enough.
‘’At the same time, if you go far enough back in history, you also find many similarities. National borders did not necessarily define the kind of music people created, and the further back we go, the more similarities we discover between the music of different countries. Still, there is no doubt that the distinctive qualities of Norwegian culture have had a profound influence on us.
How important are different musical styles to you, and where do you find your inspiration and influences?
‘’They are very important because they are reflected in our own music. I come from a rock and metal background, for example, and contribute a great deal to the rhythmic side of the band, as well as to our riff-based songs.
‘’I listen to a wide range of music, from electronica to black metal, and that is also reflected in Gåte. I also play in another band that combines black metal and folk music, and I have always been drawn to riffs and rhythmic variation, and I tend to focus more on rhythm than on lyrical content.
‘’Gunnhild, on the other hand, is almost the complete opposite. She does not listen to music as much, but she is very focused on the broader aspects of storytelling. Once again, the differences between us give the band a range and breadth that greatly benefit our musical expression.
How do you define art, and what level of dedication does it take to create it?
‘’Art is anything you create. It is as simple- and as difficult - as that.
Will there be a world tour? Do you have any plans to visit the Asia-Pacific region?
‘’Well, I am afraid I have to give you the boring answer: it all comes down to finances. Touring has become incredibly expensive for bands, so we simply have to be realistic. If the right opportunities arise and everything works financially and logistically, we will of course come!
What are your six greatest albums of all time?
That is a lot of albums to choose! But okay—let’s go:
Garmarna – Vedergällningen
Cult of Luna – Vertikal I
Refused – The Shape of Punk to Come
Meshuggah – obZen
Seigmen – Total
Animal Alpha – Pheromones
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