Hjort Interview

 

.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the solo project?

The hjort story started in 2022, right after we released our "Nebula"-EP with V/Haze Miasma. At this time I channeled certain personal stress factors into lots of creative output - and I needed a different songwriting approach. Even more atmosphere. Longer tracks. Just sounds and instruments. Right from the heart.

 

2.In 2025 your first full length coming out, musically how does it differ from your previous singles?

The 2022 "Trilogy" wasn´t meant as an album or EP. Every track was happening spontaneously and released one by one. Those three tracks turned out to be quite dark and very monotonous. Now "evolve IV-VIII" had a bigger interval to the melodic songwriting approach within V/Haze Miasma. I missed that and felt the urge to create a whole album which should transport the vibe of the "Trilogy" but also lighten up a bit by clearer structures and some catchy melodies  - as we use them in V/Haze Miasma, too. I guess my whole mood during the songwriting process was in a way much more positive and confident. I think you can hear that. And in addition, this time I´m very proud of the whole production which is in this case entirely done by myself, aside from mastering which was done as always by Sebastian Moser of Grotesque Studios, my partner in (musical) crime since over 20 years.

 

3.So far all of the music has been instrumental. Are there any plans to use vocals in the future?

There aren´t any plans, but you never know.

 

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name "Hjort"?

It´s norwegian for deer. The "Trilogy" tracks were very inspired by autumn forests. The deer is a very proud and illustrious animal. I teached myself some Norwegian at that time. So for me this combination felt quite fitting.

 

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

I´d love to! The artwork is also largely done by myself. "evolve IV-VIII" was recorded in winter 2023/2024. At the same time I spent some days in the mountains of Bavaria and Austria. All the pictures you can find on the Vinyl version were taken by me at that time, mostly while walking or skiing through this beautiful nature.

 

6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?

I´m very open in working together with other musicians in general. That´s what I always did during the last 25 years and more in different bands like Circle of Grief, Shapeshift, Gloomball and until today in V/Haze Miasma. I love how creativity flourishes when different minds give their input into it. But I also like the possibility of a solo project to put everything right in the way I feel it.

 

7.The new album is going to be released on 'Inertial Music', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Inertial Music is a small but very delicate label from Italy which was founded just in the beginning of 2024, when I´m right. They got my attention by releasing the solo work of Niklas Sundin. I directly felt that those guys follow a similar vibe in music and aesthetics, and I am very happy until today that I wasn´t wrong! I love the pleasant way of communication and cooperation but it's always focussed, reliable and very professional at the same time. And the owner Enrico Longhin is a very nice guy by the way!

 

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black, doom and post metal?

I´m not sure about that, as hjort didn't get very much attention yet. But this even wasn´t the idea in the beginning. But now there is this beautiful album, so we are just starting to spread the word. You know, this is somehow part of the art. Not only create music but also release it, spread it, without knowing about the subsequent feedback. And yes, there were first reviews and reactions where people told in very beautiful words how much this music touched them on an emotional level. There couldn´t be a bigger compliment for me. This kind of connection between musician and listener always feels like magic!

 

9.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

I don't think too much about that. I quit dreaming about being rich and famous many years ago, haha. Seriously, over the years I just found my way to enjoy being creative and feel confident with it. And this includes Hjort as well as V/Haze Miasma which I also hope stays a part of my musical being.

 

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I am and always will be influenced by emotional music like black metal but also grunge. I moreover found out over the years that most of my music has a progressive touch. So I´m not a very old school guy when it comes to black metal. At the moment I listen very much to bands like Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Dool, Solstafir, Ghost Brigade, but also Pain of Salvation, Archive or Madrugada, PJ Harvey, just to name a few. I´m listening music all the time, I love vinyls, this is also an important part of my life.

 

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

If I´m not working or making music I love to be outside, ideally hiking some mountain!

 

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thank you very much for your interest and your questions. I really appreciate that and everyone who gives hjort a shot - highly recommended lying on the floor in the dark or with no more than candlelight - and the volume on a proper level. Be nice to nature and the people around you!

https://youtu.be/v5uI4IGOkfI