Postiljonen’s Ethereal Dream Pop Magic Live Again

Scandinavian dream pop trio Postiljonen – Norwegian singer Mia Bøe  and two Swedish dudes Daniel Sjörs and Joel Nyström Holm – return to Hong Kong for a gig at MOM Livehouse on 21 November 2018.

Since 2011 the trio’s ethereal vocals interwoven with ambient and dreamy melodies have entranced fans across the globe and seen the release of two albums Skyler and Reverie. Ahead of their upcoming show bc spoke to Postiljonen about life as musicians.

https://youtu.be/DBCOPwDGrj8

In today’s era of instant gratification how does it feel as a band to have been around for almost a decade? What has kept you together?
It feels like a natural part of our lives now, just something that’s there and always will be. I think maybe we’re still a band cause were just such good friends privately, it doesn’t really feel like it’s a ”career”.

How do you think your music has changed over time? Has it been an evolving process or have you made deliberate choices in music style/ direction?
Not sure actually. You grow as a person and I think the music influences and inspirations grows with you.

Growing up who were the artists you listened to, were inspired by and why? Who do you listen to now?
Mia listens to alot of folkie stuff, like Cat Power and Jeff Buckley. Joel’s into hip hop and Daniel’s into a lot of 90’s shoe-gaze stuff like Cocteau Twins and Galaxie 500 etc. Maybe the combinations of them makes our sound.

How does it feel to be a band that influences and inspires other musicians
It’s only fun! You get proud.

Of the many songs you’ve written do each of you have a favourite and why?
It’s always changing I guess, but I think we’re very proud of All That We Had Is Lost. Or The Open Road.

As a band which song would you most like to cover?
Hm don’t know. Maybe Rocket Man by Elton John could be fun to cover.

Do you find writing new songs a very organic process with the music and lyrics coming together smoothly or do you find one easier than the other?
It’s always a non linear process when making a song. The lyrics, music and especially production always comes hand in hand. The production and soundscape is such an important part of our songs.

Have you found the creative process easier or harder over the years?
It’s always changing, inspiration comes and goes. I think many artists can agree on that.

When you write songs are they written and structured to be open for interpretation live or do you think fans want to hear it as it’s recorded?
It depends on what kind of show we’re doing. Sometimes we strip them down to the core and just focus on the melody and lyrics, but often we’d like to keep the production and sound when doing a live show.

After so many live shows how do you keep that raw honesty and intensity that make your gigs an amazing experience for the audience?
Just focusing on those people that actually are in the room. They’ve paid to experience something, and you want to deliver that to them.

Do you have a favourite song to play live, which is it and why?
Not sure.. Plastic Panorama? Or Atlantis, when the song reaches climax.

Does it frustrate you at gigs seeing people watching you through their phone screens rather than enjoying the real event in front of their eyes?They want to create memories, so I don’t think it really doesn’t matter.

What can readers and fans expect from the new tour?
A lot of dancing, love and dreamyness. Come as you are. And some new material!

Postiljonen
Date: 8pm, 21 November, 2018
Venue: MOM Livehouse
Tickets: $240, $220 from Ticketflap
More info:
http://postiljonenmusic.com
https://soundcloud.com/postiljonen
www.facebook.com/POSTILJONEN

Polyphia

Polyphia – New Levels New Devils Tour – Live in Hong Kong
Support: Marty Friedman, Jason Kui
Date: 8pm, 24 November, 2018
Venue: TTN
Tickets: $560, $460 from Ticketflap

Ayako Oshima

One of Japan’s most popular clarinet soloists, and winner of numerous international competitions, Ayako Oshima returns to Hong Kong to perform as part of the Bernstein at 100 programme and to host a masterclass and lecture.

Miss Oshima love to showcase the clarinets style and versatility performing regularly recitals and concertos with orchestra while also being active at chamber music festivals across the globe including the Kuhmo Festival in Finland, the Festival Consonances in France, the Sarasota Summer Music Festival. She is also a member of the ensemble “Contrasts Quartet” and the acclaimed period instrument ensemble “Mozzafiato.” She also founded the all female Clarinet Ensemble “NY Licorice Ensemble.”

In addition to her performing career, she is on the faculties of the State University of New York at Purchase, the Juilliard School, and the Hartt School. And has also served on the juries of both the Japan Music Competition and the Japan Winds, Percussion International Competition and the Jacques Lancelot International Clarinet Competition.

She is founder and Director of the Kita Karuizaw a Music Seminar which attracts clarinet students from all over Asia.

Programme
Sonata for Clarinet and Piano Bernstein
4 Pieces in Bird Shape for Clarinet and Piano Yoshimatsu

Ayako Oshima plays Bernstein
Date: 8pm, 24 August, 2018
Venue: Sheung Wan Civic Centre, Theatre
Tickets: $300 from Urbtix
More info:
Miss Oshima will also host a lecture to introduce the various Clarinet performance styles including Classical, Romantic and Contemporary.
10am, 22 August, 2018 – $100
HK Cultural Center Concert Hall Backstage, CR1

Clarinet Masterclass by Ayako Oshima
3pm, 22 August, 2018 – $100
HK Cultural Center Concert Hall Backstage, CR1

Why Don’t We – Cancelled

Why Don’t We – The Invitation Tour
Date: 8pm, 22 August, 2018
Venue: Kitec, Music Zone@E-Max
Tickets: $490

“Corbyn Besson, a member of the group Why Don’t We, underwent emergency surgery 4 weeks ago due to an infection in his throat.  His recovery has been 100%, however, his attending surgeon does not want him to leave the country until August 15, which has caused the rescheduling of the Bangkok, Thailand, and Seoul, Korea shows and, unfortunately, cancellation of the Hong Kong show. Corbyn and his group are looking forward to perform for their fans throughout Asia.”

Refunds available from the organiser.

No explanation as to why Hong Kong was cancelled and the other dates rescheduled.