biography of Kim André Rysstad

Kim André Rysstad

 (født 1981) er en vokalist og kveder fra Rysstad i Valle kommune i Setesdal. Etter flere år med undervisning innen klassisk sang valgte han i 2003 å studere folkemusikk. Han ble nummer to i NRK-konkurransen Stjernekamp høsten 2019.

Han har vært elev hos flere av de mest kjente folkesangerne i Norge. Agnes Buen Garnås og Ellen Nordstoga, felespilleren Ånon Egeland og ikke minst Birgit Rike Lund. Rysstad har hovedsakelig jobbet med å tilegne seg den folkelige sangstilen fra hjembygden Rysstad i Valle kommune i Setesdal, men også fra resten av Agder og Telemark. Han har studert både ved Folkekunststudiet i Rauland og Ole Bull Akademiet på Voss.

Rysstad jobber også mye på tvers av sjangere og henter inspirasjon fra country, bluegrass, popmusikk, samt kjente sangere som Whitney Houston og Dolly Parton.

Kim Rysstad deltok i Melodi Grand Prix 2012 der han sang «Så vidunderleg» med tekst og melodi av Elin Nygård. Rysstad har også vært deltager i Beat for beat flere ganger. Høsten 2019 deltok han i tv-konkurransen Stjernekamp på NRK1.  Der endte han på andreplass bak Bilal Saab. Han deltok også i Melodi Grand Prix 2020 der han sang «Rainbow» som han har skrevet sammen med Knut Bjørnar Asphol.

I 2018 og 2024 hadde Kim julekonsert med Kringkastingsorkestret som ble sendt på NRK1.

Award-winning : 

vocalist and A-class singer Kim Rysstad has recorded a beautiful and timeless Christmas album with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The major production "Snøen laver ned" was released on Friday, December 1st and is this year's "Album of the Week" on NPS Music.

The album starts with Kim Rysstad's magical interpretation of "Stjernesludd" that can bring tears to anyone's eyes - a perfect introduction to the rest of the album.

The music and songs on “Snøen laver ned” alternate between the gentle and cautious on “Stille natt” and “Besvärjelse” to the big and fierce in “Happy New Year” and “Det va då” or “O helga natt”. Kim’s velvety voice fits incredibly well with this powerful orchestral production and the devotional Christmas atmosphere spreads throughout the room. There is something magical and cinematic about this album that awakens something in everyone – like a beautiful Christmas fairy tale.

"I was overjoyed when I was asked to be part of this project. To record a record with the London Philharmonic Orchestra itself is a great honor," Kim Rysstad exclaims and continues; "The Snow is Falling" is a Christmas album with alt that belong. Here there are both traditional Christmas songs, well-known Christmas songs, but also some newer ones, and perhaps a little unknown. That's also part of what's exciting about records, to present something new," says Kim Rysstad.

Aftenpostens reviewer Svein Andersen rolls a five on the dice and writes, among other things:

"It is not given to cope with having the London Philharmonic Orchestra itself as a musical accompaniment. The orchestra plays its entire range, coloring, nuances and creating the most powerful sound as they alternate between the most gentle tones and fierce, magnificent tableaux." The vocalist stands firm. Whether Rysstad sings in Norwegian, English or Swedish, he creates intimacy, evokes some goosebumps and gives us back our faith in the validity of the Christmas album.

Most Christmas albums are fleeting. Every now and then, however, one comes along that has a timeless appeal. Award-winning singer and A-class songwriter Kim Rysstad has delivered a Christmas album that, with its magnificent production, the singer's fantastic vocals and a repertoire that embraces a wide range, will stand out. - Powerful, beautiful and magnificent.”

For Kim, Christmas has always held a big place in his heart, but over the years he has developed a slightly different approach to this holiday.

"When I was growing up, Christmas was a holiday I looked forward to with great joy, anticipation and excitement. There were Christmas baking, gifts to wrap, getting a Christmas tree from the forest, writing a wish list to Santa Claus, hanging poinsettias, decorating the Christmas tree, in short alt that belongs to Christmas, he says enthusiastically and continues;

"Today, I probably don't have as much of this Christmas magic in me. I still love Christmas, getting a Christmas tree, baking a little, cooking good food, etc. - but I steer clear of that "Christmas stress". If you don't get to wash every corner, it's not that big of a deal, Christmas is coming anyway. Gifts aren't important anymore, as long as I get to be with the people I love.

"Still, there is one thing I can't do without in the run-up to Christmas, namely music." Drømme"The dream of making a Christmas album has been with me for many years. Now that this dream has come true, I must have been extra kind this year since I was asked to do it with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. My wish for this Christmas is that you, the listener, find a little Christmas peace when you put on this album," concludes Kim. We had a chat with Kim about the album, Christmas and plans for the future, among other things.

Congratulations on the beautiful Christmas album "Snøen laver ned". Can you tell us a little about the process surrounding the album?

Thank you very much for that. “Snow is falling” is a dream project! Johan Lagerlöf at X5 Music/Warner in Sweden was looking for a vocalist with a “folk” background, and got my name via Helge Westbye at Grappa Musikkforlag. He listened to my previous records and found out that it was my voice that would be part of the project. I was asked to add vocals to 13 songs, chose ten of these and those are the final result.

You were asked to make a Christmas album with the London Philharmonic Orchestra itself. Can you tell us a little about how you got this opportunity, and what it was like recording this album with this world-renowned orchestra?

I was rehearsing with some jazz musicians in Bergen when I happened to have my phone in my hand, and I tapped on my email to see if I had any new emails. There were, among others, from Johan Lagerlöf, who asked if I would be interested in adding vocals to some songs together with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The bassist I was rehearsing with saw that I was completely pale, and I could hardly finish the song we were working on. I took a short break, to catch my breath, sent a reply that I was of course interested. I was then sent an audio clip of "Stjernesludd". With tears in my eyes and goosebumps on my arm, it was not that difficult to become more than interested in doing this job. A few songs turned into 10, and now here we are with the result.

I knew the orchestra from film music, the soundtracks to, among others, "The Lord of the Rings", "The Hobbit", and of course from recordings of classical music. Going into the studio to add vocals to these songs was a great experience. Without a doubt one of the greatest things I have experienced so far in my musical career.

What do you want to convey through this Christmas album?

My hope is that anyone who watches "The Snow is Falling" will be able to find some of the peace I'm looking for when the snow comes.

Which songs from the album do you have a special connection to?

"Det hev ei rose sprunge" has been with me for many years, and it is one of the most beautiful Christmas songs we have. It always feels good to sing it, as it gets me in the Christmas spirit. A song I didn't know before was "Det var då", which I fell head over heels for. Both the lyrics and the fantastic melody. Otherwise, "Stjernesludd" is an absolute favorite! The original by Dum Dum Boys is a classic, and it was very special for me to do that song with a large orchestra.

How has the last year been for you musically?

The last year has been very good musically. I have had the opportunity to meet and work with so many different musicians. The big Medieval Ballad Concert with KORK a year ago was huge. I also have my own project, which is to perform DREAMQUADET in Vigeland's Mausoleum on January 6th, all by myself. I have been doing this for three years now, and the two concerts in January 2018 are already sold out. I have also had the opportunity to do secondary school tours where we have played for many thousands of students, solo concerts and events. Nevertheless, I think that recording this Christmas album has topped most of this year.

Who is Kim Rysstad and what is your musical background?

I grew up in a small village, Rysstad, in Valle municipality in Setesdal. One of the major core areas for Norwegian folk music. In my childhood and adolescence I listened more to pop music, so it was only when I was in my early 20s that folk music became a bigger part of me. I have been through many different music genres and see it as a great strength to have more legs to stand on musically.

There's a lot of good Norwegian music these days - what do you like to listen to at the moment?

I have many Norwegian favorites. Kari Bremnes is just fantastic, there's nothing else to say. Her voice, her lyrics, her phrasing, a little laidback and cheeky, it's just so great. Ingebjørg Bratland and her unique voice. We both have roots in folk music, but we like to take it with us on new and exciting paths. It's inspiring to follow her and her path in music. Trygve Skaug write lyrics so that I cry. His latest album "Sanger du skal få när jeg dör" is simply wonderful. That I have been able to stand on stage to sing one of his lyrics, together with him himself, is big for me. Otherwise, I would also like to mention a very exciting folk music project: "Music without borders - FERD" where musicians such as Kirsten Bråten Berg, Annbjørg Lien, Bjørn Ole Rasch collaborate with musicians from other countries, with the folk music from Setesdal as a starting point.

Do you have any musical sources of inspiration?

I have an incredible number of sources of inspiration, approximately alt of music I hear gives me something. Most people who know me know that I'm a big fan of Whitney Houston. Her voice was very special and touched me to such an extent. Otherwise, getting to work with so many great songwriters, musicians, and singers is one of the things that inspires me the most.

What is the funniest or most special thing you have experienced so far as an artist?

The most fun thing about music is that you get to travel a lot, see places you might not otherwise go to. One special thing I've done was stand on the Great Wall of China and recite old poems that my great-grandfather had composed. Imagine if he had known that.

Can you tell us a little about one of your best memories from one of your live performances?

There are so many things to mention, but a special concert experience was when I had a concert at by:Larm in 2009. With quite a lot of noise in the concert hall, I was excited about how it would be to sing a long medieval ballad alone without accompaniment. When I started singing, it became completely quiet, and I sang probably 8-9 verses completely a cappella. A good memory to take with me.

Which Norwegian Christmas song is your absolute favorite?

My absolute favorite Christmas song is probably "Det hev ei rose sprunge". The melody and lyrics are so nice, and as I mentioned, they bring out the Christmas spirit in me. It just fits. The song "Some Children See Him" ​​by James Taylor is also a favorite, he sings so close, real and direct on that recording. Mariah Carey's "All I want for Christmas" is also a must to get in the right Christmas mood.

What is Christmas about for you, how will you spend Christmas Eve and what is on the menu?

Christmas has become a time when we stress ourselves out during Advent. There is gift stress, Christmas stress, baking stress, etc. Together, my partner and I, as well as our two dogs, celebrated Christmas deep in the forests of Värmland. There we have found peace and can let the Christmas spirit sink in. This year we are going to Setesdal to celebrate Christmas in Heimigard with my mother. There is both pork roast and lamb on the menu. There will probably be cloudberry cream for dessert, but I also know that there are plans for a cheesecake.

Do you have a special Christmas memory that you would like to share?

Some of my fondest memories of Christmas are with my grandmother and grandfather. My mother and I were always at the little ones' house on Christmas Eve to decorate the tree. Grandma was the one who would put up the lights, but my mother and I had to take down the decorations. Grandma, as usual, would point and say that here and there a little decoration was missing.

What musical plans do you have for the rest of 2017 and into 2018?

Right now during Advent, there is a bit of a promo for "Snøen laver ned" that applies. Otherwise, I have a lot of plans for 2018 and already start on January 6th with two sold-out solo concerts with "Draumkvedet" in the Emanuel Vigeland Museum. Youth school tour in Hordaland, some course activities, and concerts at, among others, Landskappleiken in Trysil and the Førde Festival in the summer. Also possible a recording with KORK of Draumkvedet during 2018. Otherwise, there are always lyrics or melody snippets buzzing around in my head, so it's important to get them down on paper or make a recording of them. It's rarely quiet.

• 2007: Tak hardt uti hand (Etnisk musikklubb)
• 2011: Vegen (GRAPPA/Heilo)
• 2016: Timeglas, (Grappa/Heilo)
• 2018: Snøen laver ned (X5 Music/Warner Norway) - juleplate med London Philharmonic Orchestra
• 2021: Draumkvedet (Gama! Records) - med KORK
• 2022: Or Setesdal (Talik Records)
• 2023: Villfarande Barn (Kirkelig Kulturversted) – med Arve Henriksen og Tord Gustavsen

• «Den lange taushet» (Grappa) - 2011 (Tekst: Rudolf Nilsen/Trym Bjønnes. Melodi: Tuva Livsdatter Syvertsen, Trym Bjønnes og Kim Rysstad).
• «Så vidunderleg» (GRAPPA / Universal) - utgitt i forbindelse med Melodi Grand Prix 2012
• "Eg er ein gjest i verda" (SandKassa) 2012 - med Mari Klingen/Salmeklang.
• «Rainbow» - (GAMA!Records) - utgitt i forbindelse med Melodi Grand Prix 2020
• "Der var du" - (GAMA!Records) 2020 - (Trym Bjønnes, Trygve Skaug og Kim Rysstad).
• "Gofa" - (Gama!Records) 2021 / Kim Rysstad
• "Stay" - (Gama!Records) 2024 / Brendan Graham/Anne Takle.

• Folkelarm 2008, diverse artister - (Etnisk Musikklubb) - "Gamlestev".
• Spelferd heim, Rannveig Djønne (Djønno Records) 2008 – «Bambas».
• Folkelarm 2009, diverse artister (NorCD) 2009 - "Folkestadvisa".
• Sandkorn, Sigrid Moldestad (GRAPPA/Heilo) 2010 – «Måneskinslandet».
• Friaren, Aasmund Nordstoga (Warner) 2010 – «Hei huskom i hei».
• Jul i Sør, Torstein Sødal (Warner) 2011 – «Et lite barn så lystelig».
• Big Basco, Basco, 2014 – «Storebror og lillebror», «Lova lova».
• Unclouded, Silje Nergaard (Sony) 2012 – «Norwegian Boatsong».
• Himmelveg, SalmeKlang (Sandén Media) 2012 – «Eg er ein gjest i verda».
• Min vår, Inger Lise Stulien (MTG) 2013 – «Syng meg heim».
• Berre meg, Ingebjørg Bratland (Universal) 2014.
• Lyden av Prøysen, Sigurd Hole/Helge Lien, (Grappa) 2014 (Trassvisa hennes Tora, Du skal få en dag i mårå, Narrevise, og Møte).
• Så ta mitt hjerte - Dei beste songane, Sigrid Moldestad (Grappa) 2015 - "Måneskinslandet".
• Samklang, Inger Lise Stulien (Grappa) 2018 - duetten "Syng meg heim".
• LJOS, duett med Beate S. Lech (Jazzland) 2019.
• Angels, duett med Helene Bøksle (Mockingbird Music) 2023

• 2008: Nominert til Folkelarmprisen som årets nykommer
• 2008: Folkelarmprisen i klassen solo for utgivelsen Tak hardt uti hand 
• 2009: Kåret til Årets unge folkemusikar i INTRO-folk av Rikskonsertene og FolkOrg
• 2011: Nominert til Spellemannprisen 2011 i klassen viser for albumet Vegen 
• 2012: Årets beste mannlige folkemusikksanger (Male Folk Singer of the Year) – Folk Off! Awards, Liverpool
• 2019: Aust-Agder fylkeskulturpris
• 2021: Nominert til Folkelarmprisen i åpen klasse for Draumkvedet 
• 2024: Nominert til Spellemannprisen 2023 i klassen tradisjonsmusikk for Villfarande barn (sammen med Tord Gustavsen og Arve Henriksen)

sourse : wikipedia ,,,,,,,, npsmusic