Circuit Sweet Interview, Feature, Reviews

Rad Releases 19 – Simon Gore

December 28, 2019

It’s that time once again, as the countdown to the end of 2019 rapidly approaches and we somehow end this decade- we take a personal look back on familiar names, features and musicians’ best releases of the past 12 months. In what has been another crazy year filled with plenty of highs and lows- it’s the releases that have once again pulled a lot of people through the year.

Now in it’s 9th year, we let our favourites take over the site to tell us the records that have made their end of year lists. Telling us their most loved events/gigs and what we can look forward to from them next year.

Next up, we hand over to one of our most loved artists. This year Simon Gore has contributed some of our most valued articles- Massa Circles EP review, an interview with Jompi Myren and Johnny Vaet Nordskog of Harpefoss Hardcore Festival, The LaBufa Story with Guro Moe– Simon is forever in fantastic musical circles and discovers the best stories and conversation with hardworking artists across the globe. Alongside this, the musician and artist is one we’ve loved to promote and stock his releases in our online shop. The artist continues to build bridges in his music community, assist in mixing and re-scoring masterpieces. We’ve had a great year with Simon and watching him work with the legendary JR Ewing and the promotion with their documentary. Simon’s work ethic completely inspires us, proud to handover the site to discover more about his year in music…..

Top 6 releases of the year:

MoE – La Bufa

I love these guys. This is some of their best work to date. This is why tape sounds better.

Tip the Scales – Tip the Scales

Andre Drage is one of those people who is so good at what he does it pisses you off. Oslo’s premiere drummer proves he’s not forgotten how to play piano or compose.

Preservation Bias – Linea Aspera

Anything that reminds me of my dear, darling, White Rose Movement is a winner in my books. Seriously impressive work.

EP1 – Massa Circles

This is basically exactly what I want to hear and exactly what I want to play. My most-played release this year.

Year Blood – Russian Circles

I’ve been a fan of this band for a long time and this is my favourite release of theirs to date. Again, this is why tape sounds better.

Gigs attended:

Despereaux at Last Train, Oslo.

Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters at Fredriksten Fortress, Halden.

Tip the Scales at Kafé Hærverk, Oslo.

Wobbler at Hurum prog festival.

1997 performing 1997 Forever (live soundtrack) at Rockefeller, Oslo.

Die X Legend at Vaterland, Oslo.

Ieatheartattacks at Harpefoss Hardcore Festival.

Sigh & Explode (reunion) at Revolver, Oslo.

Gigs played:

Due to other professional commitments and seemingly continuous injuries I’ve played only one gig this year – Grønland Interkulturelt Museum in Oslo with David Børresen on live visuals. Mad love and thanks to Christian Blandhoel for the booking.

Highlights:

· Performing as a guest/session synth player for Despereaux and photographing their studio session.

· Recording Simen Trippestad’s debut solo EP.

· Producing The Fetveit Hatterud Group

· Mixing the new album by Fungal

· Unearthing lost and forgotten JR Ewing gold.

· Having a new version of Sanctuary exhibited at West Wharf in Cardiff.

· Having 2 screenings of Enthusiasm in Durham, UK and Ukraine by Izolyatsia.

· Attending Harpefoss Hardcore Festival – special thanks to Jompi Myren and Johnny Vaet Nordskog.

· Working at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter with TVTV.

· Experiencing Christian Hauge’s Residence of Impermanence exhibition – the most powerful and moving thing I have ever seen in visual art.

· Receiving a letter from Eliane Radigue.

· Dealing with the very cool and lovely people at October Tone Records.

Artists to watch for 2020:

· Ieatheartattacks

· Teddy Hunter

· Massa Circles

Best discovery this year:

I found a lose CD titled Afro Cuban Jazz from 1995. It’s a compilation of archive music, which sounds like it’s from the 60’s, and 70’s. It’s awesome.

Plans for the new year:

I’ve learnt not to make plans, but I have some very good intentions. My aim is to continue doing cool stuff with cool people. Oh, and some very sweet releases!

Thank you once again for all your contributions to Circuit Sweet in the past 12 months- a wonderful year of achievements for you yet again, so pleased to have witnessed this. Wishing you all the best for 2020

www.simongore.co.no

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