F/eks: Chris Cohen (US) / Stina Stjern (NO)

‿︵‿︵‿︵  The outstanding Chris Cohen returns to Oslo for a solo concert at MIR; a special occasion to hear his warm, spacious and imaginative songs unfold in an intimate and friendly space. We are so delighted to invite you to an evening with this incredible artist that is close to our hearts! ‿︵‿︵‿︵

Crafting worlds in songform is a special skill, one that Chris Cohen (US) has developed in many projects throughout his working life - in bands like The Curtains and Deerhoof, and producing for artists like Weyes Blood, Kurt Vile, Le Ren, and Marina Allen. Under his own name, he has released four albums that all stand out as carefully composed, yet with effortless and playful songforms. 

Chris Cohen's songs unfold and open like beautiful origami figures, seemingly simple, but with an intricacy that makes an almost addictive listening experience. There is always more to discover, in the way the melodies take surprising turns or the lyrics give new light with each listen. With his latest album 'Paint a Room', his debut on the acclaimed Hardly Art label, he gave his listeners another timeless gem - and it has been spinning on our record players regularly since. 

https://chriscohen.bandcamp.com/album/paint-a-room

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STINA STJERN (NO) 

We are thrilled to announce Stina Stjern as support for Chris this evening!

Composer and performer Stina Stjern have for over 25 years been a steady presence in the Norwegian music scene – starting out as a vocalist in the rock band Supervixen while studying jazz in Trondheim, Stjern’s road has been anything but predictable, and has over the years shown a will to experiment and explore new areas in her music making. Her new album ”Vivid Peace Restored” is perhaps her most radical musical statement yet, as the entire album is made using cassette tape.

The sound sources vary from found sounds, various instruments and Stjern’s own voice, but there is no hierarchy, the different elements are given equal importance, and through considerate looping, layering, cut-ups, re-arranging the bits and pieces it forms a rich tapestry of sound. This blurring is intentional, Stjern wants us to get lost in her sound world, a place where nothing is forced or overstated. Tape hiss, subtle melody lines, distant location recordings, gentle waves of noise, and voices melt together creating lush soundscapes.

https://stinastjern-susannasonata.bandcamp.com/album/vivid-peace-restored

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Mir opens 19:00

Concert starts 20:00 

CC: 275 / 225 (students & members of Konsertforeninga)

Poster & illustrations by Zarina Saidova

F/eks is a concert series for adventurous listeners, curated by Jenny Berger Myhre and produced in collaboration with Konsertforeninga, with support from Oslo Kommune and The Norwegian Arts Council.