SOURCE – Congratulations on the new single “Ulveham,” because it is truly amazing! Can you tell us something about the meaning behind this song, please?
Gunnhild Sundli (Vocals) – A thousand heartfelt thanks. We greatly appreciate it. The song “Ulveham” is based on an old medieval ballad called “Møya i Ulveham.”
Here, we meet a young and kind girl who, out of pure jealousy, is transformed by her evil stepmother into various objects: a knife, a needle, a sword. Regardless of the form the stepmother gives her, the girl remains the dearest to those who held her. Eventually, the stepmother transforms the girl into a wolf – something cold, gray, and frightening. The only way the girl can break the curse is to drink her brother’s blood, something unthinkable and infinitely painful for the good-hearted girl.
However, the medieval ballad ends with the girl successfully breaking the curse. One day, she attacks (in wolf form) the stepmother, who is now pregnant with a little boy. As the mother and the unborn son share blood in the stepmother’s body, the girl breaks the curse and returns to herself. Like other historical tales and songs, this medieval ballad carries an important moral. The Girl from Ulveham faces a series of injustices, but by holding onto justice and goodness, even in the toughest trials, she triumphs over evil forces and breaks the curse placed upon her.
In the song “Ulveham,” we have also drawn inspiration from an old “lokk,” which is an ancient traditional way of singing. The “lokk” was historically used to call for one’s livestock and was employed by milkmaids and shepherds in the mountains. In the song “Ulveham,” the “lokk” has taken on a different role and, in the context of the lyrics, serves as a symbol of a call for liberation.
SOURCE – What are your goals and expectations for the new album?
Gunnhild Sundli (Vocals) – Gåte will continue to compose music based on Norwegian folklore. We hope to maintain our musical expression while always seeking to challenge ourselves and explore different ways to convey Gåte’s musical DNA. The path is made as we walk, and thus, the journey itself is also the goal for how it will ultimately sound.
SOURCE – You released singles in 2022 and 2023. Do you think the tendency of consumers to download single songs more than albums will mean that the idea of a concept album will fade?
Gunnhild Sundli (Vocals) – It’s possible. However, we have no plans to stop producing cohesive albums for the time being. Gåte is more than individual songs. Gåte wants to compose music that connects and together forms a holistic audio performance.
SOURCE – Could you discuss the collaboration with Djerv on Svarteboka?
Gunnhild Sundli (Vocals) – Gåte has always had an affection for Djerv, especially Agnete Kjølsrud’s voice. Two extremely strong female vocalists complemented each other, giving a unique and explosive dimension to the song “Svarteboka” that we are exceptionally pleased with.
SOURCE – Several artists have recently been talking about issues with streaming services and losing money, while others have been defending it. What are your thoughts on this evolution of the music industry?
Gunnhild Sundli (Vocals) – We think it’s a development we cannot control, one we must accept and work from.
SOURCE – Have you experienced any differences in how the foreign press treats you and the band compared to how the native press and media treat and write about you?
Gunnhild Sundli (Vocals) – No, we cannot say that we experience any differences.
SOURCE – What are your thoughts regarding AI and its potential effects down the line when it comes to the music industry?
Gunnhild Sundli (Vocals) – AI, much like any emerging technology, requires a few years before its utilization attains its maximum potential, and this holds true for the music industry as well. We envision that there might be a loss of some personality and uniqueness in the process of creating new music. However, concurrently, we recognize the potential of AI, particularly in addressing technical challenges that can be simplified with its assistance. Regardless of technological advancements, good music will persist and endure.
SOURCE – What’s next for Gåte?
Gunnhild Sundli (Vocals) – The first item on the agenda is our participation in the Norwegian MGP. We hope to become the Norwegian contribution sent to Eurovision. We also hope to release an album in the fall of 2024.
Contacts:
Videos: