Norwegian guitarist, songwriter and vocalist MAGNUS BERG began his musical journey at the age of ten. Initially influenced by his grandfather and uncle, both musicians, he was introduced to a diverse range of genres, including blues legends, rock ‘n’ roll icons, plus virtuosos such as Django Reinhardt and Robert Normann (his compatriot and a jazz guitar pioneer). From the very beginning, Berg decided to immerse himself in the world of guitars.
After several years of dedicated practice and learning the art of songwriting, Berg dropped out of high school and moved from the small town of Skiptvet in north-west Norway to Oslo in the south, where he began performing live. Still in his mid-teens, he met drummer Ola Øverby at a youth programme for talented musicians and their friendship evolved into sporadic recording projects, including the award-winning 2014 album ‘Cut Me Loose’, recorded when Berg was just 17.
Sharing a passion for ‘cool’ music of the ’60s and ’70s, the duo discovered a lot of common ground in their preferences and their collaboration deepened over time. Fuelled by a shared vision and inquisitive nature, they began delving deeper into music, asking each other questions: How should a beat be played? What should ‘fuzz’ sound like? Which microphones offer the best sound? Ultimately, they landed at a bigger question: What sort of musicians do we want to become together?
The answer can be found in ‘Electric Sugar’, their just completed debut album as MAGNUS BERG (note the deliberate use of caps). Recorded at Studio Paradiso in Oslo with the input of producer Christian Engfelt, who predominantly records live to analog tape, this breakout release is packed with inventive psychedelic sounds over a blues rock foundation. Berg himself pays homage to his roots – including his grandfather – throughout, with the song ‘Love Smile’ reviving a 1920s melody by Pietro Frosini that was famously adapted for a Tarantino movie soundtrack.
Following an extensive period of recording experiences, global touring and some contemplation, Berg emerges triumphant here. Born out of resilience against bad deals and external pressures, ‘Electric Sugar’ marks his return with a collection of compelling songs, licks and riffs. The album will be released in early 2025, but the song ‘Save Them Kids’ will be issued as its first single on 18th October 2024 to coincide with a short UK tour supporting soulful blues rock musician Gary Clark Jr..
ON TOUR WITH GARY CLARK JR.
OCTOBER 2024
15.10.24 LONDON O2 Forum Kentish Town
16.10.24 MANCHESTER New Century Hall
17.10.24 BRISTOL SWX
19.10.24 BIRMINGHAM 02 Institute
21.10.24 UTRECHT (NL) TivoliVredenburg
22.10.24 GHENT (BE) Vooruit Concertzaal
23.10.24 LUXEMBOURG CITY (LU) den Atelier
MAGNUS BERG
Magnus Berg – vocals, guitar, bass
Old Øverby – drums, percussion, synth
Martin Morland – bass
Edvard Synnes – piano, synth, Hammond B3
