Varder 1

Varder is a new LP-series dedicated to unearthing early Norwegian electronic music.

When this new form of music began to spread in the 1950s, it required large studios with expensive equipment, and the outcome was often considered not commercial enough for record labels to venture into. But despite the meagre means, Norwegian composers threw themselves into new sonic adventures such as electroacoustics, musique concrète and computer music, travelling to studios in Norway, Sweden, Poland and the Netherlands to realize their electronic dreams.

The small circle of composers that made music with the help of ring modulators, tape machines, filters and computers, can be seen as forerunners for a type of music production that today has become the norm. Although limited in scope, these early experiments have made an impact on younger musicians within genres such as electronica, space disco, ambient and sound art. At the same time, the history of early electronic music also conveys important chapters in Norwegian art history, since several of the compositions were made for use in sound sculptures, installation art and soundtracks to experimental films.

Varder 1 contains five rare and unreleased compositions by Kåre Kolberg, Karin Krog, Knut Sønstevold and Hal Clark.

Available as limited edition vinyl LP and digital. Artwork by Damian Burgess and liner notes by Lars Mørch Finborud.

O. Gudmundsen Minde is a record label run by Lars Mørch Finborud and Lasse Marhaug.