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Paul Eduard Ritter

Midnattsol i Polarhavet

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How LIV KRISTINE Came Back To Music Through Teaching

Former LEAVES' EYES and THEATRE OF TRAGEDY singer Liv Kristine recently went on "Side Jams With Bryan Reesman"to talk about how she came back to being creative with music by going into teaching. Her sixth and latest solo album is called "River Of Diamonds" and features guest appearances from MOONSPELL frontman Fernando Ribeiro and her sister, MIDNATTSOL singer Carmen Elise Espenæs. It's been nearly nine years since her last album.

"It feels great because I'm 47 years old now, and I'm standing in the middle of my life," said Liv. "And 'River of Diamonds' feels like the first album of my second life."

Liv originally started teaching when her son Leon, now nearly 20 years old, entered primary school at age six. She and her ex-husband Alexander Krull (ATROCITY, LEAVES' EYES) chose a private school in Germany because they were often taking Leon on tour.

"Being a part of the teachers team gave me some freedom," she explained. "I used to teach at Leon's primary school, and that was 14 years ago. That was when my teaching process started. I didn't study that. I studied linguistics, ancient languages, language acquisition, but I never took that part you need to become a teacher. But it's always been in my blood. So when the headmaster of Leon's primary school asked me to support his school, I did. Which gave us some freedom to take Leon on the road, and then it just continued like that with every school that Leon went to."

After her unceremonious departure from her former band LEAVES' EYES in 2016, and her divorce, Liv's life went into a tailspin and she lost her main income source. So she reached out to some people she knew and got a job teaching children with autism.

"I got some experience and I feel great empathy for these lovely human beings," she said. "I was lucky to get into this place, and then it just grew and grew. I started working with children growing up without parents [and] children with Down Syndrome. It's been an amazing experience and an amazing journey. So when COVID happened in Europe, I was not dependent on touring [or] going on stage."

Liv and her husband Michael moved to Switzerland a year ago. "It took some time for me to realize that I had to get through a very rough period, I had to dissolve some blockages," Liv recalled to "Side Jams". "I had to dissolve a trauma. I had to get rid of some dusty layers to really see what I want to do in my life. How can I serve? How can I be really authentic?"

She says balancing her art and teaching has made her feel more secure and creative, which was not the case a few years ago. Liv did join MIDNATTSOL for their 2018 album "The Aftermath" and has done a few guest vocal appearances since 2016, but she had not worked on new music of her own. The singer credits her husband with bringing her back to that.

"I released an EP a couple of years ago, 'Have Courage Dear Heart'," said Liv. "I got it tattooed just underneath my heart, and that was in 2018, 2019, when I met Michael, now my husband and soul partner. I had decided to be without singing. No performance anymore, no band. I just wanted to quit the whole thing — [the] music business sucks, court cases and all the bullshit. Sometimes I found myself in front of court, and I didn't even know what I was doing there. I just wanted to quit it all. And I quit. But I realized that I'm not being myself. So when Michael turned up in my life, he gave me the real kick that I needed. He pushed me. That was when I released 'Have Courage Dear Heart'. It takes a lot of courage to go through that process, but it's very relieving and very freeing in the end."

SEMIFINALS: PART 1

GOTHIC METAL

Type O Negative

My Dying Bride

Paradise Lost

Moonspell

Midnattsol

HEAVY METAL

Black Sabbath

Led Zeppelin

Alice Cooper

Kiss

Deep Purple

LET THE SMACKDOWN BEGIN

Jeg liker så mye Ålesund! Det er på rett sted, langs kysten og dere er også mange fjorder og fjell. Ålesund ligger i Møre og Romsdal fylke og er kommune. Vi har mange turistene hver år, fordi menneskere vet Ålesund for mange fjell og fjorder, men jeg liker det, fordi mange turistene=mye arbeiderplassene. Jeg liker også Tromsø, fordi jeg synes midnattsol og mørketid er veldig interessant! Som jeg har sagt jeg liker naturen og i Tromsø der er mye å gjøre.Takket være jobben min kan jeg reise mye rundt i Norge og jeg elsker det! Neste vil jeg til Finnmark, fordi hvorfor ikke? Der er kaldt og det er i nord.

IMG_2703 von Rainer Über Flickr: Midnattsol 23.10.2011

Vor 40 Jahren - September 1983

Ich möchte mir vornehmen, jeden Monat 40 Jahre zurückschauen und einen kurzen Rückblick zu machen. Dabei auch einmal über den Tellerrand der Rockmusik zu schauen. Events - 01. September - Joe Strummer und Paul Simonon von The Clash geben bekannt, dass sie Mick Jones aus der Band geworfen haben. - 01. September - Die Sowjetunion schiesst bei Sachalin eine Boing 747 der Korean Airline ab. 269 Insassen sterben. - 04. September - Phil Lynott spielt seine letzte Show mit Thin Lizzy in Nürnberg - 18. September - Kiss zeigen zum ersten Mal ihre Gesichter ohne Make-Up bei MTV. Parallel dazu wird das Album Lick It Up veröffentlicht. - 20. September - Das erste ARMS Charity Concert wird in der Royal Albert Hall in London abgehalten. ARMS steht für Action into Research for Multiple Sclerosis. - 21. September - Das Mobiltelefon Motorola DynaTAC 8000X wird als weltweit erstes Handy zugelassen - 26. September - Oberstleutnant Stanislaw Jewgrafowitsch Petrow verhindert womöglich einen Atomkrieg, in dem er einen vom System gemeldeten Nuklearangriff korrekt als Fehlalarm interpretiert. Wichtige Veröffentlichungen - Swordfishtrombones - Tom Waits - The Present - Moody Blues - Heads Or Tales - Saga - Born Again - Black Sabbath - Labour Of Love - UB40 - Sports - Huey Lewis and the News - Lick It Up - Kiss - Shout At The Devil - Mötley Crüe - Into Battle With The Art Of Noise - Art Of Noise - DaDa - Alice Cooper - Righeira - Righeira - Bent Out Of Shape - Rainbow - Breaking The Chains - Dokken - Built To Destroy - Michael Schenker Group - Canterbury - Diamond Head - In Heat - The Romatics - Johnny 99 - Johnny Cash - Mean Strak - Y&T - Subject...Aldo Nova - Aldo Nova - Windows In The Jungle - 10cc - What's New - Linda Ronstadt Schweizer Hitparade Platz 1 Single Charts - Moonlight Shadow - Mike Oldfield - I Like Chopin - Gazebo Schweizer Interpreten in den CH-Charts - Keine Schweizer Vertretung in den Charts US Billboard Single Charts - Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) - Eurythmics - Maniac - Michael Sembello - Tell Her About It - Billy Joel US Billboard Album Charts - Synchronicity - The Police - Thriller - Michael Jackson UK Single Charts - Red Red Wine - UB40 - Karma Chameleon - Culture Club UK Album Charts - 18 Greatest Hits - Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5 - The Very Best Of The Beach Boys - The Beach Boys - No Parlez - Paul Young - Labour Of Love - UB40 Happy Birthday - 03. September - Alexander Klaws (DSDS-Gewinner) - 12. September - Frank Dukes (Produzent und DJ) - 13. September - Eliana Burki (Alphornspielerin) - 14. September - Amy Winehouse - 30. September - Carmen Elise Espenaes (Midnattsol) Farewell - 15. September - Johnny Hartmann (Jazzsänger) - 18. September - Roy Milton (Blues Musiker) - 25. September - Paul Jacobs (Pianist) - 29. September - Berthe Trümpy (Tänzerin) Lesen Sie den ganzen Artikel

Midnight sun shining last night in Rekvika, Kvaløya. #midnattsol #midnightsun #midnight #summer #visittromso #visitnorway #arcticsummer #visitnorthernnorway — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/HNARnJW

LIV KRISTINE Presents Official Lyric Video for New Single 'Love Me High'

(photo credit M. Rohrbach) On the third single from the upcoming studio album “River Of Diamonds” (Metalville Records – release 21.04.), LIV KRISTINE presents an extraordinary duet partner in her sister Carmen Elise Espenæs (Savn, Midnattsol). “Love Me High” is one of the faster of the twelve songs on “River Of Diamonds” and fascinates with a catchy hook that has all the ingredients for a real…

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Sabías que, hoy cumple 39 años la vocalista noruega de hevy metal Carmen Elise Espenæs. En 2002 Carmen se trasladó a Ludwigsburg, Alemania, a visitar a su hermana Liv Kristine, también vocalista y conocida por su trabajo en las bandas Theatre of Tragedy y Leaves' Eyes. Allí Carmen conoció al guitarrista Christian Hector con quien fundó ese mismo año la banda de metal gótico y folk metal Midnattsol. Han publicado hasta la fecha cuatro álbumes de estudio. El más reciente fue 'The Aftermath' en 2018. Por otro lado, en junio de 2013 anunció que formaba en Noruega una nueva banda llamada Savn con los miembros de The Sins of Beloved, Andres Thue y Stig Johansen, cuyo álbum debut apareció en abril de 2014. @relaxvideobar www.relaxvideobar.com (at RELAX VIDEO BAR) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjMv6mcsYzj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Midnattsol över Torne träsk. Lappland.

Johan Oskar Andreas Grasmo - Fra fjæra i Nordre våg. Seilbåter i midnattsol. Bildene er tatt i periode 1910-1920, den tiden Johan Oskar Andreas Grasmo var prest i Vardø.

Interview: Liv Kristine - February 2023

After the EP ‘Have Courage Dear Heart’, Gothic Metal singer Liv KRISTINE has her sixth studio album ready to start: ‘River Of Diamonds’ will be released on 21 April 2023. The record was created together with a long-time companion: All tracks were composed by Tommy Olsson (THEATRE OF TRAGEDY, LONG NIGHT) in his Black Rider Records studio in Tau, near LIV KRISTINE’s birthplace Stavanger in Norway. Other people from Liv’s inner circle are also part of the album: ‘Our Immortal Day’ is a duet with singer Østen Bergøy (LONG NIGHT, TRISTANIA). LIV KRISTINE’s sister Carmen Elise Espenæs (SAVN, MIDNATTSOL) can be heard as a duet partner on the track ‘Love Me High’. In addition, Liv’s husband, Michael Espenæs, sings the male vocals on Jon Lord’s work ‘Pictured Within’. The day before Liv left for Cyprus to shoot the video for ‘In Your Blue Eyes’ I had the opportunity to talk to her about the album. Among other things, she told me that ‘River Of Diamonds’ is one of her most personal work so far. Reflections of Darkness [RoD]: During our last conversation two years ago, which was about the EP ‘Have Courage Dear Heart’, you said a sentence that stuck in my mind: “The way is to be courageous”. Since 2021, you’ve continued on your path, with a new album ready. Has your plan come true? How courageous were you? Liv: I was very courageous! I moved from Germany to Switzerland, took a new job there and was finally able to finish the production of ‘River Of Diamonds’, together with everyone involved. My last full-length album had already been released nine years ago. If you had asked me back then when my next album would come out, I wouldn’t have even known if there would be another one. RoD: Is ‘River Of Diamonds’ the expression of a new phase in your life? Liv: Yes, absolutely. It’s more like a new chapter. I finally feel like I’m in the middle of life and I’ve arrived. I’ve learned a lot, had a lot of experiences, I feel more confident - I don’t have as many fears as I used to. Although I am a very brave person, there were always insecurities. When you are a musician, there are always insecurities, you have to find financial sources, you have to turn your life around again and again. Some of it was a bit of a strain. But between 2021 and the summer of 2022 I thought: now I’m in the middle of life and it feels really good, really free. The past doesn’t matter anymore and it’s so nice to be in the here and now! When you have this feeling, then you are living. I always give that to my singing students.

RoD: As you just mentioned, you also give masterclasses in singing. How important is it for you to pass on your talent and passion? Liv: Very important. I teach people working with the inner voice and the outer voice. Finding the inner voice is very important, that was also my path. I try to pass that on as well. We need many authentic voices! RoD: You used to be part of bands, for example THEATRE OF TRAGEDY or LEAVES’ EYES, from which there was an unpleasant split in 2016. Do you feel freer now as a solo singer than before as singer of a band? Liv: I still work together with Tommy Olsson, who was also a member of THEATRE OF TRAGEDY. Of course, it’s easier as a duo than in a team with about five people and a big management and all the people who also have something to say. It’s great to have a big team, but now I also found it nice to pull back with Tommy’s songs. Tommy is also someone who takes his time, there is no rush with him. We both made this album together and that felt really good. More peace and more freedom, yes. RoD: As you just told me, the album was made in close collaboration with your long-time friend and fellow musician Tommy Olsson. How important was this collaboration for the record? Liv: Tommy is so patient, he sent me new compositions back in 2015 after he left THEATRE OF TRAGEDY. I was still busy with other things then and he just said: let me know when you’re ready. And that was nine years ago now. He has this patience that is very important for me. Besides, we are both equally perfectionistic. That’s why I don’t have to explain much, we mostly agree, it’s super cool to work with him. And I love his songs, I love his music. RoD: The album also features your sister Carmen Elise Espenæs and your husband Michael. Does that make it even more personal? Liv: Yes, definitely. The song ‘Pictured Within’, which features Michael, is about our loved ones who are there and also those who are no longer there. Last year, unfortunately, Michael’s father passed away and the song was just right for him.

RoD: Is ‘River Of Diamonds’ your most personal album so far? Liv: Yes. Since the album ‘Aégis’ with THEATRE OF TRAGEDY definitely. I would also like to mention the album ‘Lovelorn’ with LEAVES’ EYES, that was also like my own baby. And in fact, my son was born exactly when the last note was sung - that was of course also a very personal connection. RoD: Do you have a favourite song on the new album? Liv: I really can’t decide! Because I had enough time to do everything one hundred percent the way I had imagined it, everything just fits. I haven’t decided on a song yet! RoD: The album features a cover version of CYNDI LAUPER’s hit ‘True Colors’. What does the song mean to you? Why did you choose it? Liv: Because I had to find my true colours myself little by little and find my authentic self. I let go of everything and found my inner self. And I have a lot of friends from the bisexual scene who come to my regular concerts in Nagold, for example. It’s a very colourful community, especially in Nagold, who come from all over the world and show their true colours. That’s courageous and I feel honoured to have such fans. And I love CYNDI LAUPER’s music, she has always been a brave woman too! RoD: Which artists have influenced you in your career so far? Liv: Agnetha and Anni-Frid from ABBA - because of their great harmonies - as well as OZZY OSBOURNE and BLACK SABBATH. My parents listened to a lot of BLACK SABBATH at home, which influenced me. I only discovered pop music later. Rod: What does music mean to you? Liv: Being authentic. Being blessed. Feelings of happiness. And healing. I always knew I was going to do music. Even though I have another job, music has always been in my life, always in me. I recognise melodies and sequences of notes that trigger something in the heart, that evoke emotions. RoD: Which artist would you like to collaborate with? Liv: I think Ozzy is retiring, I heard (laughs). And KATE BUSH, she’s the queen, she’s unique. RoD: How would you describe your musical style? You are often described as a gothic rock singer, but you also have fans in completely different areas. Where do you see yourself? Liv: There are so many facets. Definitely Gothic Rock, but also Doom or Metal. But I also have elements from Pop music, I can’t answer that question so clearly (laughs).

RoD: You are performing at the Gothic festival ‘Stella Nomine - the blackest one’ for the second time this year, after the debut in 2021, from 17th to 19th August. What does the Gothic scene mean to you? And the festival in particular? Liv: For me, Goth is always romantic. It inspired me to read books by writers like Edgar Allan Poe or watch old-fashioned vampire movies. The clothes, the magical tones, the starry night sky, the big feelings - I associate all that with gothic. And Stella Nomine is also a very special festival for me, it’s not too small and not too big, you have eye contact with the audience. It’s so laid-back, so beautiful under the trees, a wonderful atmosphere. I am very happy to be there again this year with my new album. RoD: What are your other concert plans? Liv: We play near Stuttgart on the 11th of March, then in Langenthal in Switzerland on 21st April. Then of course at Stella Nomine, and we’re trying to book some gigs for the autumn. In winter, of course, in Nagold again. So, you will definitely see me live at festivals or single concerts! RoD: Thank you very much for the interview! All pictures by M. Rohrbach

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tKI3r6XTeQ)

Precious wonder under the calm moonlight, you are the gracious Queens of the Night...

IMG_2719 von Rainer Über Flickr: Midnattsol 23.10.2011