Martin Horntveth, internationally recognized for his remarkable contributions to the bands Jaga Jazzist and The National Bank, has launched his most intimate musical venture yet. Under the intriguing moniker ‘Gouldian Finch’, he has unfurled his debut single, “The Flamingo,” with the brilliant Norwegian pop sensation Emilie Nicolas lending her voice.
Nicolas, with accolades spanning from local admiration to being handpicked by the legendary Björk for her album Fossora, beams with pride over the collaboration. “The Flamingo sounds like a billion dollars! It makes me want to party, dance, and groove,” she exclaims.
Notably, this evocative single is not a tribute to the vibrant bird but rather an intriguing tale. “It’s about a flamboyant mafia character meeting his fate in a desolate parking lot amid the murky swamps outside a sprawling city,” Horntveth elucidates. Such a riveting narrative stems from the creative synergy between Horntveth and lyricist Martin Hagfors, a partnership spanning over two decades, also credited for The National Bank’s hit, “Tolerate”.
With “The Flamingo” being the introductory piece, Horntveth promises an eclectic, organically progressive auditory experience, enriched by the luxuriant electronic production and the undeniably magnetic vocal presence of Nicolas. Reflecting on the project’s inception, Horntveth says, “I embarked on this album journey in 1996, spending 20 years discerning my artistic direction. When clarity dawned, and I sought to encapsulate my entirety, everything crystallized.”
Beyond his band involvements, Horntveth’s prolific career encompasses producing for luminaries like Dumdum Boys and Wizrd, and weaving musical narratives for renowned TV series and Oscar-nominated films. With such a rich tapestry of experiences, the world now eagerly awaits the full unveiling of ‘Gouldian Finch’.
