CLEEMANN

Artist Information

Biography

Investigations in the tricky art of writing music

CLEEMANN is a Copenhagen / Chicago based one-man-project centered around singer, multi-instrumentalist and musical director Gunnar Cleemann – a Danish folk experimentalist prodigy of immense and uncontested talent.

With a great emphasis on harmonies, lush orchestration, and arrangements, Cleemanns songcraft reflect a low-voiced side of the D.I.Y. spirit. Revealing vulnerability and spirit, his voice is entirely his own – clear, deep and vast as an ocean – a most remarkable instrument exuding its own ambient brilliance.

Live Cleemann performs solo-acoustic or in a band set up according to the nature of the venue. In live shows, he adapts musicians and delivery depending on the situation in order to be true to the moment. The audience picks up on the excitement that this is a one-of-a-kind performance that can’t be recreated. Rich in emotion from all ends of the spectrum, his live shows and music look to be vital, appealing and never the same twice.

In February 2011 Cleemann was approved by the USCIS receiving his 3-year 0-1 Artist Visa.

US Agent:
Michael Teach, CAU

Personal Management:
Jeanne Betak
betak@cleemann.nu

NEW RELEASE Spring 2013
In a planned triology the 2nd solo-album of Cleemann is a cross-ocean project between Chicago and Copenhagen. Album 'Different' containing 11 songs to be released in the US - vinyl with digital download

The Chicago based sessions are supported by team Chicago Acoustic Underground, host and founder Michael Teach.

REVIEWS
>>Cleemann's music is about as unique and interesting as pop music comes. However you wish to classify the mystery that is Cleemann, it's hard to deny that there's something genius about his work.<<
pReview 2008, Senior Ed. Andrew Fenstermaker, Fensepost.com

>>There are two qualities I look for when judging pop music - catharsis and satisfaction - and Cleemann delivers both.<<
Senior Editor Jesseca Bagherpour, DayBowBow, January 2010

>>It is a triumphant display of one man conquering all aspects of the art of musicianship.<<
Ron Trembath, FensePost, February 2010

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS
Himmelstorm Festival, Torup DK, 2011
Widow's Peak Music Festival, Earlville IL, 2011
SxSW, Austin TX, official program, 2011
35Conferette, Denton TX, 2011
Nebraska Pop Festival, Omaha NE, 2009, 2010
Copenhagen Songwriters Festival, Copenhagen DK, 2010
Songwriter Power Ranger, Lincoln NE, 2010
SPOT Festival (DUP) Aarhus DK, 2009
MEI - Independent music Festival, Faenza IT, 2007
Vesterbro Festival, Copenhagen DK, 2007

DARE TO CARE tour 2009-2012
USA
Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, Washington, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Texas, and Indiana.
EUROPE
Copenhagen, Berlin, Paris

USA RADIO LIVE APPEARANCES
Fearless Radio, Chicago, May 2013
WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio, 2012
Radio Noir Vault: Cleemann /April 2010
UNO MAV Radio, Omaha, NE (2009, 2010)
KRFC RADIO, Fort Collins CO (2010)
WHPK Radio, Chicago IL (2009).
CAU, Chicago Acoustic Underground, PodCast session no. 274

Instrumentation

Gunnar Cleemann - Lead Vocal & Guitar

Discography

NEW RELEASE Autumn 2013
>>Different<<, 2nd solo-album, vinyl with digital download

COMPILATION PARTICIPATION 2011
>>Independent<<, Children Of Mercy: Tales From The World Of Independent Music, compiled by Ron Trembath, February 2011

COMPILATION PARTICIPATION 2010
>>Ambitious – Spejderrobot Remix<<, Nebraska Pop Festival Mixtape, September 2010
>>2005<<, ball of wax, Audio Quaterly, volume 20, edited by Levi Fuller, Spring 2010
>>Princes of Denmark<<, Fast Forward: The World Cup Goes Indie, Indiecater Records, May 2010
>>Romantic<<, Series Two, retrospective compilation, USA, May 2010
>>Ambitious<<, HOME Volume 1, UK, primo 2010
>>Optimistic<<, O Bosque / Woodland, UK, primo 2010
>>Romantic<<, Tweefort: Music and Art, New Haven, USA, primo 2010

COMPILATION PARTICIPATION 2009
>>Santa Claus lives (in Nebraska)<<, Series II Christmas ed., december 2009, USA.
>>Absent Part 1<<, Nebraska Pop Festival Mixtape, August 2009, USA.
>>Righteous<<, Series II No. 18, January 2009, USA.

TV
DR2 (Danish National Television)
Faeroe Islands National Television

AIRPLAY
DR (Danish National Radio) >>Emphatic<<, on rotation
DR (Danish National Radio), airplay
SR, P3 Lab (Swedish National Radio) host Pelle Moeld, >>Ambitious<<, airplay
WLSO.FM /earpicked indie-PODcast editions, on rotation since August 2008. Satellite broadcastings to 80.000 listeners.
MavRadio, University Of Nebraska, Omaha, on rotation

DISCOGRAPHY
Spring 2013
"Different", genre: Alternative
2nd solo-release in the US
more TBA

1995-2009
"45 Minutes Mostly About Caring", genre: alternative
solo-project, 2009.
Composer / lyrics / vocal / chorus / guitar / bass / keys / glockenspiel.

Official ed. released September 21st 2009 by Artiscope Music, Copenhagen. Digitally available and Amazon.

Special ed. released June 30th 2009 by Series Two Records, Nebraska.

"45 Minutes", genre: alternative
promo release, Popkomm, Berlin, 2007

"Slowdogs", duo, 2008, genre: alternative
in co-operation with danish artist Iben Salto.
composer / additional lyrics / guitar / bass // keys / chorus / glockenspiel / backing vocal.
Plain records 001, may 2008, distributed by Gateway.
myspace.com/SLOWDOGS

"Betonhjertet", 2003, genre: musical
Arrangement / guitarist / kazoo.
A danish musical instructed by conceptual installation artist Frans Jacobi.
Video and CD published by Space Poetry.

"Music for Fish", 2002, genre: film soundtrack
by Sugar Beet.
Session guitarist.
excess records.

"Cracks", 1997, genre: grunge
by Jeep
composer / lyrics / vocal / guitarist.
co-produced with Kim Hyttel, Cannibal Records.

"Lobotomized" 1997, genre: thrash metal
by Missing Link
chorus.
produced by Flemming Rasmussen.

"super001", 1995, genre: grunge
by Crazy call Buddha
composer / lyrics / vocal / guitarist.
co-producer.

Official Website

http://www.facebook.com/pages/CLEEMANN/236287422629#!/pages/CLEEMANN/236287422629

Links

• MySpace
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Last.fm
• Soundcloud
• FensePost - review
• FensePost /remix review
• Bandcamp

Audio

• 5.000.000.000
  Listen   Download
• romantic
  Listen   Download
• righteous
  Listen   Download
• ambitious
  Listen   Download
• emphatic
  Listen   Download

Lyrics

• Ambitious
• Righteous
• Romantic
• Repairman
• Emphatic
• Collide

Video

>>Emphatic<< by Frans Jacobi

>>Stupid<< SXSW Official Showcase 2011 The Velveeta Room, Austin

Photo Gallery

Press

• "45 Minutes Mostly About Caring" Bloggers Rreviews [+ Show ]
  

  FensePost Cleemann: Ambitious (Spejderrobot Remix) [mp3 review] 24 August 2010 Written by Ron Trem...FensePost
  Cleemann: Ambitious (Spejderrobot Remix) [mp3 review]
  24 August 2010 Written by Ron Trembath
  
  When Cleemann, a Danish folk experimentalist of immense and uncontested talent, released last year’s 45 Minutes Mostly About Caring, everyone who heard it instantly fell in love with the highlight cut “Ambitious”. It was a track that everyone could relate to, feel for, and become entranced in its mesmerizing and simple complicity. And over a year later, it is still receiving daily praise. And one of the highest of praises had to be when Danish artist Spejerrobot (a clever combination of “Boy Scout” and “Robot”), a.k.a. Mikael Elkjaer, got his hands on it. This self taught audio mangler puts a new electronic spin on Cleemann’s already eccentric track.
  
  Spejderrobot’s remix can be found on the Official Nebraska Pop Festival Mixtape, which can be yours absolutely for the great price of…free! The mixtape also features the likes of Electric Needle Room, Mammoth Life, and many more. For more information, check out their Myspace Page. And if you happen to find yourself in Omaha, Nebraska on September 15th, you should join Cleemann and pals for the kick off of this 5 day festival loaded with artists from all over the region, country, and world.
  
  Yes, the hometown of Saddle Creek Records will most definitely show you that there is more to their portion of this earth than sadness, Cursive, and Midwest desperation. There’s also a glorious celebration of Pop music for all to enjoy!
  
  LINK
  http://www.fensepost.com/main/2010/08/24/cleemann-ambitious-spejderrobot-remix-mp3-review/
  
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  Russell's Reviews/ GB, August 16th 2010
  LINK
  http://russellsmusicreviews.blogspot.com/2010/08/cleemann-45-minutes-mostly-about-caring.html
  
  Album review/ Cleemann - 45 Minutes Mostly About Caring
  Cleemann is the project of Copenhagen based musician Gunnar Cleemann and 45 Minutes Mostly About Caring is the first album of a trilogy. Lead track Ambitious is sumptuous and delicate. It’s a slow motion groove with some dreamy European inflected sighed vocals. Righteous is a bit like Antony (of The Johnsons fame) vocally. Most of the songs on here are generally brooding parting of stormcloud moments, when the beauty reappears. Then you get Repairman, which is a bit Richard Hawley. Passing by the loveliness of both parts of Absent, we get the sublime Edwyn Collins silkiness of Collide. Optimist is gossamer light and entirely beautiful, mainly due to the voice which has a dream like quality. It sounds like this should soundtrack some artistic work by Michel Gondry. A delightful album from another plane in a dream world.
  
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  www.furoreiharare.com
  Album Review by Erick Ellectrick , 5. april 2010
  
  LINK
  http://www.furoreiharare.com/article.php?article_id=910
  
  A NORWEGIAN REVIEW
  
  Ofte er det best å ikke vite noe som helst.
  
  >>Danske Gunnar Cleemann har jeg aldri hørt om. Om jeg skulle ønske jeg hadde gjort det får være en annen sak. Likevel har han laget en skive som vekker følelser i meg som jeg trodde var glemt og begravet på begynnelsen av 2000-tallet. Men ikke tro at dette er noe negativt. Dette er en skive spekket av spor som ikke gir deg noen glade følelser, men heller de følelsen du burde kjenne litt oftere på. De du hadde når du var en ung mann full av følelser. Spesielt etter en ferie der altfor mange nordmenn har festet bort sine lønninger på Jäger, pils og heiskort.
  Cleemann befinner seg innen den ikke alt for ofte velkomne sjangeren singer/songwriter. Men det som skiller han ut fra resten er at han eier en røst som er så utilgivelig vakker. Tenk deg en krysning av Antony Hegarty og Damien Rice (på en god dag vel og merke) så er vi ganske nære. Tekstene er ikke av det oppløftende slaget, men likevel er dette en plate som stadig kan overraske deg. Det du gjorde i går, blir ti ganger værre nå liksom. Om du lurer på hva Gunnar Cleemann har gjort riktig, sjekk ut: "Righteous", "Emphatic", "Progressionist" og "Optimist".
  Påsken har aldri vært mer ensom enn nå og heldigvis er den snart slutt, men 45 Minutes Mostly About Caring er en plate som på de rette dagene er perfekt.<<
  
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  Fensepost
  Album Review by Ron Trembath, February 16th, 2010
  Cleemann: 45 Minutes Mostly About Caring
  LINK
  http://www.fensepost.com/main/2010/02/16/cleemann-45-minutes-mostly-about-caring-album-review/
  
  >>The great land of Copenhagen has a real DIY prodigy under its city lights. Gunnar Cleemann is one of the most well rounded musicians you will ever come across. He writes, plays, directs, breathes music. His lyrics are philosophical, but simple enough to refrain from being too pretentious (suck on that Oberst!) And we can�t forget his wonderful vocals, reminiscent of early solo Clapton. 45 Minutes Mostly About Caring is so much more than the title would insist. It is a triumphant display of one man conquering all aspects of the art of musicianship.
  
  Cleemann�s theory that these songs are mostly about caring is not too far fetched. Each song displays human emotions we inevitably know, accept, or conquer throughout our lifetime. His idea that we should �care� about doing something with these emotions is bloody obvious and beautifully depicted. This profound artist knows exactly when to shift gears in volume and vibrant energy to make his descriptions clear. �Repairman� is soft and gentle, as if he is calling down the beast to rest his anger. �Emphatic� keeps a steady high-paced tone in order to calm the ego that restrains hospitality.
  
  45 Minutes Mostly About Caring is far too selfless to have been birthed by the Western world. Our side of the globe knows emotion, strengths, and the deafening call of the weak. But we lack the history that could form an artist like Gunnar Cleemann. This is not to say he outranks the likes of Dylan or Cobain, but he is certainly on par when it comes to dedication to their craft. This is a piece of indie art history that, sadly, few will know about right off hand. But something of this nature can�t hide forever. Soon the effects of these 45 minutes will be heard by all in some way, shape, or form.<<
  
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  Elena Brückner, Berlin, Februar 2010.
  www.liveintheliving.de
  
  >>Pop mit Sinnhaftigkeit. Gunnar Cleemann könnte man nahezu als ausgebufft bezeichnen. Dem Komponisten, Sänger und Multiinstrumentalisten aus Kopenhagen gelingt es, mit Zartheit zu fesseln. Seine Inhalte bettet er in eingängigen Pop. Die Arrangements sind spärlich, luftig und stellen eine spröde Balance zwischen dezent eingesetzter Elektronik und akustischen Instrumenten her. Seine fast unbearbeitet in Szene gesetzte Stimme berührt. Diesen fragilen Sound verdankt er nicht zuletzt Mario Thaler (Lali Puna, The Notwist), der sein Album „45 minutes“ co-produziert hat. Das ist Pop, so schillernd, wie er nur sein kann.<<
  
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  Even in the future nothing works
  January 19, 2010
  Blogspot, Week 3, Music Recommendation: Cleemann
  LINK
  http://eveninthefuture.blogspot.com/2010/01/week-3-music-recommendation-cleemann.html
  
  >>Gunnar Cleemann is known as �Cleemann�. He is from Copenhagen, Denmark. In mid 2009 he released �45 Minutes Mostly about Caring�, his most recent offering. Cleemann�s album contains a wide range of songs with interesting titles commonly limited to one word only, which I do think is a rare characteristic. Upon hearing the work of Cleemann, it is common to hear others classify him as a singer/songwriter, which is a fair assumption to make, though Cleemann possesses much more than what would be considered as the average singer/songwriter.
  
  Cleemann�s ability to express his lyrics clearly and to go beyond the feeling through them is remarkable; especially considering English is a 2nd language to most Dane�s. Also another important characteristic to note is the uniqueness that is �Cleemann�. Some of the uniqueness comes from the help of open-minded/overly-talented musicians from around the world that stand by the work of �Cleemann� and proudly collaborate with him. E.G. on Cleemann�s �45 Minutes Mostly about Caring� it contained collaborations from many talented musicians, to name a few, Mick Groendal (Jeff Buckley), Christoph Brandner (Lali Puna), and producer Mario Thaler (the Notwist, Jaga Jazzist, Lali Puna, The Go-Betweens).
  
  I highly recommend the artist known as �Cleemann� to any music lovers that truly appreciate excellent musicianship and songs with true �Mostly about Caring� meanings, and most particularly to fans with a great appreciation for artists such as Nick Drake, Lali Puna, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, Elliott Smith, Sondre Lerche, and many talented others would be truly capable of having a great appreciation for Cleemann�s music also.
  
  Cleemann has plans to travel and share his �Mostly about Caring� with people from around the world in 2010 and beyond.<<
  
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  DAYBOWBOW
  January 14, 2010
  LINK
  http://daybowbow.net/2010/01/14/track-of-the-day-cleemann-romantic/
  
  Track of the Day: Cleemann- Romantic
  
  by Jesseca Bagherpour
  
  >>We could all use a little happiness after the events that have transpired this week. I was going to link to this as the Track of the Day. You know, to cheer everyone up. But then I found an email from Christopher of Series Two Records (you might recall the track I offered up from Series Two�s My Autumn Sons last month) that steered me in another direction. He spoke about Cleemann, one of the most ambitious artists on the label.
  
  Ambitious (also one of his song titles) is an apt way to describe Cleemann and his music, so I decided to give him some much-deserved attention. Hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, Gunnar Cleemann composes lovely, inspirational pop tunes that are at once accessible and mind-blowing.At first listen the songs seem simple enough, but soon the listener is drawn into the lush layers of it all�electronic loops, acoustic guitar, keys � and that voice.
  
  His voice is entirely his own� clear, deep and vast as an ocean�but at times it takes on the airy raspiness of Joe Pernice. He recruited bassist Mick Gr�ndahl (Jeff Buckley), drummer Christoph Brandner (Lali Puna) and producer Mario Thaler (The Notwist, Lali Puna, Console) for his recent album, 45 Minutes Mostly About Caring. My favorite Cleemann track from 45 Minutes (thus far) is �Romantic�.
  Cleemann- Romantic
  
  Verdict: From the rousing drum intro to the fading electronic loops, �Romantic� holds me captivated every time I listen to it. I would call it �addictive� rather than �catchy�. His voice is at its best on this track, and, combined with the lyrics and music, it reaches a deep emotion inside of me that I wish I were too jaded to feel. But it ultimately leaves me refreshed and content. There are two qualities I look for when judging pop music�catharsis and satisfaction�and Cleemann delivers both.<<
  
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  CAPAC
  January 2 2010
  LINK
  http://www.capac.dk/wordpress/?p=10286
  
  Cleemann: 45 Minutes Mostly About Caring
  
  by Capac
  
  >>Jeanne har v�ret s� s�d at sende mig et eksemplar af Gunnar Cleemanns nye soloplade �45 Minutes Mostly About Caring�. Og jeg har ladet den snurre p� min afspiller de seneste uger for at lytte mig ind p� den. I f�rste omgang vidste jeg nemlig ikke, hvad jeg skulle mene om udspillet. S�dan har jeg det ofte med musik. Musikken skal have lov til at komme ind under huden. Man skal have tid til at lytte sig ind p� kunstnerens intentioner. I Cleemanns tilf�lde gik der et par dage, inden d�ren gik op til det univers, der i f�rste omgang virkede lidt indelukket og selvkredsende. S�dan kan plader, hvor melankoliens grundtone er fremherskende, ofte virke.
  
  Men skinnet bedrager, for Gunnar Clemanns sange er - sk�ret ind til benet - popmusik. Ikke af den udspekulerede metervareslags, som fylder de mange FM-stationer og mainstreamhitlister. De sarte melodier er tilsat arrangementer, hvor der beh�ndigt leges med n�rmest sf�riske stemninger, man kan aftvinge moderne elektronisk isenkram og akustiske instrumenter. Over det hele sv�ver Clemanns lyse vokal, der i forbifarten kan minde lidt om Antonys, men ellers ikke ligner noget, jeg har h�rt for nylig. En let, luftig stemme, der passer godt til pladens romantisk-melankolske univers.Umiddelbart tror jeg ikke, at Clemanns musik vil have en chance p� Boogielisten, men jeg tror, mange voksne poplyttere vil have forn�jelse af at s�tte pladen i omdrejninger. Hermed anbefalet.<<
  
  
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  VOLUME KNOB
  September 2009
  LINK
  http://volume-knob.blogspot.com/2009/09/sunday-mail-bag-monday-edition-cleemann.html
  
  Sunday Mail Bag (Monday edition): Cleemann
  
  by Jesseca
  
  >>I was immeadiately struck by the title and cover art of this obscure little album I received in the mail the other day. An old man holding two seashells up to his ears, with an intent look upon his face, as if he was trying to hear the universe. The title simply reads 45 Minutes Mostly About Caring. After a completely shit-tastic Monday I need caring. And I'll take about 45 minutes of it. And after listening to Cleemann, I got it.
  
  Gunnar Cleemann is basically a Danish dude you've never heard of and his voice is otherworldly. Think a blend of Antony, that guy from Sigur Ros, but with a distinct weirdness all his own. I can't quite find the adjectives for it. Musically he experiments with a combination of lush orchestrations, acoustic arrangements and tinges of electronic gauze to make one of the downright prettiest albums I've heard in a long, long time. Additionally, the eclectic sonic palette evokes emotions which the songs are actually titled after (see: "Romantic", "Ambitious" and "Righteous"). It's dreamy and layered for sure, but also approachable and most importantly emotional. In other words, it's exactly how pop music should be.<<
  
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  TOKAFI
  February 2009
  LINK
  http://www.tokafi.com/news/cleemann-parallels-between-monthy-python-kafka/
  
  Cleemann: Parallels between Monthy Python & Kafka
  
  by Tobias M�nster
  
  >>Most people associate Pop music with a throwaway mentality. The entire process of creating Cleemann's debut album "45 Minutes Mostly About Caring", however, belies this view. The result of an assiduous songwriting phase and a minute studio production, which involved members of the Notwist, a former sidekick to Jeff Buckley and several cream of the crop guests from the Danish music scene, it is to be the first part of a trilogy dealing with universal issues in a very personal way. And unlike Britney Spear's claim that "there's only two types of people in the world - those that entertain and the ones that observe", it took some time for Cleemann to deal with the nakedness of his voice against the soft backdrop of his sensual songs. When listening to the pieces on "45 Minutes", it is easy to tell why he felt intimated: Quite unlike most contemporary radio jingles, the album doesn't grab for your attention with brute force. Its arrangements are discreet, airy and sparse, establishing a brittle balance between delicate electronics and acoustic instruments. And vocals are left almost unprocessed and in all their natural fragility - as an audience it sometimes feels like you're eavesdropping on something extremely intimate. Let there be no doubt: This is still as catchy and approachable as Pop goes. But you certainly wouldn't want to throw these tracks away anytime soon.
  The Beijing 'Egg'
  
  You just had a strategy meeting with the folks at Artiscope. How did things go?
  "The stategy meeting with the folks at Artiscope went very well. It is an energetic and idealistic bunch of people, and I feel very fortunate to be represented by Nicolaj Hylt�n-Cavallius who is deeply rooted within the danish music industry. There is a lot of optimism right now. People from all over the world shows interest in my project. It seems that the time is right for music that focuses on content rather than just sound. It's kind of ironic that the world economic crises might be an advantage for me, since it seems to make people think more about moral and existential issues, which are also themes that I try to address in my music."
  
  Is there any news on the official release date for "45 Minutes Mostly About Caring"? You must be eager to finally get it out!
  "The official release date for "45 Minutes Mostly About Caring" will in the USA be late may - early june and in Denmark primo september. I look forward to get it out there and right now I am ready with ten more songs to take to Bavaria!"
  
  A lot of different musicians from the scene around The Notwist and Lali Puna among others have co-produced the album. How would you characterise their involvement?
  "Mario Thaler did a great job in producing the album together with me. I am always overflowing with ideas, and sometimes have a hard time knowing when to stop. Before Mario came into the project, I tried to produce the record by myself in Copenhagen. But before I was able to decide on finishing anything completely, new ideas on how to play and arrange the songs popped up, or a new song passed by, that I felt was far more important to record! Mario told me when to stop and focus on decisions how to finish the songs, to tighten up the sound-scapes and to get on with the next song. You can say that if I was the one who came up with all the places we could go, then Mario was the one who made sure we got there, and not only arriving but in a nice BMW! Cristoph Brandner did the drumming, which was a great part of moving the expression away from too much of a retro feel. Both of them are also very nice people, who's encouragement meant a lot to my confidence in the production state of the album."
  
  Despite the carefully designed arrangements, your voice is very much exposed in your songs. How comfortable were you with being this naked in front of your audience?
  "It took all the courage I have! But I strongly believe that it is important that more people have the strength to show their weaknesses. This might sound like a paradox, but the thought is, that when people experience others that show their weaknesses and vulnerable sides without fear, they themselves are less inclined to fear. Fear being the root of many of the conflicts of both our day-to-day living and the major political conflicts of our world. So basicly it is me saying: look I'm human; With human faults and soft-spots; But I will not fear or feel shame about it; I will acknowledge these vulnerable sides; And transform as much as it is possible for me; Not comparing to what progress others may do; But letting myself be inspired by their progress."
  
  Your MySpace page mentions Kafka and Monty Python as influences. Which of the two was more important on the sound of "45 Minutes Mostly About Caring"?
  "Both Kafka and Monty Python deals with 'the absurd' in their art. Their way of doing so may differ but not the subject. I've contemplated the absurd trying to communicate the idea. Amongst others you'll find several references to their work in my lyrics. Therefore I find them equally influential for my work. I also believe that Kafka has a deep dry humour in which you find our existential issues illustrated. Both of them are for me the masters of their medium. I think that you can find humour in my work (but no irony) though it deals with serious matters. To quote a famous Monty Python sketch: "Now, nobody likes a good laugh more than I do. Except perhaps my wife. And some of her friends. Oh yes, and Captain Johnson ... Come to think of it, most people like a good laugh more than I do, but that's beside the point!"<<
  
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  FENSE POST
  Dec 17, 2008
  LINK
  http://www.fensepost.com/main/2008/12/17/cleemann-45-minutes-mostly-about-caring-album-preview/
  
  Home � Album Reviews
  Cleemann: 45 Minutes Mostly About Caring [Album pReview]
  
  by Andrew Fenstermaker
  
  >>I�m calling it a pReview, as Cleemann�s release of 45 Minutes Mostly About Caring is not slated for official release until February 2009 at the earliest � a promo release featuring the cover below (by Franz Jacobi) was sent out in a limited batch in 2007 and 2008. Word on the street is that Series II Records, currently one of the best CD-R labels in the states, is planning a state-side release around 45 Minutes.
  
  That will be amazing, as Cleemann�s music is about as unique and interesting as pop music comes. Cleemann is centered around Gunnar Cleemann, frontman of the band and master of pop far, far away from the Series II headquarters in rural Nebraska � Cleemann is from Copenhagen, Denmark.
  
  I�ve got a sneak peek for you, another reason why this is called a pReview. I�ve heard the entire record and I strongly believe that it is brilliant. It�s filled with passion and personality � exactly what you want in a pop album � and at times reminds me (and this may be a slight stretch) of a cross between vocals by Antony And The Johnsons and/or Arco, backed by Kaada�s amazing orchestral direction (OK, maybe not Kaada through about half the album, but it sure makes me want to listen to that composer). It may be pop, but it�s got the instrumentation of something much darker. While classically based, at times it feels as though its filtered through an electronic haze.
  
  Songs like �Ambitious� and �Righteous� demonstrate the pop element quite well, as do �Repairman�, �Absent Part 1? and virtually every song on 45 Minutes. There are, however, several times where Cleemann�s music seems almost unclassifiable, or at least distant from the genre of pop. The darkness in melody and various chords certainly further emphasize the relevance of that statement. Whatever way you look at it, and however you wish to classify the mystery that is Cleemann, it�s hard to deny that there�s something genius about his work.
  
  Look for Cleemann on Series II records in the next few months. Oh, and if the final track ultimately confuses you, turn it up real loud for a totally experimental treat.<<

• Interview: Cleemann: Parallels between Monthy Python & Kafka [+ Show ]
  

  Most people associate Pop music with a throwaway mentality. The entire process of creating Cleemann'...Most people associate Pop music with a throwaway mentality. The entire process of creating Cleemann's debut album "45 Minutes Mostly About Caring", however, belies this view. The result of an assiduous songwriting phase and a minute studio production, which involved members of the Notwist, a former sidekick to Jeff Buckley and several cream of the crop guests from the Danish music scene, it is to be the first part of a trilogy dealing with universal issues in a very personal way. And unlike Britney Spear's claim that "there's only two types of people in the world - those that entertain and the ones that observe", it took some time for Cleemann to deal with the nakedness of his voice against the soft backdrop of his sensual songs. When listening to the pieces on "45 Minutes", it is easy to tell why he felt intimated: Quite unlike most contemporary radio jingles, the album doesn't grab for your attention with brute force. Its arrangements are discreet, airy and sparse, establishing a brittle balance between delicate electronics and acoustic instruments. And vocals are left almost unprocessed and in all their natural fragility - as an audience it sometimes feels like you're eavesdropping on something extremely intimate. Let there be no doubt: This is still as catchy and approachable as Pop goes. But you certainly wouldn't want to throw these tracks away anytime soon.
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  You just had a strategy meeting with the folks at Artiscope. How did things go?
  The stategy meeting with the folks at Artiscope went very well. It is an energetic and idealistic bunch of people, and I feel very fortunate to be represented by Nicolaj Hyltén-Cavallius who is deeply rooted within the danish music industry. There is a lot of optimism right now. People from all over the world shows interest in my project. It seems that the time is right for music that focuses on content rather than just sound. It's kind of ironic that the world economic crises might be an advantage for me, since it seems to make people think more about moral and existential issues, which are also themes that I try to address in my music.
  
  Is there any news on the official release date for "45 Minutes Mostly About Caring"? You must be eager to finally get it out!
  The official release date for "45 Minutes Mostly About Caring" will in the USA be late may - early june and in Denmark primo september. I look forward to get it out there and right now I am ready with ten more songs to take to Bavaria!
  
  
  A lot of different musicians from the scene around The Notwist and Lali Puna among others have co-produced the album. How would you characterise their involvement?
  Mario Thaler did a great job in producing the album together with me. I am always overflowing with ideas, and sometimes have a hard time knowing when to stop. Before Mario came into the project, I tried to produce the record by myself in Copenhagen. But before I was able to decide on finishing anything completely, new ideas on how to play and arrange the songs popped up, or a new song passed by, that I felt was far more important to record! Mario told me when to stop and focus on decisions how to finish the songs, to tighten up the sound-scapes and to get on with the next song. You can say that if I was the one who came up with all the places we could go, then Mario was the one who made sure we got there, and not only arriving but in a nice BMW! Cristoph Brandner did the drumming, which was a great part of moving the expression away from too much of a retro feel. Both of them are also very nice people, who's encouragement meant a lot to my confidence in the production state of the album.
  
  
  Despite the carefully designed arrangements, your voice is very much exposed in your songs. How comfortable were you with being this naked in front of your audience?
  It took all the courage I have! But I strongly believe that it is important that more people have the strength to show their weaknesses. This might sound like a paradox, but the thought is, that when people experience others that show their weaknesses and vulnerable sides without fear, they themselves are less inclined to fear. Fear being the root of many of the conflicts of both our day-to-day living and the major political conflicts of our world. So basicly it is me saying: look I'm human; With human faults and soft-spots; But I will not fear or feel shame about it; I will acknowledge these vulnerable sides; And transform as much as it is possible for me; Not comparing to what progress others may do; But letting myself be inspired by their progress.
  
  Your MySpace page mentions Kafka and Monty Python as influences. Which of the two was more important on the sound of "45 Minutes Mostly About Caring"?
  Both Kafka and Monty Python deals with 'the absurd' in their art. Their way of doing so may differ but not the subject. I've contemplated the absurd trying to communicate the idea. Amongst others you'll find several references to their work in my lyrics. Therefore I find them equally influential for my work. I also believe that Kafka has a deep dry humour in which you find our existential issues illustrated. Both of them are for me the masters of their medium. I think that you can find humour in my work (but no irony) though it deals with serious matters. To quote a famous Monty Python sketch: "Now, nobody likes a good laugh more than I do. Except perhaps my wife. And some of her friends. Oh yes, and Captain Johnson ... Come to think of it, most people like a good laugh more than I do, but that's beside the point!“

• REVIEW excerpts CD >>Cracks<< [+ Show ]
  

  >>Jeep rise above the mass of more or less anonymous debutantes mainly through Cleemann's unusual an...>>Jeep rise above the mass of more or less anonymous debutantes mainly through Cleemann's unusual and highly personal voice – unlike anything else to be heard in Denmark or abroad – and then there is the solid hold on the noble and difficult art of song-writing.<<
  
  Klaus Lynggaard, Information
  
  
  >>Sweet, strange, beautiful music – particularly thanks to singer and guitarist Gunnar Cleemann – whose voice has a wondrous way of grabbing hold of you. There's something about Cleemann's voice that you just can't shake off. Excellent tunes. This reviewer can't wait to hear what they come up with next.<<
  
  Lars B. Jørgensen, Berlingske Tidende
  
  
  >>Gunnar Cleemann, till now mainly known for a 30-second part in the Danish film "Pusher", is a singer whose special voice seeps into the atmosphere like soothing cigarette-smoke – slow and sophisticated – truly convincing talent.<<
  
  Finn P. Madsen, Gaffa
  
  
  >>Right from the first, quivering, melancholy note Jeep's sound is all their own. Cleemann's light, filtering voice adds ambiguous character to their neo-psychedelic pop music. Great talent.<<
  
  Kim Skotte, Politiken
  
  
  >>Cracks is packed with the kind of sweet, playful ballads that keep you warm on a cold winter's night. Great arrangements ...<<
  
  Four stars
  Andé Devantier, Zoo Magazine
  
  
  >>The band delivers light, delicate rock music – floating and fragile – comprised of familiar rock-elements but permeated by a laid-back sound that sets this apart from most things on the Danish scene. <<
  
  Four stars
  Uffe Christensen, Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten
  

Setlist

1 Ambitious
2 Righteous
3 Collide
4 Romantic
+ new songs from comming 2012 album:
5 Stupid
6 Lost
7 New
8 Aviator
9 5 Billion Years
10 Generous
11 Indifferent

+ xtra
Violent Femmes/ Blister in the sun/ acoustic version

Basic Requirements

Calendar