Airbag

With 200.000 songs downloaded from their website, 35.000 plays on MySpace and raving reviews from all over the world, Airbag is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Their music can best be described as scenic, epic rock or, as legendary Classic Rock Magazine said: “This Norwegian five-piece specialize in prog at its most chilled, honeyed and soothing”.

Airbag has managed to create their own, unique sound with elements of classic and progressive rock, chill and jazz, influenced by artist from a wide range of genres, from Pink Floyd and Porcupine Tree to Talk Talk, Radiohead and A-Ha. However, Airbag never relies on their influences and they’re always ready to experiment beyond genre restrictions.

Driven by their common love of music, and inspired by shared musical experiences, these High School friends began a musical journey that would lead them to the formation of Airbag in its present form in 2005. The first EP Sounds That I Hear was released the year after and reached a staggering 13.000 downloads from the band’s website in just a few months. The second EP Safetree compiled four new tracks that soon proved to be the eye-opener for many new fans. Airbag has managed to create a loyal fans base from all over the world using the Internet and their homepage as their main channel to reach an audience.

The band has also become a solid live-act after years of experience through different projects. After their live-debut as Airbag in 2007, they have played support and double-bills with bands like Pineapple Thief, Riverside and Gazpacho. An Airbag show is a unique experience of sound and strong visuals with extensive use of backdrop film to underline the subtle nuances in the music.

A creative community in its own right, the band and their closest friends run the website and create the artwork and films for stage-shows – it’s an environment based on friendship and a love of music and art. Airbag is Asle Tostrup – lead vocals, Bjørn Riis – guitars & vocals, Jørgen Hagen – keyboards and Anders Hovdan – bass.

Airbag released their debut album on Karisma Records in April 2009. The album, entitled Identity, comprises eight songs with Airbag’s unique sound of classic and progressive rock blended with cinematic soundscapes, epic guitars and strong melodies.