With a hectic week drawing to a close, it is fair to say that we are all in search of some bliss. And, we think that Gundelach’s Shapeshifter is just that. A brand new album packed full of atmospheric cuts sure to transport you from the depths of this earth, the artist has married his two wildly diverse EPs, “Shape” and “Shifter”, in the name of forming the ultimate album. With elegant production taking centre stage here, injected with soft ripples of acoustic instrumentation, listeners won’t be able to resist falling into the dreamland that Gundelach has crafted upon first listen.

When discussing the laid-back nature of this project, the artist explained, “This record was about not letting my ego dictate the way it sounded. Just letting stuff flow. I made it with my friends Pål Ulvik Rokseth, Ole Ulvik Rokseth and Knut Sævik. And it has been a chill process. ”

Upon the release of the new album, the artist took some time to chat to Wonderland about the relaxed circumstances under which his new project came to fruition and a year filled with touring. Head below to enjoy our interview with Gundelach. Shapeshifter by Gundelach is out now…

Hi Gundelach, how are you doing? Where are we speaking to you from right now?
Hey! I’m in Oslo! I am laying in my couch with COVID for the first time.

Let’s start at the beginning, when did you first start getting into music?
I’ve been attracted to music for as long as I remember. The first CD I bought myself was Jay Z’s The Blueprint. I learned all the lyrics by rewinding it and playing in my room.

And, do you have anyone you cite as an inspiration?
I’m inspired by the music I listen to and the books I read. I usually put on a vinyl record when I get up in the morning and make coffee. I’ve been listening to Carmen Villain’s record “Only Love From Now On” a lot lately.

Let’s start with your new music! You recently released your EP “Shape”. How did you feel ahead of the project’s release? Were you nervous?
Not that nervous! But maybe it’s because of the weird times we’ve been through lately with the pandemic. It doesn’t feel like it’s real in a way.

And now you are releasing a second EP “Shifter” which will join your first in making the Shapeshifteralbum! How did you come up with this ingenious concept?
Yeah! I’m exited to show it. This record was about not letting my ego dictate the way it sounded. Just letting stuff flow. I made it with my friends Pål Ulvik Rokseth, Ole Ulvik Rokseth and Knut Sævik. And it has been a chill process. I don’t remember when I came up with the concept, but it’s something about those paintings that evokes something in me.

What is the difference between the two EPs? Do they have different sounds or themes?
They do. The A side (“Shape”) starts by a lake in the forest and when we get to the B side we are suddenly at sea. “Shape” is recorded with live drums and “Shifter” mostly with my Elektron Machinedrum.

You state that the album is inspired by Theodor Kittelsen’s paintings of the mythology of Nøkken or The Nix in English! Do you usually look to art for inspiration when making music?
Yes. I usually draw inspiration from some kind of art. Be it paintings, poetry or films.

Do you have a favourite track from the album? And if so, which one and why?
Maybe “Vi Er Nærme Nå”. I just really enjoyed fiddling around with that guitar riff. I sat in my garden with an acoustic noodling around for weeks.

Aside from your exciting album release, what else are you focusing on this year?
We are doing some live shows here in Norway this summer and hopefully touring this fall or next Spring. I’m also making music for a documentary that’s coming out later this year. Other than that me and my girlfriend just bought an apartment and we’re having another child this July. So a lot of stuff on my plate!