by Rune Moen Holmen, Gard, and Fabrice
Hi, again.
Happy to notice that you are still around. In this newsletter we will dive into the story of Magnus Skylstad. This is a story about friendship and artistry that walk hand in hand. As you know, he was Aurora’s friend, producer and drummer for many years, and I don’t think we should underestimate the positive effect this friendship has had on Aurora’s sense of feeling safe around the globe, along with the impact he has had on the music we love so much.
Let’s dive in…
Magnus Skylstad is a versatile and accomplished musician, most known for his work with AURORA. Born on June 17, 1983, in Bergen, Norway, he began his journey in music by playing drums at around 15 years of age. His talents have seen him wear multiple hats as a record producer, songwriter, musician, engineer, and backing vocalist.
In 2000, Magnus became the drummer in a Rock&Roll band called ORBO & The Longshots. The band has released multiple albums, and Magnus took part in two of them; Genuine Handmade Rock'n'roll and High Roller. In 2008 the band received the Norwegian Spellemansprisen (aka Grammy Award), but as far as we know he quit the band a short time before the award took place. The band was disbanded in 2012, but they did a comeback-single together in 2020 : “Smoke and Mirrors”.
From their first album, we have managed to find an old music video on YouTube, produced in 2006:
My manager Geir Luedy asked me if I could do a session with a young woman, we booked the studio and we recorded 5 or 6 of their songs with just the vocals and piano. I selected one of the songs I wanted to work with. This song was "Runaway". She immediately impressed me.
Skylstad's collaboration with Aurora is a significant part of his career. He first teamed up with her in 2012, and they played together for the first time at the opening of Hamar House of Culture, and for the 2nd time at the Nabovarsel mini-festival in Bergen on February 20, 2014. This was just one week before the big By:Larm festival in 2014. The partnership with Aurora is marked by the production of several successful singles, EPs, and albums. Their collaborative efforts began to gain notable recognition with "Runaway", and they further solidified their partnership with the release of Aurora's debut EP "Running With The Wolves" and the album "All My Demons Greeting Me As a Friend". Working alongside fellow Bergen producer Odd Martin Skålnes, they continued their success with releases like "Infections of a Different Kind (Step 1)", "A Different Kind of Human (Step 2)", and "The Gods We Can Touch".
In addition to his production work, Magnus also brings his talent to live performances, playing as the drummer in Aurora's band. His involvement in her music extends beyond the drums, as he has also contributed as a backing vocalist, showcasing the depth and versatility of his musical abilities.
There is no doubt that Magnus has made a great impact on Aurora's music, contributing not only through instrumentation but also in shaping the sound and production of her work. This partnership has helped bring Aurora's unique and ethereal sound to a wider audience, cementing both their reputations in the music industry.
Beyond the professional realm, as we can see in the ONCE AURORA documentary, Magnus shares a profound personal bond with Aurora, extending their relationship into the territories of deep friendship and mutual support. This connection is not just foundational to their collaborative work but also enriches their individual artistic journeys.
Magnus is very stubborn too, making us a close-knit trio of stubborn people (referring to O.Martin). It's a small wonder that we manage to cooperate as well as we do.
Magnus's role as a friend and confidant to Aurora has been pivotal in her career. In the often tumultuous world of music, having a trusted ally can be invaluable, and Magnus has been exactly that for Aurora. Their friendship allows for a creative environment where ideas can be exchanged freely, fostering a space for artistic growth and exploration. This bond is evident not just in the studio but also on stage, where their synergy contributes to captivating and emotionally resonant performances.
Then there is Magnus, my drummer since I became an artist. We make a lot of music. Magnus is perharps the one I spend the most time with, out of all the people in the whole world.
Aurora (HAIK, 2019)
Their close relationship goes beyond music, providing Aurora with emotional support and guidance. In an industry where pressure and expectations can be overwhelming, having Skylstad's steady presence has been a source of comfort and stability for Aurora. This dynamic has likely played a crucial role in her ability to navigate the challenges of her career while remaining true to her artistic vision.
In summary, Skylstad's relationship with Aurora transcends the typical artist-producer dynamic. It is a testament to the power of friendship and mutual respect in the creative process, contributing significantly to both their successes and personal well-being.
After the Øyafest, 13th of August 2022, Magnus decided to step down as Aurora’s drummer to pursue other interests. Our guess is that he want to put more work into doing production work and less drummer-work 😊.
Yes. We were so fortunate to get some feedback from Magnus himself 😊:
Cool (referring to the newsletter).
Yes, the latest date was Øya when we headlined. But then I also went on a trip to Mexico because of what happened with the new drummer in Brazil. Since then, I've been focusing on songwriting and production! I travel a lot, including to LA, Nashville, London, and Stockholm as a songwriter for others. I've also built a new studio in downtown Bergen where people come to write songs, and I produce. Among others, Aurora
So. This sums up some parts of what we know of Magnus’s story. We have learned about ORBO & The Longshots, his artistic career and his friendship with Aurora. I believe you, as we, wish him all the best for years to come.
Finally, I would like to ask you a favour. I believe I have managed to show that these letters are sent out with a quite certain consistensy, and I would find it great if you could help me expand the reach for them. By hitting that “Share” button below, you will be given the opportunity to share through mail and various social medias. There is also a link that you may copy and send/post anyway you like.
Thank you 💚
Have a day
Rune
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