Calling The Waters arrives via Soliti on the 17th May 2024
Kaspar announce and share details of their second album – Calling The Waters, which releases via Soliti on the 17th May 2024.
The duo of John McGregor and Mikael Hakkarainen (Kaspar), reveal a new approach to songwriting which informed Calling The Waters creation. Compared to their earlier work, the new songs are based on a different type of songwriting, where soundscapes become songs rather than thought-out song structures and melodies being written first. The new process turned out to be inspiring and a good amount of songs were written in a relatively short time. The band has been known for its ability to capture audiences, in smaller and bigger settings. Calling The Waters is further proof of their diversity, creativity and the desire to discover new sounds. Lyrically, the songs touch upon one’s inner life, the moving lights and shades of different colours in today’s world. There is a conversation with hope and a recognition of beauty, as all that is in our world finds its place.
Listen to “Let Go”
Music written by John McGregor, Mikael Hakkarainen, Tuomas Hakkarainen
Lyrics by John McGregor, Mikael Hakkarainen
John Mcgregor – vocals, synths, guitars
Mikael Hakkarainen – bass, guitars, programming
Tuomas Hakkarainen – percussion
Produced by Kaspar
Recorded and mixed by Mikael Hakkarainen
Mastered by Matt Colton at Metropolis
With the album announcement Kaspar shares new single “Let Go” – a propulsive and fuzzy creation about rebirth. ““Let Go is probably the most straightforward tune on the forthcoming Kaspar album, Calling The Waters. Similar to the previous single, Clear, the song was written on Moog synthesisers. The song is about letting go of one’s own patterns, dying, and of stepping into a new life and all of its unknown possibilities. Taking a ride on the jet-black cab.” Kaspar tell us. “Let Go” will be released on the 5th April 2024.
Some reaction
“Finnish duo Kaspar are working on something that feels supremely familiar, yet in the current climate, it feels totally refreshing.” Austin Town Hall
“Getting carried away by the electrifying vibrations of Kaspar’s new “Let Go” is all too easy. A sophisticated #altrock with a rich, engaging and pleasantly cacophonous sound texture.” IndieItalia
“…a propulsive and confusing creation about rebirth” Soulwavez
Kaspar interviewed at Radio Helsinki’s Kuusikielinen taivas
KASPAR : CALLING THE WATERS (SOLITI 109)
RELEASE DATE: 17/05/2024
Calling The Waters album sleeve photo by Sakari McGregor
Clear
Ain’t it strange
Let Go
Who Am I
Weight
All I believe
Midst of men
Horizon
Calling
Waters
All songs Produced by Kaspar
Recorded and mixed by Mikael Hakkarainen
Mastered by Matt Colton at Metropolis
Cover photo by Sakari McGregor
In February of this year, Kaspar shared the twofer single of “Clear” b/w “Who Am I”, released with a video by Sampsa Pirtola.
Praise for “Clear”
“Magical” Rumba
“Early on it’s a rolling synth line, with the faintest heartbeat bubbling beneath; I love how the empty space leaves a lot of room for the melody to kind of build and grow” Austin Town Hall
“For anyone with an iota of individualism about them it will be right up their street.” Nordic Music Central
“The lovely and sincere song” WYMA
Kaspar promo pic by Jonna Öhrnberg
Kaspar is a band from Finland led by singer-songwriters John McGregor and Mikael Hakkarainen. John and Mikael first met 20 years ago when they sat next to each other at a lecture about free will. Soon after their meeting, Mikael played in John’s band and a few years later Kaspar was formed. John is known for his career as a solo artist in Finland. Mikael also has released four albums of his own.
The Kaspar debut album was recorded in Kingston, New York with producer Malcolm Burn (Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Daniel Lanois, Emmylou Harris) back in 2009. Following the album they played gigs all over Europe and in the US. After a concert in Austin, Texas a police officer said Kaspar was the best thing since U2 in San Antonio back in 1983. We’ll take that.
Social Media for Kaspar