“City Man” and “Let Go (Spectrum remix)” arrive via Soliti on the 20th Dec.24
Kaspar also share Calling The Waters album cut “Weight” video

After a long break, Kaspar – the duo of John McGregor and Mikael Hakkarainen rejoined the musical fray in 2024 with the release of their well received second album Calling The Waters. Keen to keep the momentum going on a productive year – Kaspar offer us a smattering of new music in the form of new track “City Man”,  a James Spectrum  (Pepe Deluxé) remix of Calling The Waters “Let Go” plus a new video for Calling the Waters standout “Weight”

Listen to “City Man”/“Let Go (Spectrum remix)”<

Watch “Weight” video

Commenting on the new tracks and video Kaspar explains “”City Man” is one of the songs written during the Calling the Waters sessions that didn’t end up on the album. Still a strong track with a haunting bass and guitar rhythm and a soundscape that moves somewhere between New York city and the Sahara desert. More guitar oriented than perhaps most of the songs on Calling the Waters, “City Man” invites you to glare into the sparkling neon.

James Spectrum’s (Pepe Deluxé) mix of “Let Go” takes the song to a totally new level of distortion. The crackles, pops and surprises give a fresh taste for an older song.

Antti-Jussi Kaikuru’s video for “Weight” offers a simplistic, observing approach to the theme of the song through nature.”

Initial Reaction

“Chilling beauty” Rumba

SINGLE / VIDEO  CREDITS

“City Man”
Music written by John McGregor, Mikael Hakkarainen, Tuomas Hakkarainen
Lyrics by John McGregor, Mikael Hakkarainen
John Mcgregor – vocals, synths, bass
Mikael Hakkarainen – guitars, bass, programming, vocals
Tuomas Hakkarainen – drums, percussion
Eliel Turusenaho – cornet sample
Produced by Kaspar
Recorded and mixed by Mikael Hakkarainen
Cover by Sakari McGregor

“Let Go (Spectrum Mix)”
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 by Mikael Hakkarainen
Mixed and mastered by James Spectrum

“Weight”
Music written by John McGregor, Mikael Hakkarainen, Tuomas Hakkarainen
Lyrics by John McGregor, Mikael Hakkarainen
Video by Antti-Jussi Kaikuru
John Mcgregor – vocals, synths, bass
Mikael Hakkarainen – bass, guitars, programming
Tuomas Hakkarainen – drums, percussion
Produced by Kaspar
Recorded and mixed by Mikael Hakkarainen
Mastered by Matt Colton at Metropolis

Praise for Kaspar’s Calling The Waters  album

“So Kaspar is still alive and well, they just changed their clothes.” Desibeli 4/5

”Even though Kaspar’s works are aware of complex universal problems, optimism marinated in clarity emerges from the core of the movement. The expression flirts attractively with ambient music.” 5/5 Ilkka-Pohjalainen

John McGregor interviewed via Yle

“…born from the repetitiveness of the musical base and that together with the rest of the elements of the voice builds a solid dynamism” Rmas.mx

“Kaspar can weave enchanting ensembles out of the synth mat, as the Clear single with Samuli Kosminen’s percussions nicely demonstrates.” Soundi 3/5

“… a masterpiece of sonic experimentation, touches of noises and refined sounds compose a singular harmonic style. A bold and magical musical journey.” Indie Italia

“Finnish duo Kaspar are working on something that feels supremely familiar, yet in the current climate, it feels totally refreshing.” Austin Town Hall

“Magical” Rumba
“For anyone with an iota of individualism about them it will be right up their street.” Nordic Music Central

“The lovely and sincere” WYMA

One Chord To Another Fave Finnish albums of 2024

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 has also 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.

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