Staerna

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In Staerna two vocalists and two musical traditions meet – Nemat Battah, a Palestinian Jordanian singer and oud player and Isa Holmgren, a folk musician and dancer from Sweden. Together with guitarist Hampus Grönberg (SE) and double bass player Alan Mackie (CA), they have created a unique sound through their innovative arrangements, drawing experience from the band members’ diverse musical backgrounds.

 

Arabic folk songs from the Levant and Egypt are skillfully interwoven with traditional melodies and songs from Sweden and Norway. Just as the two voices sometimes seem to completely meld into one, so do the melodies. It becomes striking how melodies from these different parts of the world can be so similar and complement each other in such a captivating and refined way.

 

The name Staerna comes from the family of birds that migrate the farthest distance of any species. Just as the bird navigates the earth, the band Staerna travels in their musical expression through different places and traditions to bring both music and people together.

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Staerna aims not only to explore different musical traditions but also create spaces for collaborations with other musicians and art forms. 

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During the summer of 2020, Staerna's debut album was recorded from four different countries across the Northern Hemisphere. Hampus recorded his parts and acted as producer for the album in his home studio in Gothenburg.

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STAERNA is:

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Nemat Battah - Vocals

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Isa Holmgren - Vocals

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Hampus Grönberg - Guitar

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Alan Mackie - Bass