MEER is an eight (!) piece alt-pop orchestra from Hedmark, Norway. The band started as a duo in 2008 and has since developed into an eclectic collective. MEER’s music is a mix of orchestral pop, classical music and progressive rock. Their sound is anything but minimalist and constantly moving, with grandiose string arrangements and polyphonic vocals. The band started out under the name Ted Glen Extended. In 2012 the band released a five-track EP, which gained a fair amount of attention. The song Cabin Pressure became a local radio hit and the newspaper Hamar Arbeiderblad reviewed the EP 6/6 calling it “unique and incredibly beautiful” in its review. MEER released their debut album in January 2016. Night By Day, the first single from the album, was released in September and has already been recommended by the radio show NRK P3 Urørt and is A-listed on NRK P1 Hedmark og Oppland. In 2021 the follow-up called Playing House has received equally enthusiastic reviews.

In August 2024 the new album will be released, which will be presented for the first time at our festival: Wheels Within Wheels is a masterpiece of merging symphonic prog and intelligent pop, showcasing the band’s exceptional musicianship, intricate vocal harmonies and grandiose melodies and represents a significant evolution for MEER. The album features songs that reach dizzying heights and moments of intimate reflection, resulting in their most dynamic and engaging work to date.

Line-up:

• Johanne-Margrethe Kippersund Nesdal – Lead vocals and backing vocals
• Knut Kippersund Nesdal – Lead vocals, backing vocals and keyboards
• Eivind Strømstad – Electric and acoustic guitars, electric baritone guitar, additional keyboards, programming and backing vocals
• Åsa Ree – Violin and backing vocals
• Ingvild Nordstoga Sandvik – Viola and backing vocals
• Ole Gjøstøl – Acoustic grand piano, keyboards, programming, electric organ, church organ and backing vocals
• Morten Strypet – Electric bass and backing vocals
• Mats Fjeld Lillehaug – Drums, percussion and backing vocals