«Whip smart, virtuosic album of improvised americana, unusually original» - Songlines

Siril Malmedal Hauge – lead vocals, flute Magnus Wiik – banjo, dobro, mandolin, vocals Espen Bjarnar – guitar, mandolin, vocals Aksel Jensen – bass, vocals

Spring and summer 2025 has seen Open String Department hard at work on their fourth album. This album is the first of which Siril is a part, and the band couldn’t be more excited about this addition! The music has turned out to be something really special under the steady hands of producer Leif Johansen (a-ha, Marius Muller), blending a wide array of influences in the americana soundscape. Evoking echoes from Alison Krauss & Union Station as well as hints of modern jazz in the vein of Bill Frisell, the band has found a decidedly unique branch on the music scene to occupy.

Open String Department has been turning heads on both the jazz and bluegrass scene since its conception in 2012. With three critically acclaimed albums and touring schedules on multiple continents as a trio, the band was joined by singer and instrumentalist Siril Malmedal Hauge in 2022. Adding Siril’s unique voice and musicianship to the lineup turned out to be a perfect match, prompting Richard Burgess to say «You have to keep her» after their debut show in Trad Session spring 2023.

Siril Malmedal Hauge is a Norwegian vocalist, instrumentalist, composer and lyricist. An unusually versatile and highly sought out singer, she has won multiple awards, been appointed the title «jazz-ambassador» from Trondheim Jazzfest and nominated for the Norwegian Grammys. She’s also an amazing flute player, something the lads weren’t sure would fit with the banjo but after a few notes the flute was a definite keeper!

Magnus Wiik is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist with more than twenty critically acclaimed releases as a band leader. He has toured the world and worked with some of the biggest names in bluegrass, jazz and Irish folk music. An insatiable musician, he can usually be found at the nearest bluegrass, Irish or jazz session when he is not on the road with Open String Department or recording his eight solo album.

Aksel Jensen is one of Norway’s most active bassists in a wide array of styles. From sharing stages with different acts such as Tine Thing Helseth and Daniel Rorke on stages across the globe, he has also made his mark as a music producer over the last decade. Hailing from the renowned jazz conservatory in Trondheim, he was a closeted banjo player until recently, and can be heard picking until it’s time to hit the stage.

Espen Bjarnar was recognized early as a major guitar talent, and has become the kind of guitar player other guitarists talk about with awe. His performances with his seminal group ESP gained legendary status, and his work as a solo artist has raised the bar for guitar playing in Norway. When Espen is not dropping jaws with his guitar you can catch him dropping jaws reciting polyrhythms and konnakol of which he is an expert.

«All the way through, this is a lovely and markedly «un Norwegian» recording that excites from three brilliant musician with a joint singular vision for where they want to take the music» - Salt Peanuts

«Open String Department has for sure managed to do the trick again. Maybe even better than the first time, and for sure with as much excitement. I state that the best American music is not made by Americans» - Mono Magazine