Norwegian composer and pianist Susanne Darre invites listeners into a world of quiet introspection with her latest EP, Travel Back. Through soft, emotive modern classical compositions, she crafts an atmosphere of stillness and sensitivity—where time slows, and each note becomes a moment of reflection. The four piano pieces are intimate and spacious, each one exploring subtle emotional landscapes with clarity and grace.

“What if you could pause time, even for just a moment?” Susanne asks. In a world driven by noise and motion, Travel Back offers a gentle retreat—an invitation to sit with your thoughts, breathe, and simply be.

The EP opens with “Nostalgi”, setting a contemplative tone with its quiet elegance. “Pictures” follows as a meditation on the way images and emotions rise and fall in the present. The title track, “Travel Back”, features the soft imperfections of a well-worn piano, grounding the piece in authenticity and warmth. It was recorded on Susanne’s childhood piano, its slightly out-of-tune character adding an authentic layer of sentimentality. The final track, “Håp” (Norwegian for hope), closes the journey with a sense of openness and light.

Recorded on her Schimmel acoustic piano in a rustic barn surrounded by Arctic wilderness, Susanne found inspiration in the elemental forces around her—the sea’s rhythm, the silence of snow-covered landscapes, and the ever-changing northern light. Subtle electronic textures weave through the acoustic sound, adding depth and a dreamlike quality.

With Travel Back, Susanne Darre blends personal history with modern classical artistry, crafting touching compositions that unfold like a gentle breeze. Her music gently guides listeners through meaningful memories while offering a sense of hope and possibility for a better future.

Tidevann is a new collaboration single between Norwegian modern classical pianist Susanne Darre and French ambient music artist Stegonaute. The title, Tidevann, is the Norwegian word for “Tide,” a theme that encapsulates the mood and atmosphere of the piece, inspired by the sea, nature, and the artists’ shared love for the calming, ever-changing rhythms of water.

“Tidevann takes you to a dreamlike place where the soft, emotional piano tones from an old barn in Arctic Norway meet the mysterious, immersive soundscapes of France. The song invites listeners to escape from the everyday and immerse themselves in a meditative sound world,” says Darre.

The collaboration blends the unique sounds of Darre’s acoustic piano with Stegonaute’s atmospheric field recordings and electronic textures. Darre recorded her piano pieces in a 100-year-old barn in Arctic Norway during the winter, where the cold and the squeaky old instrument create a distinct, evocative sound.

Meanwhile, Stegonaute weaves his atmospheric sounds through a creative use of field recordings, capturing the subtle noises of his surroundings. Using vintage tape recorders, cassette players, tape loops, synthesizers, and other obsolete technology, Stegonaute’s contribution adds an organic, tactile dimension to the piece.

The artwork accompanying Tidevann features a stunning photograph of Lofoten Island in Arctic Norway, where the power of the tides is a dominant force. The image captures the dramatic ebb and flow of the sea, a fitting visual metaphor for the changes and movement expressed in the music. The tides’ influence on the landscape—constantly shifting between high and low—echoes the dynamic, evolving nature of the composition itself.

With a focus on texture and mood, Tidevann offers a momentary escape from reality, inviting listeners to drift away with its subtle, evolving harmonies and immersive atmosphere.

About the Artists

Susanne Darre is a Norwegian modern classical composer and pianist. Her work often blends the classical traditions with contemporary experimental elements, creating emotive soundscapes that resonate deeply with listeners. Darre’s unique recordings from a century-old barn in Arctic Norway have gained attention for their warmth, intimacy, and haunting beauty.

Stegonaute is a French ambient music artist known for his exploration of sound through field recordings, analog technology, and experimental techniques. With a focus on capturing the natural world through sound, Stegonaute’s compositions evoke a deep sense of place and atmosphere.