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**Bendik Giske, Tyler Matthew Oyer** "Norwegian saxophonist continues to develop an entirely new vocabulary for his instrument, using electronic treatments to yield a curiously disembodied sound.» - Pitchfork («Cracks» album review) "The Norwegian musician mics the whole studio, influenced by everything from techno to queer theory, on his hypnotic second album» - The Guardian («Cracks» album review (Contemporary album of the month) «Bendik Giske is just the body and the machine, flesh and metal» - The Quietus («Bendik Giske" album review) Bendik Giske is a Norwegian musician and performance artist renowned for his avant-garde approach to the saxophone and his unique blending of music, movement, and conceptual art. Born in Oslo, Norway, in 1982, Giske developed a passion for music at an early age. His early years were shaped by exposure to various genres, including jazz, electronic music, and traditional Scandinavian sounds. This eclectic musical upbringing laid the foundation for his experimental and genre-defying career. Giske first gained recognition for his saxophone work, which pushes the boundaries of the instrument's conventional capabilities. He is best known for his use of circular breathing, a technique that allows him to play continuous, uninterrupted notes. This technique not only challenges the physical limits of the musician but also creates an immersive auditory experience that blurs the lines between music and meditation. In addition to his technical prowess, Giske is celebrated for his innovative performances, which often incorporate elements of dance, physical movement, and performance art. He views the saxophone as an extension of his body, and his performances are as much about the visual and physical aspects as they are about sound. This approach has earned him a reputation as a boundary-pushing artist in the contemporary music scene. Giske's debut album, Surrender, released in 2019 on the Norwegian label Smalltown Supersound, was a critical success. The album showcased his minimalist approach, with tracks that emphasized the raw, unprocessed sound of the saxophone. Surrender was noted for its emotional depth and meditative quality, drawing comparisons to both jazz and ambient music, yet standing apart from both. Following the success of Surrender, Giske continued to explore the intersection of sound and performance. His sophomore albums, Cracks (2021) and Bendik Giske (2023), further solidified his reputation as an innovative artist. In these works, Giske delved into themes of vulnerability and transformation, using his saxophone to convey the complexities of human emotion and experience. Cracks was praised for its introspective nature and its ability to evoke a wide range of feelings through minimalist compositions. In addition to his solo work, Giske has collaborated with a variety of artists across different mediums, including dance, visual art, and electronic music. His collaborations often emphasize the fluidity of artistic boundaries, reflecting his belief that music should be experienced as a multi-sensory phenomenon. Notable collaborations include projects with composers and artists such as Beatrice Dillon, Caterina Barbieri, Sam Barker, and artist and filmmaker Wu Tsang, further demonstrating his versatility and willingness to push artistic limits. Bendik Giske has been nominated three times for Norwegian Grammys and was named Artist of the Year 2024 in the prestigious German Jazz Prize awards. In 2024, Bendik Giske embarked on a world tour spanning four continents, selling out shows in Japan, Australia, Europe, and the USA. Esteemed artists such as Thom Yorke, Björk, and PJ Harvey have expressed their admiration for Bendik Giske's unique sound. Giske's performances have taken him to prestigious venues and festivals around the world, from Berlin's Berghain club to the Barbican in London, and festivals such as Rewire and CTM. In addition, he sold out venues in New York, Tokyo, and Sydney in 2024 and played support for PJ Harvey at the Zitadelle in Berlin. His work has been featured in art galleries and museums, underlining his appeal not just as a musician but as a contemporary artist whose work transcends traditional categorizations. Throughout his career, Bendik Giske has remained committed to exploring the boundaries of sound and performance, challenging audiences to rethink their perceptions of music and art. His innovative approach, combining technical mastery with a deep exploration of physicality and emotion, continues to make him a compelling figure in the contemporary music and art scenes.
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