‘Magnetic Heartland’ is Mags Kolstad’s diy solo project, discover ‘On to something’ from this wonderful norwegian artist the 14th December

On to Something is the first of several upcoming releases for my project Magnetic Heartland. For now it is a solo project, as I believe in music to be a great source of learning about yourself in the world, and then we’ll see. When the full album is out late 2021, I might put a band together if the songs resonate with an audience and if there are post pandemic gigs (if we really are over the pandemic, that is).

The story is that I’ve always been drawn to the “heartland”. The nature, the music, the culture and the people. For me, it got real when dad got terminal cancer back in the 1970s and decided to drive around the nordic countries with me and mom. We had to experience the world together, he said. And we did, with me in the backseat. I got used to the rhythms and sounds of the cars and the roads, blended in with the music of the times which has always had a big influence on me. Back in the 80s, I was drawn to the new sounds from Springsteen, Tom Petty, Dire Straits and others.

Later on I read that some called it “Heartland Rock”, and that this was not just an American phenomenon. Every country had it’s own heartland, and ultimately, in the widest interpretation, the place closest to your heart is your heartland. So, the concept got broader and broader. But back in the 80s it was a new thing. Heartland rock drew upon a wide range of music styles, and the stories was about common people who experienced hard times, struggled to find a job, trying to matter and make sense. Just like me, I felt the same way. I took up guitar shortly after dad passed, started to write songs, and learned to produce music during the big home recording boom in the 00s, after cancer had taken mom too. I felt angry and the raw voice and dirty guitars spoke to me and got me comfort and relief. Over the years it became my voice too.

So, with a guitar and a pocket full of songs, I’m still drawn to the heartland. It’s both my longing, inspiration and memory bank. Now I hope my songs can connect with other people, like music did for me, and that we can enjoy it as a mutual companion in life.