Firewoodisland Shares New Single ‘Who Knew’
The work of Norwegian/Welsh musicians and songwriters Stian Vedøy and Abi Eleri, the now Bristol-based duo has built a reputation for their emotive, intricate and cinematic soundscapes and stunning vocal harmonies. Following national radio play (BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio Wales (A-List)), TV sync placements (Netflix’s Shadowhunters, Nurses and Vice, as well as an AirBnB ad) and a whole host of tastemaker press support (Wonderland, Clash, Atwood, PopMatters to name a few), the duo released two singles with Warner Music UK are now back with yet more new material once again showcasing their ability to sculpt stunning artistry.
Labeling their sound ‘Mountain-Pop’, combining the catchiness of pop with electronics, the sensibilities of indie and organic elements from folk, the new single ‘Who Knew’ is a prime example of the band’s unique style. Layering glitching, lo-fi electronics with woody, finger-picked acoustic guitars and breathy, melancholic lead vocals underpinned by subtle vocoders and stylistic harmonies, the single quickly creates an ethereal and otherworldly yet grounded and organic beauty comparable to Bon Iver. As the track progresses into the subtly catchy chorus, introducing warming piano, subtle rhythms, brass and violins, the track’s beauty and subtlety’s shine, showcasing the musical maturity and vision the duo possesses.
Speaking about the track the duo share: “It tells a story about meeting a person that captivates your whole being and changes your world views for the better.
Who Knew was written during a weekend retreat to the Isle of Wight. Abi turned to me (Stian) and said ‘you’ve never written a love song about me’, so he wrote this song. It’s a story about meeting a person that captivates your whole being and changes your world views for the better – basically the story of how we met in university halls in Cardiff.”
Throughout 2022 the duo has been writing and recording their 3rd album which will be spread throughout 2023 via monthly singles. Across their new material, the band talks about their life stories, their struggles, their challenges, and their hopes and dreams. Focusing on relatability and a more raw lyrical style than previous albums, the duo hopes that their honesty will encourage others struggling with difficulties, and inspire people to grasp for their highest goals and live life to its fullest.
Following praise from the likes of Wonderland, Clash, Atwood Magazine, Flaunt Magazine, and PopMatters, the pair have gained placements across Spotify Editorial playlists and gained over 10 million streams on Spotify alone. No stranger to radio, the duo has been heard on BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 2, A-listed on BBC Radio Wales and BBC introducing. 2021 saw the duo release two singles with Warner Music UK, leading to a major sync on an Airbnb commercial in the US and Canada.
In 2022 the duo played festivals such as Rochdale Feel Good Festival, Weyfest, Icebreaker Festival and Lechlade Festival as well as auditioning for Pilton Party. Firewoodisland has also been seen on stages like BBC Introducing stage at Latitude, Lake Fest, Between The Trees Festival, Vikedal Roots Music Festival Norway, 100 Dagar Showcase Festival Norway, St Giles in London supporting Bear’s Den, several UK headline tours and over 20 Sofar Sounds sessions.
