KRISTIANSEN // VEMØY
KRISTIANSEN // VEMØY was formed in early 2020. After years of working on various projects with a wide range of artists and musicians, their mutual admiration for each other’s musicality and distinctive artistic voices paved the way for a new and compelling creative partnership.
«Hymns of Compassion» (2021) «Hymns of Longing» (2022) and «Hymns for Shepherds and Kings» (2024) is a trilogy meditating over mankind’s longing for the divine and eternal. With a piano and trumpet base, the duo is bringing the sound of the past and the present together with electronic elements and acoustic inspiration from jazz and classical music.
KRISTIANSEN // VEMØYs music alternates between drama and tranquility, with subtle acoustic performances, powerful dynamic lifts, and lush emotive, and rhythmic soundscapes – all in all aiming to create a contemplative space for the modern human being. It’s all rooted in the old hymns describing existential paradoxes, challenges and mysteries – the suffering, the longing and the relief.
All albums have been produced by the distinguished Erik Hillestad, mixed by Martin Abrahamsen at Rainbow Studio in Oslo, and mastered by Björn Engelman at Cutting Room, Stockholm.
Øyvind Kristiansen: Grand piano & programming Jonas Kilmork Vemøy: Trumpet & electronics
Tania Saleh
It has been a true privilege to collaborate with Tania Saleh, one of the most respected independent artists in the Arab region, on her album “10 A.D.”, which released on the label Kirkelig Kulturverksted in 2021, and on her recent album “Fragile” which released July 2025.
The ambition on both has been to bring Saleh’s original musical ideas to life – blending the authentic sounds of her geographical roots with a modern, programmed musical framework. By adding beats, textures, colour, and depth, they create a rich sonic landscape that allows her beautiful melodies to truly shine.
These outstanding new albums – among them “10 A.D.” which won the Quarterly Critic’s Choice 03/2021 of The German Record Critics’ Award, fit seamlessly into her already impressive catalogue of releases. The music brings fresh flavours, vibrant energy, and a wealth of intriguing elements, while still carrying Saleh’s strong and important message. Her own visual artwork for the albums further reinforces the experience, connecting seamlessly with her deeply relevant lyrics.
Both albums have been mixed by Martin Abrahamsen at Rainbow Studio in Oslo, and mastered by Björn Engelman at Cutting Room, Stockholm – representing the most supreme quality in sound design.