Today we’d like to introduce you to Erlend Gunstveit.
Hi Erlend, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
First of all, I just want to say that my Artist name is my first name in all capital letters ; ERLEND. It is in fact, an old Viking name meaning immigrant so it suits me well.
After winning The Voice in Norway in 2021, I went from my career as business owner in a landscaping company to start doing music professionally. Naturally, it was a transition and going from planting and trimming trees to play shows in front of thousands of people was quite an adventure. To this day, I have played every corner of my country., I’ve played in India and play big parts of Europe.
It has been really overwhelming, and I’m thankful for the opportunity these people and this business have given me. I got a nomination for the Norwegian Grammy in 2025 for my latest album “Watch me fall”. I realized soon that if I want to grow as an artist, I need to be surrounded by people that are 10 times better than me.. I want to be the worst singer and player in the room. That is pretty easy in Nashville. That’s why I moved here two years ago, and I love every minute of it.
I also saw that there are no other Norwegian in this town and doing what I do. That’s why I started my own country festival in my hometown back in Norway. Even in Norwegian scale that festival is small., but I get to bring American acts over every summer and it’s a blast. I want the country music to come together across the ocean and also bring my friends over to play for a brand new audience.
In Nashville today, I have started touring and I’m excited to play CMA fest for the first time, and also release my fourth album in August – produced in Franklin with the best musicians I could ever dream of, And with partners like Craig Wayne Boyd, Pam Tillis, Jimmy Fortune And Wendy Moten.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve been blessed with great opportunities, but great opportunities comes with hard work and making everything possible.
Working with my first record deal that was the outcome of winning. The Voice made me realize that I had to do some tough choices to be able to continue as an artists. I have always wanted to make a country music., and when the company I work with, don’t want me to do that, I realized soon that I had to go out of the deal.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Singer Songwriter and Country Artist – and I think I bring something different to the table with the Norwegian touch on the country music I make. At least I hope so.
In Norway, I am the only country artist that really took the leap of faith and moved here
That sent me apart from others over there.
I think in Nashville, I stand out in a way, because I am a living proof that the American dream still is a thing. If I work hard every day, I will reach my goals – and I have already got to play the Bluebird and CMA fest, one of my biggest goals so far.
I grew up on classic country music as I’d like to call it, and you can definitely hear that in my next album coming out in August.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Be present and be prepared. When I moved to Nashville, I didn’t buy a TV and I had one rule.; say yes, when there’s an opportunity.
That can be challenging in stressful sometimes – but that’s life. Pay attention to what other people do and other people say. It is a town of relationships, you can like it or hate it, but you gotta play by the rules.
Be yourself and be kind, and people will send you in the right direction
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erlendgunstveit.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erlendgunstveit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gunstveiterlend/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ERLENDofficial
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YoKp55WjzAH8H1R6bEiLk?si=1Q35Js2eQUi2F7TsfafS2Q
