“Music is magical, it can perform miracles. It can provoke feelings such as happiness and sadness. For instance, I have seen demented people not able to communicate verbally react to music. Music is the only tool that can join people across cultures, religions and language barriers.”

Vigdis & Blå Tråd: Rainbow's Blues Rock

V&BT (Vigdis & Blå Tråd) consists of 4 Norwegian musicians with experience from various musical projects and collaborations with a wide range of Norwegian musicians. They came together in 2016 with a common desire to create a good live atmosphere on small local stages with hand-picked songs of high quality.The music genre is therefore difficult to pigeonhole. But on the band's journey through a myriad of live stages, a bunch of self-produced songs emerged that can be perceived as a mix of blues, blues rock and pop. V&BT debuted with the album “Diamonds at the Rainbow's End (Live in Norway)” on Roller Records in 2024. The band describes itself as a refreshing alternative to all that is “young and beautiful”, liberatingly free of everything but the joy of playing with real instruments.                                          (Vigdis Haugen of V&BT / Photo by Merete Hellberg) 

The band consists of vocalist Vigdis Haugen, guitarist/composer/producer Tom Pettersen, bassist Bjørn Løkling and drummer Christer Persson. In addition, several former crew members are represented on some songs. V&BT debuted with the album “Diamonds at the Rainbow's End (Live in Norway)” on Roller Records in addition, several former crew members are represented on some songs.

Interview by Michael Limnios                Special Thanks: Frank Roszak Promotions

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Many years ago I visited a pub in Galway in Ireland. An old man stood up, and as he passionately started singing a traditional Irish folk song everyone stopped talking. When he was done there was loud cheering. Then a young man stood up and performed a similar song, with the same passion as the man before him. I sat there quietly and absorbed every note in awe of the mood and the respect across generations. The way they keep the Irish musical heritage alive really moved me. It was then I became aware of how music can build bridges and unite people.

How do you describe band’s sound and songbook? What characterize your music philosophy?

We mainly play guitar driven blues rock, with a hint of catchy hook lines and harmonies that sometimes cross the borders between blues, pop and jazz. We like cool guitar riffs and strong melodies with an element of harmonic surprise.
A concert is never better than its audience. It’s all about the interaction between us and the fans. We are humble and grateful for everyone that shows up! We try to give them all we got and hope they’ll leave the concert happier than when they came. We love what we do, and our joy of playing is our trademark.

Why do you think that the Norwegian Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

Blues and blues rock is the people’s music – an alternative to all the superficial pop music on the main commercial radio stations. There are lots of blues clubs here. And lots of blues festivals. Notodden Blues Festival is the largest. Most of the big international blues and rock artists have played there, including B.B. King and Johnny Winter. But they also feature new Norwegian up and coming artists.

”We mainly play guitar driven blues rock, with a hint of catchy hooklines and harmonies that sometimes cross the borders between blues, pop and jazz. We like cool guitar riffs and strong melodies with an element of harmonic surprise.” (Photo: Vigdis & Blå Tråd)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I love live music played by real musicians. The communication on stage, the interaction and the joy of playing. I am not a fan of bands and artists that make extensive use of prerecorded backing tracks. But what I fear the most is AI. It can be an aid in the creative process, of course, but I think that music should come from the heart, not from some computer algorithm. I fear that music will lose its soul and nerve if made this way. 

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

Digital marketing is important. We create social media content all the time. We post concert clips on Facebook and Instagram. We try to engage our followers. But our force is playing live shows. 

What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?

There are quite a few Norwegian young female pop artists, but not too many in the blues genre. Most of the big festival acts are male. But then you have Beth Hart. She is, in my opinion, the greatest female artist and songwriter regardless of genre. She has visited Notodden Blues Festival several times. I have been singing in choirs most of my adult life. It wasn’t until the age of 47 that I started fronting my own band. At that point I was become self confident and ready to own the stage. My band is male only, and the blues genre is very male dominated, but I’m OK with that. Still, it would be nice with more female artists that could inspire and encourage each other.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I want music to make people happier, kinder and more generous.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Music is magical, it can perform miracles. It can provoke feelings such as happiness and sadness. For instance, I have seen demented people not able to communicate verbally react to music. Music is the only tool that can join people across cultures, religions and language barriers.

(Photo: Vigdis & Blå Tråd are Vigdis Haugen, Tom Pettersen, Bjørn Løkling and Christer Persson)