Alternative content

Welcome to the world of Orsten, an eccentric and emotive place that conspires to draw you into its experimental heart. Awash with classical musicianship entangled in a cut and paste approach, ‘Cutworks’ adds new dimension to the art of cinematics, hip-hop and traditional instrumentation.

‘Cutworks’ is the debut artist album of Örsten, a French-Finnish 29 year old musician. Paying homage to the cinema of the 60s and 70s, the title of his album comes from his unique use of cut and paste, a technique that forms the basis of Örsten’s work.

The art of cut and paste is nothing new, but Örsten’s ability to maneuver between moods of vulnerability (‘Fleur Blanche’), terror (‘Meditainment’), and gracefulness (‘Adagio Sostenuto’), introduces an adept approach that embraces new styles of music. 

Örsten’s cinematic approach gains clarity through the sonic pulsations of ‘War’ and ‘Don't Make Me Shout’, while ‘Long Story Short’ and ‘Between Night and Evening’ deliver many sharp gleams of hope. Superimposing synthesizers and melancholic vocals on luscious string harmonies and tender piano solos, ‘Cutworks’ is altogether meditative and embryonic.

Born in Helsinki but now settled in Paris, the romance and drama of Örsten’s residing city is felt deeply through the album. An abstract affair with the soul, ‘Cutworks’ embraces the everyday emotions of joy, fear and serenity with humility and acceptance.

In 1993, at the age of 13, Örsten discovered and became passionate about American hip-hop. Two years on, he started using his computer for samples loops. As a self-taught sound scientist, he soon became a music addict, destined to dedicate his life to forming sounds. He began creating rap instrumentals for various groups (notably Casseurs de Silence) and producing electronic pieces influenced by the original scores from 60’s & 70’s cinema. 

In 2002, he entered into the electronic music arena as part of the group La Casa Menthe (signed to Menthe Productions) and produced two house vinyl releases. They performed them live with the jazz accordion player Ludovic Beier at the summer festival in Parc de La Villette.

At the beginning of 2004, Örsten released his first solo EP, ‘Airport Taxi’ and began to collaborate with Clotilde Viannay, a plastician artist. The following year, 2005, he was asked to produce music for the TV ad Proléa and has had many of his productions featured on successful compilation releases.

'Cutworks’ is set for release on the Pschent label in early 2010. Unforgettably poignant, its delicate wings fluttering with precision and understanding. 

www.myspace.com/orsten