In 2023 I released an album called 'Awakening of The Pines' by a new artist called First Snow of The Year and I was both fascinated by the name of the project, as well as the music. I'm excited to have recently released a follow-up EP by this artist and we have news that a new album will also be on the way. In this week's blog post, Erik has taken some time to share some thoughts and stories from the time when he first started creating music under this project, under new and challenging circumstances.

After years of keeping it to himself, Erik, a Belgian musician, is finally releasing Norwegian White—the debut EP that launched this project. Comprising seven tracks, Norwegian White offers an unpolished glimpse into the origins of First Snow of The Year, capturing the raw, emotional intensity that would go on to define the artist’s evolving sound.

First Snow of The Year didn’t begin with a grand plan or ambition, but rather in a moment of isolation and introspection. In 2017, I moved to Munich for my day job, leaving behind the indie rock bands I’d been part of for over a decade. The first few months were pretty tough. I didn’t know anyone, and I wasn’t speaking the language. It was a hard adjustment.

In the midst of that loneliness, the music started to flow. I found myself drawn to a quieter, more minimalist sound. It was here, in the heart of that solitude, that Norwegian White was born. Written during a particularly cold December, the EP became an intensely personal soundtrack for my life at the time. It was a way to cope with the isolation. It wasn’t something I ever planned to release—it was just for me, something to accompany me during my subway rides or while reading Murakami books.

At this point, I wasn't actively listening to ambient music, nor did I think of myself as an ambient artist. Yet, the tracks that made up Norwegian White were already hinting at the style that would define First Snow of The Year—slow, atmospheric, and reflective. There was no intention behind the music, just a natural need to express a moment of personal stillness.

Though the EP was a deeply personal project, I kept it to myself for years, never considering it "finished" enough to share. It wasn’t until much later, during the global lockdown of 2020, that I began to take my production and mixing skills more seriously. I spent a lot of time learning how to mix better. The tracks I was making at the time were still pretty rough, but I knew I was improving. I just didn’t have the confidence to release anything.

Only now, after 2 years of building up some confidence with releases, I decided it was time to let the world hear Norwegian White—in its raw, original form. I’m finally ready to share it. It’s part of the story of where this project started, and I think it’s important to show people that evolution.

In many ways, Norwegian White serves as a time capsule—a snapshot of the music created when First Snow was just a concept, formed in the isolation of a foreign city. The tracks are minimal, unpolished, and a little rough around the edges, but they carry a sense of authenticity.

This release isn’t about perfection; it’s about the process, the quiet moments, and the initial spark of creativity. It’s not a polished EP, but that’s what makes it real. It shows where I came from and what inspired me. For followers of First Snow of The Year, Norwegian White is a chance to hear where it all began and for new listeners, it’s an introduction to the roots of my sound—a sound that, even in its early form, feels like a reflection of both personal and sonic growth.

The decision to release Norwegian White is as much about the music as it is about my evolution as an artist. Now, years removed from the isolation that inspired the EP, I have continued to grow within the ambient music scene. My connection with the community, increasing confidence, and refinement of both my production and artistic vision have led to a deeper understanding of what First Snow of The Year can be. But even as the sound evolves, I remain committed to the authenticity and emotional depth that were present from the very beginning.

Sharing Norwegian White now feels like a necessary step. It’s a part of the story. It’s part of how I got here. I’m proud of where First Snow of The Year has gone since then, but this is where it all started. And that’s something I’ll always hold onto.

If you enjoyed reading this blog post and you're curious to know more, you can check out the new First Snow of The Year EP 'Norwegian Pine' HERE where you can listen in full at your own leisure. For those that download this record, a bonus PDF 'scrapbook' will be included along with the audio files...