Sondre Lerche facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sondre Lerche
Lerche performing in 2022
Born	Sondre Lerche Vaular (1982-09-05) 5 September 1982 (age 42) Bergen, Norway
Occupation	Singer songwriter
Years active	2000–present
Spouse(s)	Mona Fastvold ​ ​ (m. 2005; div. 2013)​
Partner(s)	Linnéa Myhre (2013–2020) Hilde Solli (2023–present)
Musical career
Genres	Pop indie rock jazz
Instruments	Vocals guitar harmonica bass glockenspiel keyboards piano percussion Hammond
Labels	EMI Norway Astralwerks Yep Roc Mona Records PLZ

Sondre Lerche, born on September 5, 1982, is a talented singer, songwriter, musician, and actor from Norway. He has released many albums and EPs throughout his career.

Early Life and Musical Start

Sondre grew up in a suburb of Bergen, Norway. He loved 1980s pop music. Bands like the Beatles, A-ha, and the Beach Boys inspired him.

He started guitar lessons at age eight. His teacher introduced him to Brazilian music, like bossa nova. This helped him create his unique melodies and chords.

At fourteen, Sondre wrote his first song, "Locust Girl." He played acoustic shows at a club where his sister worked. A Norwegian producer, H.P. Gundersen, discovered him. Gundersen became his mentor, showing him many music styles.

Sondre Lerche's Music Career

Sondre met manager Tatiana Penzo in Oslo. This led to a deal with Virgin Norway in 2000. His popularity in Norway grew quickly.

First Album: Faces Down

He recorded his first album, Faces Down, in 2000. It was released in 2001 after he finished school. Before its release, he won Best New Act at the Norwegian Grammys. He also opened for big acts like Beth Orton.

Faces Down came out in Norway in September 2001. It was then released across Europe. Sondre toured with bands, including his idols, a-ha. In 2002, Faces Down was released in America. Sondre then went on his first big US tour. The album was a hit in Norway and got great reviews in the US. Rolling Stone Magazine named it one of the top 50 albums of 2002.

New Sounds and Styles

In 2003, Sondre released the Don't Be Shallow EP. He also toured with another musical hero, Elvis Costello. They toured together again in 2005.

Sondre Lerche in 2004

His second album, Two Way Monologue, came out in 2004. H.P. Gundersen also produced this album. It showed Sondre's ability to mix different styles. He created upbeat pop songs and calm, melodic tunes. Critics loved it, with good reviews from Rolling Stone and Pitchfork.

In 2006, Sondre released Duper Sessions. This jazz album was recorded with his band, the Faces Down. It was made in Bergen, Norway, in 2005. The album reached No. 21 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.

His 2007 album, Phantom Punch, was a rock album. It had a more energetic sound. Sondre recorded it in Los Angeles with producer Tony Hoffer.

Later Albums and Collaborations

In September 2009, Sondre released Heartbeat Radio. Critics praised this album. It blended acoustic guitars with orchestral pop. It also had elements of 1950s Jazz and 1960s Brazilian folk. Mikael Wood of the Los Angeles Times said Sondre "crafts catchier choruses than many musicians who’ve been working twice as long as he has."

In June 2011, he released Sondre Lerche. This album was on his own Mona Records label. It was praised for its musical experiments. It had interesting arrangements and catchy songs. The album was recorded live in the studio in Brooklyn, New York.

Sondre Lerche in 2012

Sondre celebrated his 30th birthday in 2012. He released his first live album, Bootlegs, that year.

His album Please was released in 2014. It was known as his "divorce record." "Bad Law" was the main single from the album.

In 2017, Sondre released his eighth studio album, Pleasure. Later that year, he released Solo Pleasure. This was a simpler, solo version of the songs from Pleasure.

In April 2022, Sondre released a double album called Avatars of Love.

Personal Life

In 2005, Sondre married director and actress Mona Fastvold. They divorced in 2013. He was in a relationship with writer and blogger Linnéa Myhre from 2013 to 2020. Since 2023, his partner has been photographer Hilde Solli.

Sondre moved back to Norway in 2020. Before that, he lived in Los Angeles and Brooklyn, New York. He lived there from 2005 to 2018.

Sondre Lerche is the cousin of Norwegian rapper Lars Vaular. In 2012, they worked together on the song "Øynene Lukket."

Sondre discovered a love for running in 2015. He has completed marathons in New York, London, Berlin, and Norway. His best marathon time was 2 hours, 55 minutes, and 51 seconds in 2020.

Discography

• Faces Down (2001)
• Two Way Monologue (2004)
• Duper Sessions (2006)
• Phantom Punch (2007)
• Dan in Real Life (2007)
• Heartbeat Radio (2009)
• Sondre Lerche (2011)
• Please (2014)
• Pleasure (2017)
• Patience (2020)
• Avatars of Love (2022)

Filmography

Awards and Recognition

• Newcomer Spellemannprisen (2001)
• Alternative Pop/Rock Album, Avatars of Love Spellemannprisen (2022)

See also

In Spanish: Sondre Lerche para niños