Bjørn Riis is among Norway’s most acclaimed and prolific artists in the progressive rock genre. As a songwriter, multi instrumentalist and producer, he’s transitioned from learning his trade in obscure cover bands to having worldwide success both as a forming member of Airbag and as a solo artist. Based on a common love of bands like Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree and Radiohead, Airbag formed in Oslo, Norway, in the early 2000s. Bjorn soon took the role as the band’s main songwriter and his trademark guitar playing plays a significant part in Airbag’s sound. The band’s critically acclaimed albums, including their latest The Century of the Self (“A masterclass in minimalist elegance” – Prog Magazine), has gained Airbag a strong following and a dedicated fan base. For nearly two decades, Airbag and Bjørn has headlined sold-out shows, shared the stage with some of the biggest bands and artists in the genre, including Marillion, Yes, Saga, Neil Morse and Riverside and performed at some of the biggest festivals, including Night of the Prog and Cruise to the Edge. Bjørn’s life in music started in the early 80s when he discovered Kiss, Black Sabbath and Whitesnake. This soon led to Bjørn picking up the guitar spending hours figuring out classic riffs and exploring weird sounds. Later, Pink Floyd and Porcupine Tree was crucial in Bjørn’s formative years as a songwriter. After firmly establishing Airbag as a force to reconned with, Bjørn went deep into his own musical roots and recorded his first solo album, Lullabies in a Car Crash, in 2014. The album was a huge success, both commercially and personally, and it gained Bjørn the confidence and inspiration to venture out on a steadily growing solo career. As a solo artist, Bjørn’s music is multi layered taking inspiration from different genres and styles. The bands he grew up with are ever present but his unique sound also has references to late 60s singer/songwriters, americana, electronica and film music.