a-ha announce new version of upcoming album 'True North'
There will be a Limited Deluxe Edition!
Last updated 17th Aug 2022
As well as releasing a documentary about their career this summer, a-ha have revealed details about another exciting project that's in the works. The Norwegian group is planning on releasing a new album with an accompanying film later this year.
Titled 'True North', it will be the 11th studio album the group, made up of Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, Magne Furuholmen, and Morten Harket, have released together, and follows on from their 2015 record 'Cash in Steel'.
As well as the standard version of the album, there will also be a Limited Deluxe Edition, which the band have released further details of. Taking to Instagram they shared a photo of the special edition saying: 'This limited version is based on a high quality hardcover book including 40 pages with incredible stills and images from Stian Andersen and featuring all song lyrics.
'Also included: two recycled black heavy weight vinyls in sleeves, the “True North” CD in a cardboard wallet and last but not least, a USB card featuring the “True North” film by Stian Andersen in 1080p, H264, mp4. In recurring vignettes, the multidimensional film follows the narrative arc through actors portraying life in the North as well as documenting Magne, Morten and Paul recording the album with Arctic Philharmonic over two days in Bodø, Norway.'
Where was 'True North' recorded?
The album was recorded in a studio located 90km above the Arctic Circle and the band were joined by Norwegian orchestra Arctic Philharmonic in the making of the record. Ahead of releasing the full album, a-ha shared the lead track 'I'm In' on 8th July.
Watch 'I'm In' by a-ha:
Speaking about the album, Magne said: "'True North' is a letter from a-ha, from the Arctic Circle, a poem from the far north of Norway." Commenting on how the project came about, Paul added: "First, we had the idea to record a studio session live. Then, to film a studio session.
"That grew into more of a production with the Norwegian orchestra, the Arctic Philharmonic, who we have collaborated with."
As well as sharing details about the album, a-ha have announced the release of the upcoming film which includes special behind-the-scenes footage capturing the making of the album.
The group shared a sneak preview of the film on Twitter and revealed the release date, writing: 'Tickets are now on sale for the True North film, in cinemas Thursday September 15.
'Really looking forward to celebrating this release that follows us as we record our latest album, True North, from above the Arctic Circle.'
As well as documenting the band recording the album in Bodø in Norway, True North will also see actors portray what it is like living in the North.
The film's director Stian Andersen said of the project: "It’s been an honourable assignment to direct the True North movie. It’s also been a great pleasure to write and create the narrative to match a-ha’s beautiful songs in this film."
When is 'True North' by a-ha coming out?
The album 'True North' along with the Limited Deluxe Edition, will be released on CD and vinyl on 21st October.
The film of the same name will hit cinemas on 15th September and tickets are on sale now.
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