Imperial Splendour is the latest project from Norwegian artist Mattis Myrland who has teamed up with a number of other Norwegian musicians to form Mattis & The Grand Trunk Road. The band take their name from one of South Asia’s oldest and longest roads that links the eastern and western regions of the Indian subcontinent. Back in 2007 Mattis studied under the Hindustani Classical Vocalist Madhumita Ray in New Delhi, India. The time spent in India has been a strong influence on Imperial Splendour. From the subtle eastern tinges in the music as well as the poetic lyrics.

Lucky Four performing "Tenke På Meg", at Tou Scene on October 28th 2012.
This is a translation of "Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone", originally done by the Carter Family.

Kyrre H Larsen - director/editor, Steven Grant Bishop - sound recording and mixing, Andreas Bru Eide - photo. Thanks to Hinterland.no

From early November in 2006 to July 2007 I lived in New Delhi, India. For six months I practiced the Ragas and the singing technique, and learned about the ancient roots of the Hindustani classical music tradition. After my studies, when the summer season came, I went up north to the mountains and spent a few weeks as a traveller, before leaving for Norway. I stayed in the country for eight months altogether, but in my mind the Indian journey seems to have lasted for many years.