Born in Germany and now based in the United States, Gunnar Spardel is primarily known for his work as Tigerforest, a chill electronica project that leans towards an upbeat soundscape. However, after the turbulence of recent events Spardel wanted to write under his own name for intimate and personal expression and to understand the new world around him. ‘The Fade To Afterlife’ follows his stunning 2020 release ‘Simplicity in a Complex World,’ which won the Schallwelle Award for Best Artist in Germany.
“‘The Fade To Afterlife’ tells the story of a person facing his final stages of life,” explains Spardel. “Each song tells a story about facing a journey’s end and the uncertainty of what will happen once we pass away.” The songs, which were written on the piano and synthesizers, tell stories of life, loss and love. Gunnar Spardel created the arrangements on his computer, before working with session musicians to cement the ideas and breathe organic life into the pieces. As the album was written during the pandemic, and the musicians could not work together in the studio, they recorded their parts separately. Nonetheless, the album still holds the essence of community, and emotion is felt in every note.
‘The Fade to Afterlife’ is a journey. Reflective, thought-provoking and inspirational, Gunnar Spardel has captured what it means to be alive. The album is scheduled for release on SUNSEASKY in Spring 2023.