Biography
A singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist — with an emphasis on the latter — Farao paints hypnotic electronic-acoustic soundscapes that are at once rooted in approachable folk, off-kilter orchestral rock, and spaced-out electronica, with the underlying tone of a storm brewing. Farao is the performance alias of Kari Jahnsen (Hella Better Dancer, Anna Lean & the Orchids), who was born and raised in rural Valdres, Norway. She relocated to Oslo before writing and recording her eponymous debut EP in Reykjavik, Iceland. Also partly recorded in London, England with Mike Lindsay of experimental acid folk combo Tunng, the indie folk/electronic Farao EP was issued via Something Nothing Records in 2014. With Jahnsen newly operating out of London and Berlin, Farao’s debut full-length, Til It’s All Forgotten, was released in September 2015 on Arts & Crafts in North America and Full Time Hobby in Europe. Produced by Lindsay and mixed by Grammy winner Andrew Scheps (Adele, Lady Gaga, Hozier), it offered a more percussive, indie rock sound still governed by ethereal vocals, a diverse instrument palette, and a cloudy atmosphere. ~ Marcy Donelson