Reloaded Norway
Reloaded Norway saw the light of day in connection with vocalist and songwriter Heidi K. Blåsmo's participation in The Voice 2012. This accelerated Heidi's desire to go into the studio to "record" some of the songs that were swirling around in her head. With a signed record contract with Nordic Records, it was just a matter of going full throttle!
They say that some people are born with blues and soul in their hearts, and Heidi is certainly one of them. Finally, she was going to take the full step, and make her own record on her own terms.
Heidi has a long career as a vocalist. She has performed together with, among others, Øyvind Blunck, Guri Schanke, Madrugada and Hellbillies to name a few. She also has countless performances in big bands, choirs and local band projects behind her.
With her band, Reloaded Norway, she has brought together five very skilled and experienced musicians. Besides countless local bands and projects, the musicians in Reloaded Norway have released their own music, or in other bands such as Veslefrikk, Romantic Noise, Absolutt Gospel, Roots'n Boots, Spoonful of Blues, Englakoret and Jarle Børresen band.
The band really gained momentum with their second album: "My Longest Mile". They danced wildly at the top of the Top 10 and Top 20 on Roots Music Report's charts for multiple months.
They ended up at No. 1 twice with the song "Saturday Night Diva" on The Roots Music Report's Top 50 Blues Rock Album Chart. They received awards such as "Album Of The Year 2018" and "Best International Band 2018" by the LA Music Award.
They were also named winners of the "Norwegian Blues Challenge" in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Due to Covid-19, it was not until 2022 that the band was allowed to represent Norway in the European Blues Challenge.
In June 2022, Reloaded Norway represented Norway in the European Blues Challenge in Malmö. The band did not make it onto the podium, but made a strong impression and garnered many praises for their performance. A new world has opened up for the band. New horizons await!
The main base for the band is Bluesbyen Notodden, and they are in full planning for their third album. Reloaded Norway is: Heidi Kvalholm Blåsmo (vocals), Hans Trasti Isaksen (guitar), Tore Præsteng Thuen (guitar), Tony Caddle (bass), Jarle Børresen (keyboards), Håkon Kruge (drums).