#23 - Kings of Convenience - Homesick

Explore the introspective beauty of “Homesick” by Kings of Convenience—an acoustic journey through longing and nostalgia.

Story Behind "Homesick" by Kings of Convenience

"Homesick," from Kings of Convenience’s 2004 album Riot on an Empty Street, encapsulates the melancholy and vulnerability often felt when longing for a lost sense of home or self. Written by Erlend Øye and Eirik Glambek Bøe, the song speaks to a universal yearning for connection. The duo created Riot on an Empty Street after a four-year hiatus, during which Øye and Bøe both explored solo pursuits. This period apart allowed them to reunite with fresh perspectives, reflected in "Homesick," which captures the gentle sadness of wanting to reconnect with one's roots or with loved ones.

The song’s lyrics are introspective, focusing on the theme of self-reflection and a feeling of emotional displacement. This track is an ideal example of Kings of Convenience’s minimalist aesthetic, which uses simplicity to create a powerful, emotive experience. The sparseness in the arrangement invites listeners to sit with their own feelings of homesickness, making the song deeply relatable for anyone who has felt lost or disconnected.

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Technical Details

Notes About "Homesick" by Kings of Convenience

• Release Date: June 21, 2004

• Album: Riot on an Empty Street

• Duration: 3:12

• Key: C major

• BPM: 78

• Genre: Indie Folk, Acoustic

• Writers: Erlend Øye, Eirik Glambek Bøe

• Producers: Kings of Convenience

Album Details

• Album: Riot on an Empty Street

• Release Date: June 21, 2004

• Label: Astralwerks, Source

• Recording Location: Bergen, Norway

• Producer(s): Kings of Convenience

Band Members/Personnel

• Erlend Øye - Vocals, Guitar

• Eirik Glambek Bøe - Vocals, Guitar

Album Production Notes

Riot on an Empty Street marks Kings of Convenience’s return after a period of hiatus, during which they explored other musical influences and styles. The album emphasizes acoustic instrumentation and harmonized vocals, defining the "quiet is the new loud" genre that Kings of Convenience pioneered. The entire album, including "Homesick," was recorded with minimal instrumentation to highlight the lyrical content and emotional resonance.

Interesting Facts about the Song and the Album

• Riot on an Empty Street has been widely praised for its introspective themes and minimalist sound, bringing Kings of Convenience to the forefront of indie folk music.

• The lyrics of "Homesick" reflect a philosophical approach, suggesting the influence of Øye’s and Bøe’s time apart, as both artists brought fresh influences from their individual experiences back into their music.

• This song, like others on the album, encourages listeners to sit with their emotions, offering a quiet space for introspection amid the complexity of daily life.