Morten Vestly Band

Norwegian born country music singer-songwriter Morten Vestly has a rich traditional country sound with a southern rock edge. His guitar driven music is a perfect compliment to his deep raspy voice. He sings and writes music about everyday experiences, bringing to life emotion we can all relate to.Born in 1974 in Kodal, a small community north of Sandefjord, Norway, Morten got his first guitar at the age of 13. In his teens he played rhythm-guitar in various rock and metal bands, and drums in a punk-rock cover band called The Raymonds. It wasn’t until Morten discovered his father’s collection of old country and western records that he fell in love with honky-tonk music. Morten says, “it was the Highwaymen that made me want to play country music.” Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Travis Tritt, Marty Stuawart, Dwight Yoakam, Georgia Seattleites, Springstein, and John Cougar Meloncamp have all influenced Morten in one way or another and are evident in his music. In his early twenties Morten left the rock'n'roll scene, and formed the country-rock band "Borderline". During his time with "Borderline", Morten recorded a 9 track EP, and performed live throughout Norway.In March 2001, Morten left the Norway for Austin, Texas, where he recorded “Hometown Heros”, a 12 track record later released on Tylden & Co in March 2004. “Hometown Heroes” has four songs written by Morten including his personal favorite, “8 Second Hero”. The record has been well received in Norway. Joining Morten on "Hometown Heroes", you will find Earl Poole Ball, who was Johnny Cash's piano player and producer for 25 years, and who also worked with The Flying Burrito Brothers, Merle Haggard and other music legends. You will also find Austin favorites, Ted Roddy, Dee Lannon, Marty Muse, Rich Brotherton, and Freddie "Steady" Krc. Fellow Norwegian and good friend Lars Albrecht made the trip with Morten to record “Hometown Heroes”. He has since moved to in Austin and accompanies, Morten on his Texas appearances and European summer festivals.In 2004 and 2005 Morten played at several Norwegian country festivals including Vinstra, Skjåk and Seljord. Morten also appeared at the venue Muddy Waters in Oslo, at Route 66, and different hotel-festivals like "The Roots Festival" in Molde, Kristiansund and Kongsberg. When in Austin, Morten plays at Beck’s (formerly D&L’s Music Café), Ego’s, The Hole in the Wall and the Boat House Grill.An electric performer, Morten has delighted crowds of thousands all over Europe and Texas. He is currently writing songs for an upcoming album that he hopes to record in Austin in 2006.