Songwriter REACTS to Aurora - Churchyard (First Listen!) [Live on KEXP]

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Guitarist and songwriter Matt Farkas takes a further dive into the music of Aurora with the song Churchyard.
Original video: • Aurora - Churchyard (L...
#aurora #reaction

[@augustodutra3839]

Her producers are actually herself and the drummer (Magnus). But she always have the final say.

[@MattFarkas]

Fantastic. She's so multi-talented!

[@jaredlozares1767]

ALL IS SOFT INSIDE IS A BANGER!🔥

[@kippys1]

Absolutely! Her performance of ALL IS SOFT INSIDE at KEXP in Iceland is incredible! AURORA in hyper-drive!

[@tolveor]

I've found with Aurora trying to find a favorite song is a fleeting thing, as in the next song you hear is probably your favorite. Untill you realize you just love Aurora and stop trying to find a favorite song

[@EdwardCullen667]

Omg truer words were never spoken!! 👏

[@kaizokenzo5531]

All is soft inside

[@markunating821]

Next ALL IS SOFT INSIDE at the same venue KEXP.. THANKS for the Shout out 🔥🔥😊🤘

[@MattFarkas]

Seems like a popular suggestion. And of course, Mark! Thanks for the original heads up! This was a great choice.

[@PonchoSaGo]

@@MattFarkas best live performance of that song... and also my favorite song of her

[@tolveor]

absolutely yes!

[@walterF205]

Definitely this is one of the songs that represent Aurora for me. In particular here in KEXP was a magical evening where all her songs had a special heavenly wild sparkle, she put 1000% in each of them, in this one in question then ... "all is soft inside ..." and then instead she unleashes a savage fury; she must have been inspired, it seems that among the audience there was Björk (what a couple they would be!). Will you still follow Aurora? New subscriber!

[@maximpowers1]

She is ... i can not describe her.... this was in Iceland in 2016 Reykjavik... before the pandemic ;) Love of my LIFE

[@TomTomson81]

2:25 She writes, composes and produces herself. She has been writing and composing since she was 6 years old. First in Norwegian and then at 9 in English. She also writes for other artists. She is what you can call a true empath. She is little related to itself. Not at all, actually. That's why her songs have little or nothing to do with her own experiences, but rather with the experiences of others. Many of her songs are available in different versions. In this way they differ significantly from one another. You only know the acoustic version of "It happend quiet". The song is also available with a full live orchestra. Just as an example. I'm absolutely metal too, and that's wonderful together with Aurora. Metal is something to freak out about during the day and Aurora to relax and let go in the evening. "Murder Song" live nobel peace price concert is outstanding. Her first appearance in front of such a large audience. Only two voices and one guitar. In addition pretty shocking but beautiful lyrics. And Aurora rocks the house, of course.

[@MattFarkas]

Absolutely amazing. Thanks for the suggestion! Planning more reactions for her in the future. 🙂

[@hrashelle]

I second the murder song at the nobel concert

[@benmclaurin3745]

Nice reaction. She has a lot of metal fans. She herself loves metal. She crosses a lot of age groups. For song choice I suggest live. There are a lot of great choices for her live performances. She also changes up the arrangements for songs from venue to venue. A good example is The Seed. Hope to see more.

[@MattFarkas]

Thanks for the comment, Ben. Planning more Aurora reactions for the future!

[@fredk3710]

@@MattFarkas AURORA herself is a huge fan of the French metal band Gojira. And she likes Mastodon as well.

[@Roy-mw5js]

She shines in every situation. She's magical.❤

[@kippys1]

AURORA's performance of ALL IS SOFT INSIDE at the same KEXP concert is one of the best performances I have ever seen by any artist! I might add that Aurora sees herself as a songwriter first -- she has a very diverse repertoire, from immersive stripped down to orchestral to high-octane and rocked-up. The Nidarosdomen Concert (in a cathedral with orchestral ensemble and choir) features songs like "Through the Eyes of a Child," "Little Boy in the Grass" and "Lucky." Whereas the HAIK 2019 concert she held in a forest includes songs like "Infections of a Different Kind," "The Seed," “Daydreamer” and others; and most recently, the Bergen Philharmonic concert where she sings “Soulless Creatures.”

[@MattFarkas]

A concert with an orchestra and choir? I'm definitely checking that out! Thank you!

[@kippys1]

@@MattFarkas Great! I look forward to your reaction!

[@renehoyvik]

@@MattFarkas The Nidarosdomen concert is an experience. It's one of the concert i wish i could turn back time to experience.

[@syncros99]

AURORA - MURDER SONG (5,4,3,2,1) - The 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Concert and/or AURORA - RUNAWAY - The 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Concert

[@Roy-mw5js]

Her imagination as a young writer is amazing 😊

[@monicaluviano2302]

You really need to hear ans watch" The seed" or "Under the water"

[@djdaco]

in love that the girl on base and back up vocals!!!!!!!!

[@elisangelaferreirasoares6872]

Aurora was here in Brazil for a song from a soap opera, she spent some time in Brazil. A very special person, the attention she gave the country was Spectacular.Aurora is perfect and deserves all the best.Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@RG56538]

I think most people are taken aback or unsettled by her performance at first glance, due to the fact that she dances like no one is watching. It is endearing and honest.

[@MattFarkas]

I think you're right. It's pretty refreshing, I think.

[@okaymayara_]

i agree! also, it’s an actual technique to relieve the body from tension and anxiety, she talked about it in an interview to billboard i think.

[@myearthhaven]

There is a version of Churchyard that is stripped down from the same session as It Happened Quiet.

[@todradmaker4297]

Ironically, heavy metal is Aurora's favorite style of music to listen to.

[@najabasit7544]

Why ironic ?

[@TheOnlyOpie]

@@najabasit7544 probably because metal music isn't the first thing you think of between her music and her personality. But I think she's pretty metal in her own right.

[@lillm6874]

@@najabasit7544 It’s ironic because there are a lot of “metal people” that loves her music 😉

[@gannon5409]

Don't know if it trumps Rave music for her?

[@todradmaker4297]

@@gannon5409 Enjoying raves and just listening to rave music are not the same thing.

[@thetorresons297]

I really appreciate you looking into what the song was about, and I think the next most logical song (and one that involves Aurora singing with only one guitarist brilliantly accompanying her) is her live performance of “Murder Song (5,4,3,2,1)” from the 2015 Noble Peace Prize Awards. It is a stunning performance that once seen, cannot be forgotten. I STRONGLY recommend this!✨❤️

[@justjulie37]

I believe she said the song was about people of power having power over those with less power.

[@olaandreolsen3036]

Aurora adapts to different situations as a true artist does. She will never do things the same way all the time. True artists think new all the way and think differently approach in relation to place and audience. Every situation is an opportunity for a new perfomance.

[@danielacelina]

Please watch Aurora - The Seed on Haik Concert!!! Also the whole concert it's amazing

[@JanPeterPalmblad]

reaction or not, we all cry sometime with or without, be and feel

[@carriekmms]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@johnnyshih498]

Excellent reaction! She really can’t go wrong with Aurora live. Her are a few suggestions: Murder Song live at Nobel Peace Prize Lucky live at Nidarosdomen All is Soft Inside live at KEXP, this same concert, I think it’s her best performance of this set.

[@scottishmob7982]

a lot of her fans are or were metal fans. still love my 80s metal. she has been writing and composing for sometime now. her and her best friend/drummer Magnus have a hand in everything. Murder Song-Nobel Peace Prize great reaction!

[@hakanandersson1276]

Great suggestion partner! We metalheads love this one and especially this performance.

[@scottishmob7982]

@@hakanandersson1276 i think its a must for all reactors trying AuRoRa. just a wonderful performance. thx Hakan!

[@mariopardillo8618]

Great reaction - and thanks for the shout out! Aurora has had a say in the production of her music since the beginning. At first she had help from Magnus her drummer and Odd Martin her guitarist. With time, I think she has taken greater control as she learned and developed her own innate talents. She is almost compulsive about getting exactly the right sounds for her music and will be constantly aware of the aural environment wherever she is and add things she finds interesting to her sound library. Next, I suggest you listen to "Runaway" live at the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

[@larsm2001]

Aurora personal - then you just have to give her "Nidarosdomen" performances. Any song from that concert is out of this world.

[@octaviusvanzandt3695]

Her voice has so much skill and beauty. I can't help but be reminded of other great female singers such as Elizabeth Fraser, Dolores O'Riordan, and Bjork.

[@aryansigrid]

Wow, the three ladies you mentioned are literally 3 of my favourite female singers/musicians as well. Personally, I love Amy Winehouse & Sinead O'Conner as well.

[@dansegelov305]

It's very cool that Bjork was in the crowd for this gig. Apparently Aurora didn't know she was there, but recognised her during the opening verse of this song.

[@joaothiagooo0]

React to AURORA - Gentle Earthquakes (Live on KEXP) the sound effects are amazing!!!! Very unique.

[@thekingofbohemia1]

Magnus, her drummer, is her producer.

[@justjulie37]

I would do "Through the eyes of a child" live at Nidarostomen. That shows her true vocal ability. The whole concert does.

[@brittjannesath2539]

Thats an amazing song by her 👍

[@Deeraise]

Given that he enjoys the stripped down versions of songs with her, I'd almost recommend the a capella version. The harmonies are more pronounced in my opinion as well.

[@justjulie37]

@@Deeraise Agreed, but the other one shows more of her vocals and packs a much bigger punch. I love them both but I love the acoustics in that cathedral. You can't beat it.

[@Deeraise]

@@justjulie37 I don't disagree; it's fantastic. Just trying to tailor the recommendation to the listener.

[@MattFarkas]

I do really enjoy how brightly she shines with limited instrumentation, but I'm certainly open to hearing her in different formats. Hmm. Lot of decisions ahead of me, haha. Appreciate the suggestions, everyone!

[@TheAkal]

The Seed. Phenomenal!

[@alaire3857]

Do "Lucky" live at Nidarosdomen please =) Or the official video for "the seed"

[@franZisPaOlo]

You have to check out >Live "Through the eyes of a child" at the Nidarosdomen Cathedral Concert AND >Live "Lucky" at the Nidarosdomen Cathedral Concert AND >Live "Murder Song 54321" at the Noble Peace Price Concert AND >Live " I went too far" at Honda Stage FROM AURORA :-) PURE ART AS CAN BE!!!

[@annehyden1088]

it is said that Bjørk was in the audience of this performance (I think). I would like you to do The Seed from the HAIK-documentary :)

[@WhiteTiger333]

Aurora thrives however she is singing. Many of her songs are sung at different performances as stripped-back acoustic or full on stage performance. She even has performances with orchestras!

[@mariopardillo8618]

Oh - and she does some amazing covers - check them out after you've listened to a few more of her original songs. Life on Mars - David Bowie Believer - Imagine Dragons Teardrop - Massive Attack God is a Woman - Ariana Grande Across the Universe - John Lennon Into the Unknown - from Frozen 2 (she is the voice of the spirit in the original, but she also made a beautiful cover of it).

[@livia2770]

all is soft inside next please! ♥️

[@walterF205]

From KEXP!

[@aliciaaltair]

I hope you do more Aurora reactions and would really love more analysis on the lyrics and technical aspects. I appreciated how you mentioned the vocal wash and the reverb; would be cool if you could also explain how those things are done in a live environment.

[@sergiojjohns456]

a good musician appreciates all musical genres

[@MattFarkas]

Agreed!!

[@marketsquareus]

Yes, i agree, Aurora is at her best in the most intimate settings, the least instrumental. Its where she is her most potent.

[@JamoStefan]

Great reaction. Next one should be All is soft inside from the same concert (KEXP). :)

[@andreaspedersen3952]

Hey! Thanks for the shout out! Not expected, but highly appreciated! Not a pop fan, but like Aurora. She is the Queen of bizarre, taking on the more heavier subjects. Domestic abuse, suicide, environment.. Been struggling with anxiety and depressions since i was young, so "the river" hit me hard. She wrote it when hearing that over 2/3 of all committing suicide were men. You find a nice live version from "haik" (hike).

[@MattFarkas]

No problem, andreas! I appreciate you suggesting it in the first place. Cheers, Matt

[@ghenardinvento1743]

Nice reaction💖🥰

[@MattFarkas]

Thank you 😁

[@terjealns2381]

Thinks the different settings are of great interest . Whether if an artist can handle small combos AND big orchestras or not. It's about musicianship's skills.

[@Norsemann]

Aurora - Murder song from Nobel Peace Concert

[@RunarNyrud]

Great reaction! Next I would recommend Through The Eyes of a Child or Lucky in Nidarosdomen concert. A bit less "power" than KEXP, but fantastic venu; Nidarosdomen Cathedral (built from 1070!), her band, choir, and the massive pipe organ (10.000 pipes). Frankly: The entire concert is a masterpice! You can also pick her fantastic cover of David Bowie's Life on Mars from the same concert.

[@MattFarkas]

Ooh, a full choir?? AND A PIPE ORGAN?!? That sounds right up my alley, haha. Thank you for the suggestion, Runar!

[@RunarNyrud]

@@MattFarkas Hahahahaha... .... good point! Not my best "work" I guess... :-) - well: at least I got you attension - and musically I think you will like it (the guys arranging Auroras music for this concert (organ, choir, strings, harp and band) did a hell of a job... )

[@elisabethstermo9396]

You should also listen to " the seed" probably one of her best songs.

[@leandroaraujo2736]

A vibe perfeita dessa música 🥰🥰🥰🥰 a maioral

[@hakanandersson1276]

Metal head and rocking bear here. Not my favorite song from her but it is still in comparison with today's music very high quality. Has followed her for six years and musically, as an artist she is the best I have seen period. Now we come to music suggestions ... and now the whole gang that checks all music reactors will be incredibly surprised and relieved (I usually almost only suggest a few songs) But not today ..... I will come back to you with suggestions for my soul healer Great reaction by the way. Welcome to the family!!!

[@MattFarkas]

Thank you, Håkan!! Aurora is fantastic! Looking forward to hearing your suggestions. 🙂

[@majesticlioness9763]

Your very handsome and I love that your watching Auroras videos,she is like no other..She is a unique and beautiful singing artist..

[@MattFarkas]

Thanks 😊 I'm enjoying her music very much!

[@frankpoppay7959]

Check out "Murder Songs 54321" just her and a guitarist at a Noble Peace Prize presentation. BEAUTIFULLY MIMINAL

[@davidplanet3919]

Aurora is unique. If you want something less bouncy then look at Murder Song (5, 4, 3, 2, 1) at the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Concert. BRW Aurora likes her metal music; it’s quite popular in Norway.

[@tracerx6324]

If you (or me, or others) are musicians, we always should be open to a lot of different music genres. It is really refreshing to hear other perspectives, sounds etc. I once played in a metelband, too, and it was really a funny experience. But I could also play in a pop band, or alternative. It doesn't matter. Is the music great, then there is no genre. Great music is great music. By the way, Ritchie Blackmore beside Peter Gabriel, pretty awesome taste, not to forget the Genesis Covers. ;-) Anyway, great reaction, Aurora has a lot to offer and there are many stripped down versions here on YT.

[@MattFarkas]

You're the first person to say anything about the pictures behind me! Haha. Glad to see people are noticing. 😁 Ritchie and Peter are two of my biggest influences musically, and Genesis is my favorite band. Totally agree with you though, well-rounded musicians need to take inspiration from all genres. And thank you for the comment! Cheers, Matt

[@renehoyvik]

If you enjoy her a little more stripped down, i suggest the music video of "Winter Bird" its quite bare but yet the video is very moving (imo) because its pretty much her in a single room doing a bunch of interpretive dance so i find it very artistic. The video seems quite simple, but due to how old it is, it actually had to be shot at the CMU robotics institute to put her vision into life.

[@LeNaSmileyStar]

AURoRA embodies and emanates the music she performs... very rarely her performances are coreographed, they're mostly all natural and "just AURoRA being herself". She has a tendency to enter a "trance like" state on stage.

[@ytnineoj]

Try 'Lucky" at Nidorosdomen and "Murder Song 5 4 3 2 1" at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

[@thehexedcoffin8590]

please react to the seed or apple tree, those songs are so powerful that it just affects you in such a huge intensity just like her other songs

[@hummingnectarbird]

The chant at the end are not words to be translated. Aurora said she was making up her own language fit her songs. This is an example and I think we may see more. A tribal vibe with Norwegian or Scandinavian overtones. Love it!

[@riftenratt]

Bjork was front row at this performance

[@swirlandtwirl5417]

Gifted

[@Jenysmusik]

You should listen to her song 54321, Murder Song

[@kevinlantz9557]

AURORA IS FROM NORWAY AND SHE IS 27 YEARS OLD

[@crow6497]

Can u also react to Running with the Wolves?

[@AlexMorrison29]

Omg and you haven’t heard Exist for Love and Heathens!😭😭😭

[@MrSarinhanb]

THROUGHT THE EYES OF CHILD AT NIDAROSDOMEN PLEASE ≤3

[@emmanuelperez2218]

Murder song at the Nobel!!!!

[@steinbjermeland724]

She is the produser....

[@mariafoslihansen7801]

The seed

[@lillm6874]

This is what Aurora herself says about the song: "'Churchyard' is just like the concept of someone bigger using their power in the wrong way, that happens all the time in politics, with children, women. I wanted the songs to feel empowering - like at the end of 'Churchyard', she comes back to haunt him." - AURORA So the sounds she makes in between in the end, are when she comes back to haunt him😅👍🥰

[@fernandosibecas3492]

About progresive rock, one of my favorites is Rush. I was really sad when I heard the news that my GOAT Neil Peart had died,

[@MattFarkas]

Me too, man. Me too. 😔

[@nialanoregreb6003]

as a prog and Aurora fan i don't know if you have heard of Purcupine Tree? I think you will really appreciate them.good reaction btw

[@MattFarkas]

Thank you, Niala! I'm actually a pretty big fan of Porcupine Tree. They put out a fantastic string of albums. I think Deadwing is probably my favorite. 🙂 Cheers, Matt

[@FFrozenCJ]

Omg you saw my comment ! s2

[@rx7dude2006]

Warrior(Red Bull Session) please!

[@notvochkin]

Aurora can take dark songs and make them drop dead beautiful. Check out her own "Murder Song" kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJmThIqKi9yLrtk or her cover of Imagine Dragons "Believer" kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5S8Y2Stga-bhdE

[@honzazaloudek1883]

Hey Matt, you might want to check out Anathema if not familiar with, think you could enjoy them quite a lot.

[@MattFarkas]

Appreciate it, Honza!! I'm not familiar, I'll put them on my list. Cheers, Matt

[@egiljohnsen6145]

Thank you for this reaction. Since you mentioned Prog Rock, have you heard of an Art Prog Rock Band called Gazpacho? In my ears, Marillion / Genesis inspired. Would recommend my favorite Upside Down: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKHSqKl5mparqbM

[@MattFarkas]

I haven't, but that sounds like something I would really like! Appreciate the suggestion!