Fading Forward

Big Crown Records is proud to present the sophomore full-length from Les Imprimes, Fading Forward. Spearheaded by self taught multi-instrumentalist and producer Morten Martens, this album explores mortality, escapism, and a myriad of experiences associated with love.

Martens made a tremendous impression with his highly acclaimed 2023 debut Rêverie and has since cultivated a diehard fanbase whose demographics are as wide-ranging as the influences that shape his music. He mixes tones from ‘60s and ‘70s Soul with arrangement nods to Doo-Wop records, takes drum energy from Hip-Hop, and covers the whole thing with vocal stylings from ‘90s and 2000s Alternative. But it is Martens’ lyrics, emotion, and delivery that truly bring everything together and help him stand out from his peers. There’s an infectious- ness and pop sensibility in the writing that is executed with utmost class and taste, giving Les Imprimés the rare quality of immediate attraction that only deepens the more you listen.

Hailing from Kristiansand, Norway, Martens plays nearly every instrument on Fading Forward, produces and arranges the album, and of course sings. "It's soul music, but I don't exactly have the soul voice," Morten explains humbly. "But I do it my own way, in a way that's mine."

In the small town of Kristanland, Norway there is a huge talent who spent most of his life laying low and playing the background. Signing to New York’s Big Crown Records inspired Morten Martens to start sharing his own music. The response to his debut Rêverie pushed him right out of the studio and onto the stage and all of this has served as inspiration to push his artistry to new heights. New heights that are on full display on Fading Forward.