Gåte are one of the most accomplished group of artists to come out of Norway. The band have topped the Norwegian charts, won a Norwegian Grammy and represented Norway in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest with their groundbreaking mix of Nordic folk and modern rock. Now, as fans around the world anticipate the upcoming release of their sixth studio album and first for Season of Mist, they are proud to celebrate another career milestone.
Today, Gåte are announcing that their recent single “Sannsiger” has won the grand prize in the World category during Session I of The John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Released in April 2026 upon signing with Season of Mist, “Sannsiger” sets the stage for the ancient legends and folk narratives that the band explore on Sigil by weaving Hardanger fiddle and nyckeharpa into their contemporary sound. The song features guest vocals from Maria Franz of Season of Mist labelmates Heilung.
“We are deeply honored to be selected as winners of The John Lennon Songwriting Contest”, Gåte says. “This award means a lot to us, especially since ‘Sannsiger’ marks a new direction for our band. The song is driven by the nyceklharpa and a simple guitar loop that our guitarist Magnus Børmark recorded on his phone. From that recording grew a song about the truth-tellers throughout our shared history and how society in every age seems to feel the need to silence them”.
“‘Sannsiger’ hit me from the very first moment that I heard it”, Heilung vocalist Maria Franz said upon the song’s release. “Its raw energy immediately resonated with me. I’ve been a fan of Gåte for many years, so accepting the invitation was a no-brainer. The band were wonderful to work with, and I’m very excited to hear the rest of their upcoming album”.
Winners of The John Lennon Songwriting Contest receive prizes from Taylor Guitars, Genelec and other companies. One 2026 Grand Prize winner will go on to win Song of the Year and $20,000.
Watch the music video for “Sannsiger” below:
Sigil comes out September 25 on Season of Mist.
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Gåte’s upcoming fall tour will bring the band to nine cities across Norway, plus one date in Istanbul, Turkey. During this ten date run, they will perform new songs from Sigil, along with fan favorites from their celebrated discography.
Gåte Concerts 2026
October 23 - Trondheim, Norway @ Havet [TICKETS]
October 30 - Drammen, Norway @ Union [TICKETS]
October 31 - Oslo, Norway @ Sentrum Scene [TICKETS]
November 5 - Haugesund, Norway @ Høvleriet [TICKETS]
November 6 - Stavanger, Norway @ Folken [TICKETS]
November 7 - Bergen, Norway @ Verftet [TICKETS]
November 12 - Skien, Norway @ Parkbiografen [TICKETS]
November 13 - Moss, Norway @ Verket Scene [TICKETS]
November 14 - Hamar, Norway @ Festiviteten [TICKETS]
November 21 - Istanbul, Turkey @ IF Performance [TICKETS]
GÅTE have now completed their sixth studio album, which will be released on the band’s new label home Season of Mist. While the band has focused primarily on Norway in the past, signing with the international label reflects both the growing interest they have received from around the world and their desire to reach a wider audience.
During the fall of 2026, GÅTE will perform the album’s lead single “Sannsiger” and other new songs during a headline tour of Norway and one date in Istanbul, Turkey. Their concerts are well-known for being immersive and intense, balancing raw energy with a ritual-like focus that has earned them a glowing and growing reputation beyond the Nordic region.
Line-up:
Gunnhild Sundli — Vocals
Magnus Børmark — Guitars, Nyckelharpa, Sounds, FX, Programming, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Jon Even Schärer — Drums, Percussion, Programming, Mouth Harp, Backing Vocals
Arent Todal — Hardanger Fiddle, Nyckelharpa, Violin, Sounds, Backing Vocals
Mats Paulsen — Bass, Backing Vocals
Production Credits:
Recorded at MagnuStudio; Øra Studio.
Produced by Kristian Fanavoll Tvedt & Magnus Børmark.
Mixed & Mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios.
Guest Musicians:
Kristian Fanavoll Tvedt — Synths, Programming, Sounds, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Maria Franz — Guest Vocals on "Sannsiger"
Olav Luksengård Mjelva — Hardanger Fiddle on "Bergteken", "Oskorsreia", "Strandvaskar", "Songen", "Aude"
John Stenersen — Hurdy-Gurdy on "Mi Jord"
Knut Anders Vestad — Concert Grand Piano on "Jostedalsrypa"
Marit Aspås — Cello on "Jostedalsrypa"
Sylvelin Sundli — Upright Piano on "Bòd frå djupet"
Cover Art:
Martine Solstad Larsen (Sigil Artist); Martin Kvamme (Cover Art and Design).
Photography:
Ole Ekker
Pre-save & Pre-order: https://orcd.co/gatesigil
Follow GÅTE:
Official Website: https://www.gåte.com/
Bandcamp: https://gaate.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gaateband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaate_official/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gaateband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/G%C3%A5temusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YxkGgMvqCQA75aFpy6524
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/g%C3%A5te/73355577
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/16043
Tidal: https://tidal.com/artist/12122/
