Vestbo Trio: Between Stage and Studio

A longstanding collaboration built on chemistry

"We’ve been playing together for about 15 years now," they begin, smiling at the thought. “Our first album came out in 2012, but really, we’ve always wanted to make instrumental music. Not in the avant-garde sense - more like something accessible, something that connects."

That connection, both with each other and their audience, is a defining trait. Drawing inspiration from more mainstream sounds while keeping their music purely instrumental, the trio has carved out a unique space - one that welcomes audiophiles, casual listeners, and even the sceptics.

A sound they’d want to hear themselves

“We always wanted to create music that we’d actually listen to ourselves,” they explain. “We started blending elements of blues, jazz, folk, and groove into a sound that’s entirely ours. Along the way, we’ve met a lot of sound nerds too - especially playing gigs in Hi-Fi Klubben stores. That’s how we ended up crossing paths with people like Peter Lyngdorf and Thomas Holm from DALI.”

Reflector and the evolution of a band

Their recent release, Reflector, stands as a highlight in their discography - an album that marks just how far they’ve come. But for Vestbo Trio, the journey has been about more than records and recognition.

“It feels kind of surreal to still be here after all these years,” they reflect. “It’s a bit like a long marriage. It takes time, energy, and passion from all three of us to keep pushing forward. Every album is a huge effort - writing, recording, producing - it’s like giving birth each time.”

Sticking together, growing together

And yet, they’ve stuck together, both musically and personally. “We’ve grown as people and as musicians,” they say. “Just listening back through our discography, you can feel that evolution. We still love what we do, and we still want the same things. That’s rare.”

What does good sound really mean?
- On music, emotion, and audio fidelity

For Vestbo Trio, good sound is more than just clean frequencies or Hi-Fi equipment - it’s a meeting point between craftsmanship, emotion, and community.

“We’ve played in bands before where the sound wasn’t really a focus,” Michael reflects. “But with this trio, we’ve found a community that deeply cares about how things sound - and that’s a gift. It’s a shared love of music, just seen from different angles.”

Sound as an invitation, not a statement

The trio emphasizes that their pursuit of great sound isn’t about gear snobbery or perfectionism. Yes, they put serious effort into how they record and mix their music - but they’re just as fascinated by lo-fi charm as they are by pristine audio.

“Good sound doesn’t have to mean gold-plated cables and surround setups,” they explain. “Sometimes it’s just a single mic in the room capturing the magic. There’s something honest and original about that.”

When listeners hear what you didn’t know was there

This authenticity, they say, leads to unexpected and meaningful conversations - especially with the kinds of listeners they meet through their collaboration with Hi-Fi Klubben. “These are people who notice things we didn’t even know we were doing. They’ll say, ‘It feels like you’re in my living room.’ That’s wild. That’s the magic.”

Hi-Fi meets everyday life

And while they’re committed to sonic quality, the trio doesn’t shy away from the everyday realities of listening. “Sure, we have great gear at home, but I still often listen on a tiny Bluetooth speaker in the kitchen. It’s about what’s available. But if I really want to listen to something - if we’re approving a master, for instance - then I make a coffee and sit down for it properly.”

Good sound is good music

Ultimately, their take on good sound is as much about emotion and presence as it is about frequency response. “If the music is good, that is good sound,” they say. “It’s about being able to hear the room, to place the musicians in space - and to feel something because of it.”

“Let the Music Breathe”
- On sound, silence, and staying true to the craft

In a time where louder often seems synonymous with better, Vestbo Trio is a rare voice of quiet resistance. “I heard of a rock concert recently where people complained it was too quiet. I get it - rock shows are supposed to be loud. But sometimes, maybe it’s actually okay to just…listen.”

Less volume, more intention

This philosophy isn’t just about volume. It reflects a broader approach to music and sound that defines the trio’s identity - both in the studio and on stage. They strive for clarity, for presence, for a musical experience where every nuance is intentional. And that can mean asking the sound engineer to turn it down rather than up.

Studio and stage: different creatures

This commitment to detail also shapes their recording process, where they don’t simply try to replicate live performances in a studio. “Recording and playing live are two completely different beasts,” they explain. “You can’t just take your gig setlist into the studio and hit record.” Instead, the trio leaves room for experimentation - those final ten percent of a song that only come alive under the microscope of studio work.

Vestbo Trio live at Sall Whisky.

Always evolving, always exploring

As they reflect on their journey - from acoustic beginnings to layered studio creations - they emphasize evolution. Each album marks a turning point, not just in sound, but in their development as a band. “You hear a record, then go to the concert, and it’s something else. That’s part of the thrill.”

Collaboration and shared curiosity

That same openness has guided their collaborations - most recently with Danish singer Bjørn Fjæstad (known from Baal), and with the Uffe Steen Trio. These partnerships continue to push them into new sonic territory, all while retaining the heartbeat of what Vestbo Trio stands for: a shared passion for musical storytelling and a deep respect for sound quality.

A natural fit with DALI

Their ongoing collaboration with high-end audio brand DALI is a natural fit. Not only do DALI speakers offer a way to hear every detail Vestbo Trio meticulously crafts - they also help distribute the band’s music in a format that honours that level of care. “It’s amazing to work with people who listen the way we do. Who care about the mix and the air in the room.”

Sound as a shared experience

In the end, Vestbo Trio’s approach isn’t about jazz or genre or even volume. It’s about connection. About sharing sound, not just as noise, but as an experience. “When the room is quiet and everyone’s really listening… that’s when something special happens.”