a-ha have released I’m In as the lead single from their new album ‘True North’.
The group’s new LP marks their first collection of new songs since 2015’s ‘Cast In Steel’ and saw the group record in Bodø, the Norwegian city located 90km above the Arctic Circle.
Magne Furuholmen, who penned the song, calls I’m In “a song about total commitment and a show of support for someone who is troubled.
“Real commitment is a leap of faith.. Everyone knows how difficult it can be to offer commitment and support unconditionally, but this is what it takes to make anything worthwhile happen – love, friendship, change, self-improvement, careers, a better world. Easier said than done of course but it begins with an attitude, then uttering the words.
“After this it is all hard work to realise whatever potential your commitment has in the world. Without this attitude everything just gets bogged down with conflicting thoughts, doubts and fear. Just say it: ‘I’m in’.”
‘True North’ features 12 new tracks – six written by Magne, and six by Paul Waaktaar-Savoy – and is accompanied by a film of the same name.
“First, we had the idea to record a studio session live,” says Paul. “Then, to film a studio session. That grew into more of a production with the Norwegian orchestra, the Arctic Philharmonic, who we have collaborated with.”
In the movie, a-ha perform and record with the orchestra, as Magne, Paul and Morten Harket discuss the creation of the LP. Meanwhile, recurring vignettes see actors portray life in the north, with the narrative arc embodying the spirit of the new songs, according to a press release.
‘True North’ – the album – is out October 21. The film hits cinemas in late summer 2022.
