Ocean Sound Giske is not only one of the most picturesque recording studios in the world – it is also a place where music and nature merge in a truly unique way. Located at the tip of the island of Giske outside Ålesund, right by the sea, Ocean Sound Giske offers both artistic tranquillity and spectacular surroundings. For a photographer, this is a rare meeting point between architecture, atmosphere and creative energy.
Music and surroundings: A world-class studio – and a dream motif
Ocean Sound Giske is built to inspire. Large windows face the horizon, and light from the sea fills the room with a soft, even glow. The studio is used by both Norwegian and international artists seeking a calm and focused atmosphere – and that is precisely what makes it so exciting to photograph here.
For photography, the combination of modern acoustic architecture and natural surroundings provides visual richness. The coastal landscape is brutally beautiful, with weather that changes rapidly from sunshine to storm – giving the images energy and variety. A tip is to come during the golden hours of early morning or late evening. Then the light colours the walls and glass surfaces in warm tones, and the sea outside becomes a living backdrop.
The studio’s minimalist design and interior invite both detailed compositions and wide-angle scenes. With a portrait lens, you can capture the musicians’ expressions in interaction with light and space, while landscape images outside the studio show the place as part of the dramatic coastal environment.
Part of Giske’s creative environment and local history
Giske is not only home to the studio – the island has a long history and a rich cultural life. The old Giske Church from the 12th century, the open landscape and the proximity to the sea give the island a distinctive character. This makes the place particularly interesting for visual storytelling: the contrast between old stone buildings and modern music production provides powerful motifs.
In addition, many photographers and video artists have found inspiration in the meeting between sound and image here. Ocean Sound Giske also offers accommodation and space for creative residencies, making it possible to work slowly, observe the light and capture it over time.
Photographing a place like this is not just about documenting buildings, but about conveying a mood – a creative pulse in interaction with nature. Ocean Sound Giske is not just a motif, it is an experience.
🔗 Recommended links
Ocean Sound Recordings – Official website
Read more about the studio, its history and the artists who have recorded music here.Visit Ålesund – Giske and the islands
Discover what else Giske has to offer – from churches to nature experiences.NRK – The studio by the sea (Norwegian)
Documentary and reportage about the studio’s history and philosophy.Norwegian Music Council – Recording studios in Norway
Overview of professional studios in Norway.
