Gåte Announced as Winners of The John Lennon Songwriting Contest

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” on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.

https://youtu.be/Y44QtGohmFw?si=29XanF7YrledwbfR

Sigil comes out September 25 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order

https://orcd.co/gatesigil

Pre-save on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/2kiURuXN7GZ84VD9HDnbsf

Available formats

CD Digipak w/ 12-page booklet
Black 12″ vinyl in gatefold with double-sided insert
Copper 12″ vinyl (33 rpm) in gatefold with double-sided insert
Crystal clear 12″ vinyl (33 rpm) in gatefold with double-sided insert

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]

More praise for Gåte

“Gåte have been drawing from traditional music and transforming it with modern means into something new right from their beginning” – Metal Hammer

“In terms of folk music and portraying to ancient tales, the Norwegian progressive art-rockers Gåte are THE musical instituion” – Femme Metal Webzine

“Folk music but not as we know it…Gåte appeal to a broad church” – At The Barrier

“[…} one of the best contemporary bands in the pagan folk music genre” – Roppongirocks

Bergteken Oskorsreia Sannsiger Nokon Bod Fra Djupet Strandvaskar Songen Aude Mi Jord Jostedalsrypa