Backstory:

Formed in the cold winters of Oslo, Norway, in 2003, the Helpless Council started as a group of childhood friends who turned their mutual love for music into a shared passion project. The band members, Erik Johannessen, Olaf Magnusson, Magnus Nielsen, and Lars Olsen, grew up on the same block and attended the same schools. Music became their escape from the harsh realities of their day-to-day lives. The group began by drafting songs in Erik’s basement, writing about their experiences and struggles, with a lot of their early work reflecting the angst and turbulence of their youth.

After years of honing their craft, the band members decided on a name that resonated with their feeling of being powerless in the face of societal pressures and constraints, thus ‘Helpless Council’ was born. Their determination and raw talent led them to their first record deal in 2008. Their debut album was a moderate success, but it was their second album that catapulted them to international fame, giving them a voice they once believed they would never have.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Glass House of Dreams”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Living in a glass house of dreams,
Em G D A
our lives trapped within its seams.
Em G D A
Every breath, every thought on display,
Em G D A
In this world of glass, we continue to play.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
In our glass house of dreams, we’re free,
Em G D A
Transparent walls, for everyone to see.
Em G D A
In our glass house, there’s no place to hide,
Em G D A
Yet in its fragility, we confide.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Silhouettes cast against the dawn,
Em G D A
In our glass house, we sing our song.
Em G D A
Fragile hope etched within each pane,
Em G D A
In our glass house, we dance in the rain.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
In our glass house of dreams, we’re free,
Em G D A
Transparent walls, for everyone to see.
Em G D A
In our glass house, there’s no place to hide,
Em G D A
Yet in its fragility, we confide.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Astrid Johansen

Astrid, a literature professor from Oslo, is a fan who has been with Helpless Council from the start. “Helpless Council’s music speaks volumes about their struggles and triumphs,” she says. “Their lyrics resonate with me on a personal level, and the rawness and authenticity in their music make them my favorite band. The song ‘Glass House of Dreams’ in particular is a testament to their brilliance. It speaks to the vulnerability and strength of the human spirit in a way that is both haunting and inspiring. Their music is a beacon of hope in a world that often feels overwhelming. I just can’t get enough of it!”