Tun State from Dead Pixel by Petter Vågan
A song about uneven distribution of power in relationships.
It also explores our relationship with the remarkable tardigrade, or “water bear”—a creature so resilient it can withstand temperatures from near absolute zero to 150°C, survive the vacuum of space, and thrive in Earth’s most extreme environments, from the depths of the Mariana Trench to the driest deserts.
Its greatest feat is entering tun state, an extreme form of hibernation where it dehydrates completely, surviving without food or water for over 30 years—only to rehydrate, forage, and reproduce as if nothing happened.
But as we marvel at its resilience, we must ask: why do we know this?
Why do we keep pushing the tardigrade to its limits just to see where it breaks?
And what does that say about us?
Tracklist
| 4. | Tun State | 13:03 |
Lyrics
The microscope is a doorway
A secret look into my domain
Locked up in your chamber
Your narrative gives you power
Impenetrable like my skin
Is your resolve to get in under it
Delicately tortured
My resistance is nurtured
Infernal simulation
The passion dance of adaptation
Impenetrable like my skin
Is your resolve to break me
But I slip away from your grasp
One more trick up my sleeve
Dims the light, drowns the noise
Swallows everything I feel
Try every tool in the box
This is one thing you can ́t steal
Let the world pass me by
In a deep dreamless sleep
Credits
Petter Vågan: vocals, guitars, synths, piano, electronics, percussion
Eivind Lønning - trumpet
Ole Morten Vågan - upright bass
Tor Haugerud – drums, percussion
String quartet:
Ola Lindseth - violin
Oliver Leonard Bailey Dyb - violin
Mathieu Roussel - viola
Joakim Munkner - cello
Recorded at Amber Sound Studio, Trondheim.
String quartet recorded at Sørgården Studio by Håvard Soknes.
Mixed by Kyrre Laastad at Øra Studio.
Mastered by Helge Sten at Audio Virus Lab.
Cover art: Gard Aukrust
Cover design: Håvard Gjelseth
License
All rights reserved.
Petter Vågan blends organic and electronic elements into a sound both intricate and immersive. His music bridges experimental chamber folk, acoustic pop, and jazz, pairing evocative melodies with conceptual lyrics that explore imperfection, memory, and transformation. Collaborating with top Norwegian jazz musicians, he crafts a rich, dynamic soundscape that invites deep listening.