At only 28, wistful Norwegian musician Sondre Lerche has released seven albums and scored the Steve Carell weepie Dan In Real Life. His latest album, Sondre Lerche, is a natural, folk-y showcase of his considerable skills, and arrives just in time for summer days by a Nordic lake. We caught up with Lerche to discuss the ins and outs of his special craft.

After years of touring and intercontinental migration, singer-songwriter Sondre Lerche has finally settled down in Brooklyn, savoring old friends, a new album and a mellower lease on the high life. "We love it here,” says Lerche, motioning to his backyard. “We have parties outside, even on freezing cold days.” Thankfully, this warm late summer night promises no such thing. The 27-year-old singer-songwriter, dressed comfortably in electric-blue pants and a loose linen shirt, reclines while his slight wife, Mona, fusses over their patio table, arranging tea lights and fixing watermelon cocktails and artichoke appetizers for her guests. She makes certain not to muss her Dolce & Gabbana separates, vintage apron and silvery freshwater pearls. “My wife is a great cook,” says Lerche, smiling. “But she’s a fantastic entertainer.”

When Sondre Lerche recorded his award-winning debut album Faces Down in 2000, his record company delayed the release of the album so the youngster could fulfill his high school academic requirements. Since then, the Norwegian wunderkind has toured with the likes of Elvis Costello, released a few more albums, and scored the soundtrack to last year’s Steve Carrel movie Dan in Real Life. Last night at Joe’s Pub, the benefits of all that experience showed.