Sveip Magazine by Silje Strømmen

SVEIP NORWEGIAN MUSIC MAGAZINE 01. 2012

THOMAS KNUDSEN HUMBLE OLD TROTTER TEAM ME CONQURS THE UK RAZIKA WHO ARE THEY? MASSIVE GUIDE TO THE BEST FESTIVALS

EDITOR

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR SVEIP, the words means the same in English and Norwegian, to swipe over. And that is exactly what we have done in our first issue. We are proud to introduce to the Norwegian music world, and what this includes. Swiping over festivals, artists, new songs and more. It is with great honor we present a new type of magazine that has not been made in Norway, and which will stand out in the European market. Quite a few of you may not have heard any of the Norwegian artists presented in this issue, but trust me, they are worth listening to. Jarle Bernhoft, with his unique way of playing all the instruments himself, Madcon with their humoristic way and Teddy Touch with his amazing DJ ability. We are proud to say that Norwegian music has come a long way the past few years, and the best has yet to come. The artist has reached a whole new level, and of the looks of it, they too are ready to swipe over the nation with their fantastic sounds. SVEIP is not just a magazine, it`s a way of life. Here you will read the first news on artists, get personal interviews and maybe learn a thing or two. We feel we have a good mix when it comes to presenting you as a reader the ability to get lost in this world. So, please enjoy our first issue which we had worked hard with. We hope you like it as much as we do! - Sarah

EDITOR// SARAH HJORTHOL ART DIRECTOR// SILJE STROMMEN FEATURES EDITOR// THERESE EDVARDSEN

JOURNALISTS// SARAH HJORTHOL THERESE EDVARDSEN SILJE STROMMEN

01 NO.01_2012

PHOTOGRAPHERS// THERESE EDVARDSEN SILJE STROMMEN

COVER// ANDREAS ROKSVAAG

4// LETTER FROM EDITOR 6// NORWAY 7// NEWS 9// LISTEN TO 12// REVIEW LINEA DALE 13// REVIEW PHILCO FICTION 14// PROFILES 18// FEATURE INTRODUCTION 19 //TEDDY TOUCH 22// RAZIKA 25// TEAM ME 29// THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK 32// THE QUEEN OF BASS 35// SAME, SAME BUT DIFFERENT 37// FESTIVAL GUIDE 43// BONGO DRUMS AND A LOT OF FUN 46// NORWEGIAN DESIGNERS GO INTERNATIONAL 50// SMALL COUNTRY WITH BIG SONGWRITERS 54// A NORWEGIAN ADVENTURE 56// CONTRIBUTORS

ABOUT

NORWAY

THE GIVING NATION First and foremost, Norway is known for its oil and gas export as well as a beautiful nature. It is the fifth biggest oil exporter and the third biggest gas exporter in the world. Norwegians are known for their hospitality and our kindness, and are considered a peace nation in the world-community. Always contributing generous when it comes to natural disasters, war and helping third world countries with medical aid, since 2010 we have donated over 128, 7 million dollars to different nations, and are ranked number one on the top list for contributing to other countries in need. Even though the financial crisis has struck down on us we are always happy to help others in need. As a tourist attraction, Norway has more visitors than we have inhabitants. Compared to our 5 million, approximately 7 million visits Norway every year, our main visitors are the Germans and the Japanese. Some of our most known tourist attractions are Geirangerfjorden, Holmenkollen, VĂ¸ringsfossen and FlĂ¸ibanen in Bergen. Tourists are speechless when they see these, and always want to come back. People from all over come to see the majestic mountains,the mystic fjords and the changing scenery we have all over the country. Since we have winter most of the year there is a saying that Norwegians are born with skis on their feet. With this printed in a lot of the top athletes in the winter sport world are Norwegians. We have been referred to as superior when it comes to sport and Norwegian athletes has returned home with a gold medal around their neck more than once. Sarah Hjorthol

PSTEREO

PARKEN FESTIVAL

TRENA FESTIVAL

Official name The Kingdom of Norway Government Constitutional monarchy Parliamentary democracy The King Harald V, born February 21,1937 Population 5 million in March 2012

HOVE FESTIVAL

Photos: visitnorway.no.

OYA FESTIVAL SLOTTSFJELL FESTIVAL

Official Languages Norwegian Samisk Religion Protestants

NEWS

WHAT’S NEW? FROM LONDON WITH LOVE Head of Norway Music Export’s UK office, JaJaJa-founder and face of Norwegian music in London, Jonas Vebner is packing up and leaving for Berlin to make the Germans fall in love with the Nordic music as the new head of the NME offices there. On breaking the news Venber said to NME’s webpage: “It has been a privilege to open MEN’s first office abroad, and I can look back on four fantastic, exciting and enterprising years in the UK. It has been incredibly inspiring to work with so many talented Norwegian and British colleagues along the way. It will be very important to me to keep the close connection with the industry, and I am looking forward to working towards the German-speaking market with the same energy and enthusiasm as when I started here in London.” It is not yet confirmed who will take over as head of the UK office.

PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING With the slogan “Peace, love and understanding”, Norway’s largest free outdoor festival, “Giske summer fest” is once again ready to gather music lovers for a weekend of great nature and good music. Located at an island outside of west coast city Ålesund in Norway, the festival has since it’s beginning in 2005 been driven on sponsors and donations, leaving the audience free of charge. New for the year is that only 20.000 people are let into the site, and that you can pre-book “tickets” by donating a minimum of £ 30. Among this years line-up we find Sivert Høyem, Karpe Diem, Graveyard (SE), Jonas Alaska and Sondre Lerce.

LOOKING BACK AT SXSW Eight Norwegian acts were invited to play at this years South By Southwest festival. Bloody Beach, Marit Larsen, Philco Fiction, Shining, Audrey Horne, Spirits of The Dead, Team Me and Razika all showed the Americans just what they are made off. Summing up the experience of playing at the world’s largest, and may be the most important, Jørgen Munkeby from metal band Shining said to Norway Music Export: “We had our scheduled meetings lined up before we left Norway, but the whole trip to SXSW proved to be even more productive than we had planned. Well worth the time, money and effort for us this time.”

TAKING THE UK BY STORM They charmed the whole of Norway with their young spirits, but now Honningbarna (translated into the honey kids) are ready to take the rest of the world. In mid April they held their first concerts in The UK, visiting London and Edinburg and also Ireland. The punk band managed to get their music out to a total of 300, not band for a band singing in Norwegian. Vocalist Edvart Valberg said to a Norwegian local newspaper about their adventures in The UK: “We are and do not want to be patient. If you want to do something, you just want to do it”. The band is returning to Ireland this June.

A HELPING HAND In April Norwegian culture council Arnfinn Bjerkstrand published five codes for how musicians should act toward the commercial aspect of music. As head of the fund for performing artist he sees that more and more artist applies for state funded founds. He wants artists who has a commercial potential to instead look on how to get a more long term and sustainable economic, and has therefore come up with these five codes: 1. Get yourself a professional management that can show to results. 2. Be willing to look at your music as a product. 3. Consider your music’s commercial potential. 4. Get knowledge about the market you want to sell your music to and market it! 5. Never toss away a recite.

SUMMER LOVE Casiokids are playing at South London festival LeeFest on 29-30th of June. They are not the only band playing outside Norway this summer. 120 Days, Deathcrush, Sivert Høyem, Sandra Kolstad, Sprutbass, Team Me and Vaagsbygd Handy are all playing at Scandinavia’s biggest festival Roskilde in Denmark.

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LISTEN TO

In my music journalism unit, we were asked to follow Paul Ford’s review songs with only six words. A funny but challenging way of it would be funny to do this to show you what’s on the Norwegian I’m not as hardcore as Paul Ford I sat myself a higher limit. But still,

1. Sirkus Eliassen- Æ vil bære dans Embarrassing, feel good, hit of this summer. Find it on; Youtube, Wimp, Spotify

3. Vinni: Halve meg Who said Norwegian hip-hop isn’t sore. Find it on; Wimp, Youtube

5. Susanne Sundfor: White Foxes How is it possible to be so talented? Find it on; Wimp, Spotify, Youtube

7. Anja Elena Viken – Klæsser deg ned Why sing if you can’t sing on Bergen-dialect? Find it on; Spotify, Wimp, Youtube

9. Dreamon – Rise This could be any American rap star. Find it on; Wimp

11. Moi – Syng meg i søvn I couldn’t sleep with this one in the background. Find it on; Wimp, Youtube

example and try to reviewing. I thought charts wight now. As I’m under ten words. - Therese Edvardsen

2. Lidolido: Turn Up The Life Sweet, talented, young thing. It’s quality. Find it on; Youtube, Wimp, Spotify

4. Gabrielle: Hoster Very annoying, but then again, oh so catchy. Find it on; Wimp, Youtube

6. Donkeyboy: Pull Of The Eye Is there a boy in here? Find it on; Wimp, Youtube, Spotify

8.Marit Larsen – Don’t Move Oh, so sweet. Dream girl this one. Find it on; Wimp, Youtube

10. Fjorden Baby! – Rasputin The wave with quality music from Bergen continues. Find it on; Wimp, Spotify, Youtube

12. Siri Nilsen: Alle snakker sant A girl and a banjo is a good combination. Find it on; Wimp, Spotify, Youtube.

LISTEN TO 13. Bertine Zetlitz: Electric Feet The pop queen is back. Find it on; Youtube, Wimp

15. Linnea Dale: Me and My Friends This 20-year-old sound like a pro. Find it on; Wimp, To learn more, take a look at page 13.

17.Razika- Vondt i hjertet What is it with people from Bergen? Find it on; Wimp, Spotify, Youtube To learn more, have a look at page 22.

19. Team Me- Dear Sister Is this the little brother of Band of Horses. Find it on; Wimp, Youtube, Spotify To learn more, have a look at page 25.

14. Fredrik William Olsen: Ikke redd Folk, rock, indie on its best. Find it on; Wimp, Spotify.

16. Honeytraps: BlueÂ´92 Happy-go-lucky danceable music! Find it on; Wimp, Spotify To learn more, have a look at page 43.

18. Young Dreams- Young Dreams Bergen is to Norway what Liverpool is to England Find it on; Youtube, Spotify, Wimp

20. Marion Ravn- Colors Turn To Grey All the way, mainly grey. Find it on; Wimp, Spotify. 21. Envy- One Song This is Norway rap on its best! Find it on; Wimp, Youtube

22. Hans BollandsĂĽs- Two Ways Dark and sexy. but not my style. Find it on; Wimp, Spotify.

REVIEWS

Photo: promo

A CHILD OF THE SUN

Linnea Dale’s solo debut shows that she deserves to be the centre of attention. Linnea Dale is not what you would call a regular debutant. Although she just released her first album, “Lemoyne Street”, she has been in the business for a long time. Getting trough to the live finals of Norwegian Idol back in 2007 and finishing in seventh place, she became a national known name. She recurred in 2009 with Donkeyboy, and was named the band’s x-factor while contributing to that summers big plague “Ambitions”. Then, she once again disappeared. This January she returned, proving all of the sceptics wrong when performing her first solo EP “The Children of the Sun” at showcase festival by:Larm. With great empathy she presented herself as a strong solo artist, making everyone see the potential of her big, powerful voice; and what a potential. On the debut album “Lemoyne Street”, released in April, she proving that she is here to stay. Besides “The Children Of The Sun”, “Me And My Friends” and “Blue

Reviewed by Silje Strommen Lemoyne Street is released on Warned Music

Skies” are the albums strongest tracks. Making light catchy pop songs seemly comes naturally for the singer. The album, named after the street of the recording studio, has been produced and co-written by Øystein Greni. That the man behind Norwegian success-band BigBang took Dale under his wings after her collaboration with Donkeyboy can clearly be traced in the album. Dale truly is a child of the sun, which also is the name on the albums most radio-friendly song. Like with BigBang, there is a drive and a promise of lazy summer days in the music. The tracks are mainly focused around Linnea’s voice and the piano. As a Norwegian music magazine points out: “young female debutantes should be allowed to release their album without having

the usual references thrown at them. However, it is most likely that Joni Mitchel has been have been played a fair share of times on Linnea’s record player”. Lyrically it seems like love is on Dales mind. Like every other young woman about to turn 21 it seems like youth romance is what she feels most confirmable writing about, and where she finds her place. What makes Linnea Dale different from all other young person singing about life and love are her melodies and her rich voice. Her already mentioned deep powerful carries the record, and makes listening to the ten tracks a pleasure.

REVIEWS

Photo: promo

YOU’RE MY FAVOURITE DAYDREAM Philco Fiction has finally realized what they want to say. Since Philco Fiction released their second album “Take It Personal” back in the fall of 2011 the three piece band have continued to bring us joy by releasing remixes from the album and touring both Norway and Europe. Where some bands leave us hanging for years between releases, Philco Fiction showed this March that they are not joking around when releasing the EP “Finally”, a four-track long daydream, on Brilliance Records. The EP starts off with the title track “Finally”, a good description of what we were thinking while listening to it. The band has finally realized what they want to say. Where their previous albums have offered little consistency, “Finally” follows a red thread. It might be that the EP is e xactly that; an EP. By releasing only an expanded play, a record that is longer than a single but too short to qualify as an album, the band has had to narrow it down. Gone away are the schizophrenia, the mixing techniques and changes of

styles. Left are the good compositions. By mixing cold electronic tunes with vocalist Turid’s dreamy vocals the band creates what The Guardian’s Michael Cragg describes as the kind of delicate, wispy pop that could only ever come from Scandinavia. With the EP’s second track, “Too Nice” the band shows off their strength. They are at their best when Turid’s vocals are low and almost like a whisper. It creates a unique coldness, stripped from the mess of sound that belong to the end of “Gone, Rhythm Pond” and the beginning of the EP’s weakest song “Dan iel”. Philco Fiction builds their songs in layers. Resembling bands such as the xx , they create a world for themselves build upon piano chords, basslines and soft vocals. They have come a long way since their first album “Give Us To The Lions” from 2010, and with “Finally” they have taken a long step in the right direction. If their next album continues doing the same we will definitely be waiting with excitement. Reviewed by Silje Strommen Finally is relased on Brilliance Records

PROFILE

ROBBIN VAN DER CRUSSEN (27)STUDIED MUSIC DESIGN AT NORWEGIAN SCHOOL OF CREATIVE STUDIES IN OSLO; HE NOW ATTENDS THE 3RD YEAR OF POPULAR MUSIC AND RECORD PRODUCTION AT SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY TO GET A BACHELOR’S DEGREE. WE HAD A TALK ABOUT HIS STUDIES. Words: Therese Edvardsen Photo: Cristina Engum

STUDENT PROFILE How has the year in Southampton been so far? “It’s been good, but tough. Very challenging – in a academic way.” What’s the biggest difference between Solent and NSCS? “This school has a more theoretical way of doing things. In Norway they practiced learning by doing.” What’s the biggest advantage by attending the 3rd year here? “If you want a bachelors degree you have to go abroad, because they don’t offer it at NSCS. Solent has a good habit of inviting successful people from the music industry, and that is very helpful for us. It’s not everywhere you get that pportunity.”

Is there any disadvantaged by starting the degree as late as on the third year? “On this course they have customized the schedule to fit in with our Norwegian degree. So we have units both from the second and the third year, but the transition has still been difficult, NSCS doesn’t prepare you for this course, at least not for the academic bit of the course.” How is the student life in Southampton? “It is very good. There is so much to do. Go to concerts, have night out etc. As a student in Southampton you have a busy schedule.” What’s your plan when you finish Solent? “I want to study some more, not here, but maybe a different city in England.” What’s the biggest challenge with studying in a different country? “Writing assignments, loggs and so on in English. But I manage.” Why did you choose Southampton? “I still work in Oslo as a Dj, so I went here because it’s a short way home.” Do you think this year will help you in the pursuit of your dream job? “Absolutely! It won’t be crucial, but it will help.”

PROFILE

ADRIENNE BORGERSEN (40) , LIVES IN NEW YORK, AND HAS OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE MUSIC INCUSTRY. SHE HAS WORKED WITH FAMOUS ARTISTS, FROM ADELE TO LED ZEPPELIN. WE HAD A LITTLE CHAT ABOUT HER EXPERIENCES.

How long have you worked in the music industry? Including college internships, the better part of the last 24 years. Can you tell a little bit about your time at Sony and Warner Music? Warner: Atlantic Records/WEA 1993-2008. Started as a coordinator in International Production putting in orders for CD stock around the world. Moved up the ranks over the years in production/packaging for the International Dept. I created CD and digital singles for the International marketplace. Then, the US and International Pre Production depts were reorganized into shared services with all of Warner, so I moved with them. My final position was head of Release Planning for WEA, overseeing all album and single packaging design for the US and world wide. I left WEA in ‘08 to head up Program Management for Sony’s Digital Supply

BUSINESS PROFILE

Chain. I was responsible for overseeing all projects with the technical and business teams to update, repair and create the various digital music products Sony offered for iTunes, Rha psody and all other digital service providers. I left that position in 2011 to start my own business and work freelance. Which artists did you work with? At Atlantic: Stone Temple Pilots, Hootie & The Blowfish, Jewel, Sugar Ray, The Corrs, Lil Kim, P. DIddy, Tori Amos, Matchbox Twenty/Rob Thomas, James Blunt, T.I., Lupe Fiasco, Simple Plan, Paramore, Death Cab For Cute, Gnarls Barkley, Shinedown, Kid Rock, Rush, Led Zeppelin/Page-Plant and Rush. At Sony, I was responsible for major releases for artists such as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Adele. Did you ever recruit any Norwegian artists? Atlantic signed two Norwegian artists in the ‘90’s - Babel Fish and M2M, who I worked with pretty closely. Is Norwegian music popular in the States? As far as pop music, I would have to say no. There is a small fan base for Norwegian/Scandinavian “Black Metal” and some Jazz. What do think is the main difference between American and European music? I think these days there isn’t much Photo: Adrienne Borgersen/Private

difference. Overall, American music, especially in the rock genre, tends to be more guitar based and bluesy and European music tends to be more keyboard based and electronic sounding. But that is a very big, sweeping generalization. Why do you think music now a days in so influenced by America? Just like anything else, money to power media to get it in people’s faces. Not that there isn’t real talent there, but it’s all smoke & mirrors, something US marketing is very good at. It’s practically evil! What would be your advice if a group or an artist wants to make it international? It’s very important to be a global brand these days. Make sure you know your business. It’s not enough to be a musician, even if you and your songs are amazing, and not pay attention to how the industry works, anymore. You have to constantly sell yourself and your brand. Use internet platforms like WhoTune, Reverb Nation, Tunecore, etc. Get out and play as often as you can, go to music industry seminars to learn and network. Network, network, network. . How would you describe the music industry? Down/up sides? It seems glamorous and parts of it can be. But it is one of the toughest places to be, especially now. It’s super competitive, turnover is very high, artists come & go like socks in the dryer. But if you love music, are truly passionate about what you do and are wiling to put in the work, it can be very fulfilling to know you are either supporting great artists or you are an artist getting your message out to the world. Words: Sarah Hjorthol

INTRODUCING THE FEATURES A feature: “an article that is written to entertain and inform its reader.” On these next few pages we will be giving you articles that we hope will do exactly that. I have always loved Norwegian music. Not necessarily because of the Norwegian language, but because of the raw sound, the minimalism and the vibe of rebelness. Growing up in a small town among fjords and mountains you have two choices choice: to play football and be square or to start a band and be a rebel. Luckily there are a lot of rebels in Norway. While some of the acts presented in this magazine are young newcomers, Teddy Touch has been in the business for a long time. Today, he DJs and produces trough his own company Souldrop. On page 19 you can read his thought on the music industry. A band that is getting a lot of attention from the international music market is all-girl band Razika. Ever since they debut in 2007 they have gained fans from all over the world by keeping the lyrics real and the tunes short and catchy. Together with Young Dreams, John Olav Nilsen og Gjengen and Lars Vaular they form the leading stars in movement “The Bergenwave”, a group of extremely talented bands and musicians coming out of the same environment in coast city Bergen. The phenomenon has characterized the Norwegian music scene for the past few years, and now we see that many of the bands are taking their charm and heavily r-influenced ascent out to the world. On page 22 you get to know the girls a little bit better. Another young band that is getting international attention is Oslo-based Team Me. I rememeber that while walking into my first real job interview I could feel my heart beat. When my soon to become boss asked me what Norwegian bands I was into at the time, my head went completely blank and the only name I could remember was Team Me – a band I had seen play a couple of months ago and who had completely spellbound me. Today, a year and a half after the mentioned interview, Team Me is taking The UK by storm. On page 25 you can read about why they are doing it so great. - Silje

HUMBLE OLD TROTTER Words by Therese Edvarden

Photo: Nima Teheri

THOMAS KNUDSEN HAS BEEN IN THE GAME FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS. HE SAYS THAT IT’S NOT AS GLAMOROUS AS IT SEEMS IN THE MAGAZINES.

“It is possible to make a living in the music business, at least for a couple of months,” he says. With a 16 hour workday, it’s easy to get sick of your job, but Thomas has kept on going. The 32-year old man started out as a DJ in 1994. When DJ-ing he is known as DJ Teddy Touch. Being passionate about his job is maybe one of the things that has led him this far. “It is lovely to see the acute natural response when you play a song, it gives you a drive like nothing else, a good DJ also dares to empty the dance floor. Making and sampling songs comes naturally. I listen to all kinds of music, and get new impulses from that, he says. What started out as a hobby soon became a way of life. After studying in Music Design in Norway, Thomas went to London for more education; on the side he continued working on his hobby. “Me and a guy from my class back in Norway played around in the studio while studying at Noroff, when I went to London, we continued working. After I finished, I Originally wanted to start a business in London, but with such high rent it wasn’t really an option. So we started up our business in Bergen. I soon Realized that it didn’t matter were in the

world you are working with music, because everything is done via the Internet with transferring files. When we started the business a childhood friend and his band used our offices to rehearse, after every band rehearsal he stayed with us and helped us in the studio, after a while he was a normal part of the company, and we asked if he wanted to join us. Being three in the same studio makes the songs go in different directions, we all have different perspectives and preferences. With the extra man onboard, and different perspectives Souldrop was complete, and we started making a name for ourselves,” he says. Currently he is making a living by DJing, but in the long run, Souldrop is his main focus. He wants to focus more on producing. The company recently changed address and moved into a building full of music. The old meat factory, where Souldrop now is located, is a international venue for production and showcasing of artists and musicians in Bergen. Moving in to Bergen kjott has been a good experience for him and the

Photo by Andreas Roksvaag

rest of the guys. “It’s a lot of cooperation going on in the building. We’re all so different, so competition doesn’t exist between us”. In the beginning they had problems selling their beats to artist. So they made un-official remixes with a lot of different musicians. “When we got assignments from artists earlier, they wanted something that sounded like Beyoncé, now they want something that sounds like us. We are also in a situation that artists comes to us when they want remixes of their work”, Thomas says. Souldrop recently produced soul singer Kinny’s new album. As well, Souldrop is publishing their own work. These days the double single; Glow and Movement will be published, it’s their first single with out any guest artists. It is not a lie. Djing lies closest to his heart. And with his accomplishments it isn’t strange. When asking him about his many experiences, he doesn’t want pick just one. He thinks everything is a big experience in it self. “ I’ve played with Royksopp in front of 20000 people, that was quite big. But it is also an experience to play in front of 20 people, they are closer, that makes it more personal,” he says. He has also been supporting act for Nas, Snoop Dogg and The Roots. It is not only in Norway he as made a name for himself as a DJ. He has played at venues in London, Southampton and in Barcelona with Vinni and Timbuktu. Two of Scandinavia’s biggest hip hop artists. Despite success people tend to get sick of things they been doing for almost 20 years. But Teddy Touch doesn’t. “ When it went from analogue to digital it was like a creative boost appeared. Where I had boundaries before, in relation to what you could do on analogue, I didn’t got with digital. So it’s absolutely inspiring with new technology.” Djing has become more mainstream with the years, and it wasn’t like that when Teddy Touch started. “ Wannabe-DJ’s has always existed. Now, all you need is a computer, so it has become easier to get in to the business. It was more noticeable after the financial crisis. Clubs hired people for 50 pound a night to play from their Spotify lists, I’m not interested in those jobs. It has also been more normal to see DJ on the top of Billboard. People like David Guetta, they are treated like rock stars,” he says. But Teddy Touch still has his feet planted on the ground. Together with the city of

Bergen he has arranged Dj classes for kids, and has had some embarrassing moments. “One time I had to explain what a Vinyl record was, the latest on was that I had to explain what a CD is”. But he has good faith in the Norwegian music scene, as well as blooming DJ’s. “ People who want to get into DJing have to believe in what they are doing. Trends is always changing, if you are supposed to follow they, you’re always behind. So, do what you feel like.” “ After the digital frame came, Norway and the rest of the world has changed. It’s easier for artists to mix genre. And that’s very cool. “

RAZIKA

BEST FRIENDS HAVING FUN, WITH AN ENORMOUS SUCCESS. Words by Therese Edvartsen/photos by Mario Urban Mannsaaker

WHEN THE GUARDIAN’S PAUL LESTER PRAISES A BAND, IT MUST BE GOOD. THERE’S NO WAY AROUND IT

The all girl band from Bergen is only one of the many successful band from this area. Since 2007 a wave of good music from Bergen has over flooded the music scene in Norway. Razika is now working on their second album. And still enjoying their place in the spotlight. The girls think its amazing that they can experience everything that’s happening together. And the four 21-year-olds has enjoys spending time together, all dough they’ve known each other for a long time. “We met for the first time in primary school, and have stayed friend since then,” Says Vocalist and guitar player Marie Amdam. Together with her band mates Maria Raakil, also on vocal and guitar, Marie Moe on bass and choir, and Embla Karidotter on drums and choir, she started the band in the summer of 2007. Since then the adventure hasn’t stopped. “We played a lot of concert’s around all of Bergen. We weren’t very good, but people noticed us. A couple of years later we met Mikael Telle who’s now our manager. He helped us a lot, and its thanks to him that we are where we are today, that we exist at all.” The name Razika is not a typical band name. the girls didn’t want one either. “Razika is a African girls name. A girl at our school had this name, and she was so funny and cool. And we didn’t want a band name starting with the, that’s such a cliché,” they say.

When starting a band still was a dream, they listen to a lot of different music.The Beatles, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin and Artic Monkeys to name a few. This led to mixing of a lot of genres. Until a rehearsal in Maria’s basement, were they found her fathers vinyl record, and stumbled over Program 81. A old band from Bergen who sang on both Norwegian and English, about love and Politics. This band led them further on to another late 70s band from Bergen, The Aller Værste. “Program 81 and The Aller Værste became our main sources of inspiration. Both to start playing SKA but also to sing in Norwegian. But we also get inspired by books, movies and love. Life in general,” the band states. The Capital of Music The music business in Norway is small in a world wide scale. But when you live in a small country it’s like that. One advantage is that the business comes closer together. “We want to claim that Bergen is Norway’s music capital. In Bergen we have the biggest music scene and the best bands. Bands like Real Ones, John Olav Nilsen og Gjengen, Fjorden Baby!, Lars Vaular and Young Dreams to name a few. We also have the best management here, MADE.

HEADS UP: THEY ARE COMING TO BRIGHTON IN MAY! Because the scene is small, people tend to help each other instead of competing. It is competition, but not in a bad way, its simply a lot of skilled people here,” they say. Mentioned that The Guardians Paul Lester said that there never before has been presented a Norwegian SKA-pop band during the five years that “ New Band of the Day” has existed. And that he thinks that they are a refreshing good band. Razika thinks that great to have a so good response to their music. And that it is delightful when other people like what you do. Also they think it is great that Britain’s biggest news paper know who they are. During the past year Razika has treated their hobby like a job. It is a lot to do, and the girls feels the pressure from the business. “If one night you don’t feel like playing a concert, you cant say that you don’t want to, you have to go on with it. People may think that it’s rock’n roll all the way, but most of the time we have to rehearse on songs we’re a bit sick of, sit in a car, on a plane, wait for sound checks, eat a little, sleep a little, and then the fun part begins; The concerts and meeting fans after. So it is the funniest job in the world,” according to the band. What has been and what’s ahead Razika aren’t old in this game, but still they have experienced some crazy stuff, that they never dreamed of would happened. “When we released our first album we new that our dream had come true. After this we didn’t think we could be happier. And then Artic Monkeys asked us to be supporting act, that was surreal. The concert we held at the Slottsfjell festival, we had the

smallest stage, but the crowd was so big, and everyone sang along to “Vondt i hjertet”, and we thought, finally! When we went to Austin, Texas to the South by South West Festival, our manager Mikael Telle told us that it would be very stressful, and we shouldn’t hope for more then one or to people at our concerts. He was wrong, we played 7 concerts, with a big crowd and a really good atmosphere. Austin was a pretty cool city, we got to know many new faces, the weather was nice, the food was good, and on top of all The Guardian wrote that we were one of the headlines of the festivals, in good company with such as Bruce Springsteen. That’s not bad,” says Embla while smiling. The busy girls also went to London in February together with another band from Bergen, Young Dreams. “That was so much fun, its always fun going abroad, but we have to admit that London isn’t our favourite place, people strive to much after being cool.” Their main goal now a day is to finish writing songs, record them and publish them on the next album, as well as playing concerts. “We’ve played concerts in Japan And the US, that has done us good, but we miss playing at small venues in Norway, so we look forward to that,” they say. In spite of stardom Razika is still humble. “All we want to do is to be able to continue doing what we’re doing, The funniest thing in the world, is to travel around and play concerts,” ends the girls with.

FEATURE

TEAM ME TEAM ME IS TAKING ENGLAND BY STORM. WE WENT TO FIND OUT WHY. Words and ptoto by Silje Strommen

“WE ARE TEAM ME FROM NORWAY!” VOCALIST MARIUS SHOUTS OUT FROM THE STAGE.

It is 9:20 pm and Team Me are ready to take The Lexington and London by storm. Newer heard of Team Me before? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. The band, consisting of Elida, Marius, Simen, Simen, Uno and Bjarte, gave us a musical experience that kept us humming “with my hands covering both of my hands, I am too scared to have a look at you now” for weeks after their concert at Ja Ja Ja’s monthly Scandinavian club night three months ago. Even though the lights went on and off during the whole show due to a tension in the electric system, the band kept playing and delivered the best live performances we had seen so far in 2012. With NME naming the band as one of the ten best new bands at showcase festival SXSW earlier this year only confirms that we are not the only ones who are falling head over heels in love with this Norwegian gang of youngsters. How is it that a band from Oslo, Norway, manages to get the attention of UK’s biggest music magazine? According to the band, the recipe is simple. Team Me was founded in 2008 by Marius. After reaching the final of an up-and-coming music competition he had to play his tracks live and asked some of his friends to join him. They didn’t win, but continued to play together. They made an EP, they made a CD and now they are travelling around the world, playing music and having a good time. Easy as pie. “We kick ass both live and in the studio”, vocalist Marius laughs.

“It seems like English bands are it much more serious, while we are doing this because it is fun. In Norway it takes time before you have everything sorted out, while in England you already have a management after making just three songs”, bassist Simen adds. In February the band released their debut album “To The Treetops” in The UK, and they have spent the last months touring both their home country, England, Japan, Europe and The US. Jonas Vebner, founder and project manager for the organisation Ja Ja Ja which works with exposing Nordic music to The UK, believes there is a complex reason behind the Norwegian success at the British music scene. “In the last five years we have seen a further professionalization of the industry. This has been decisive for the growing international interest in Norwegian music. It is not enough just to be good band, you must have a competent appliance with international contacts around you in order to succeed”, he explains In other words, it is not enough to just have great tracks to conquer The UK. However, it helps. What attracts us to Team Me, beside their lovely indie tunes, is the amazing stage present the band holds: every gig seems to end in one big party where the band members are dancing around and jumping out in the audience.

FEATURE

“WE KICK ASS BOTH LIVE AND IN STUDIO” -Vocalist Marius

Combining this with their Arcade Fire-inspired tunes, that are bobbling over with energy and young naiveté there is really no wonder why the band are harvesting promising words from the international music business. Still, there is a lot of work to do if they want to reach the top. “You have to work with marketing on all levels”, Frithjof Hugnes with record label Propeller says. With just four bands signed, including Team Me, they are working actively with launching their acts internationally. “It takes a lot of time and money, but it is an investment. With Team Me we are now investing heavily. We know that it will take time before we start seeing a profit of it, but money is not the reason why we do this. The motivation is seeing the band doing well”, Frithjof assures. Seeing the audience singing and dancing along is a motivation for the band themselves. According to drummer Bjarne it is more fun when they have to convince the audience instead of just living up to a reputation. Vocalist Marius says of the bands international susses: “To get good reviews from UK media is totally surreal. England has bread many of the greatest pop-rock bands, and that makes us humble. Just the fact that people come to our concerts continues to surprises us. I wouldn’t say that we have a master plan for how to conquer The UK, but making it here in England is definitely something we wouldn’t say no to. The Wombats are good friends of ours, and seeing how well they are doing it here in The UK. Well, let’s just say that it don’t look boring. I could easily be doing that”. We bet you can.

RECORD COMPANY

THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK

As the label manager behind Team Me once told us: â&#x20AC;&#x153;behind every international lunch of a band there is a record labelâ&#x20AC;?. We sat down with Warner Music Norway and Brilliance Records to find out how they work to get the international music market to notice their artists. Words by Silje Strommen

Grethe Preus is signed to Warner Music Norway. Photo: Promo

RECORD COMPANY

BRILLIANCE RECORDS

Leif and the Future. Photo: Promo.

Brilliance Records try to push all of their artist to make international success. Being the home for bands such as Tog, Social Suicide, Jerone Drive and Philco Fiction, it is particularly the latest of them who has recently gained success outside of Norway. We met with label manager Ruben Nesse for a chat about their internationally commitment. “As a label we connect with key characters within the media in different countries. By sending them information about our artist they can spread it further”, Ruben explains. Brilliance tries to push all of their bands to make success outside of Norway, but as it is with all music; not everyone succeed. “We see that not everything works, and we continue to work with those who we see the business pay an interest in”, he continues.

At this years South by Southwest festival Philco Fiction was the only band from the record label represented. “We see that the genera that gets noticed the most from the international market is pop”, Ruben tells us. Then it should not come as a surprise that Philco Fiction is getting attention form The UK and the rest of Europe. Creating pop with a twist is according to Ruben the kind of bands the business wants. Seeing the band doing well must be awarding. Ruben says that the label will continue to feed the industry with new and exciting tunes, as well as sending the band out on tour and working towards getting new partners in order to take the band to new heights. Read the review of Philco Fictions latest EP on page 15.

RECORD COMPANY

WARNER MUSIC NORWAY

Donkeyboy. Photo: Promo.

Warner Music is the third larges business group in the recording industry. We had a chat with Terje Pedersen who is responsible for Warner Music’s Norwegian artists. As one of Norway’s major record labels, Warner Music Norway depends on the Warner-family connections when launching an artist internationally. With new artist such as Donkeyboy and Linnea Dale ready to take the international stage, as well as housing old and beloved trotters, the label has good experience. How do you work towards exposing your artists internationally? Warner Music is an international company with offices in most countries. When we sign someone to our label in Norway, we automatically get the rights for possible international releases. To get attention from the international market we depend on our colleagues in other countries to pick up on the artist and the record, and for them to work with it. Because of this we find ourselves using a lot of our recourses concerning with our internal network of contacts. Are there any genres that you see attracts more attention that others? No, not really. However, pop with the potential for making a hit is often the genera we see it is easiest to get attention with.

How do you choose which bands to focus on internationally? We don’t choose this ourselves. That is the job of the respective countries. We see that many countries react positive on Donkeyboy. Getting feedback that someone think they can do something with a band makes us focus on that particular artist. As a label we have internationally meetings and conferences where we present new bands, successful campaigns and other concerns. Everything is not everyone’s cup of tea, but this is mainly how our business works. We exchange music, talk about it and inform each other. The people who are good at communication, and the ones with the biggest contact network often have an advantage. How important do you feel showcase concerts are for international exposure? There are a lot of different factors that influence the bands success. One isolated showcase seldom means something. However, if the right people arrange the showcase, you will most likely get the right industry players, the media and the dealers to come. In addition to that the showcases has to be backed up by launching of a record in addition to active work towards radio listings and heavy marketing.

BASS

THE QUEEN OF BASS Christine Dance may be the most influential person in Norway when it comes to importing electronic music and presenting it to the people via radio.

We met up with the music producer and DJ for a little chat. Words by Silje Strommen

As a music producer in NRK P3 you participate in deciding what tunes goes on the radio, what do you look for when deciding what tracks to bring to a meeting? New music from big international artist is mandatory for the meetings, so I use much of my time on the Internet, searching for new, exciting artist and good tracks. It is hard to give an exactly description of what I’m looking after, sometimes it is more of a certain feel that I’m looking for. This feeling can be instant or it can grow on me, but what’s important is that the song touches me in some kind of way. After that the potential of a radio hit is the criteria. Unfortunately there are always some beautiful songs that never make it trough the meetings and onto the radio. Are there any music genera’s you feel international artist are better on than

Norwegians? There is for example a bigger culture for electronic music making in other countries than in Norway? International artists are strictly speaking better that Norwegians on a lot of things. Not surprisingly at all, considering the fact that we are just 5 million Norwegians. In terms of this I think we are awesome. What would you say is special with Norwegian music vs for example British music? The Norwegian music scene is much smaller than The UK’s, and electronically music will most likely never be as popular here as it is over there. Because of this big scene, the British often are braved and tougher than us, but as I am saying, I think this has a lot to do with the size of the community.

Photo: Christine Dance/promo

What would you say is the most exciting names in Norwegian electronic dance music at the moment? I’m a bit disqualified on this question since I think my boyfriend, Slick Shoota, is one of the most exciting names at the moment. Together with Cashmere Cat we also have talented youngsters like Autolaser and Funkin’ Matt. And who’s internationally? Internationally there are just so many! But if I have to choose one name I would say Disclosure. Do you feel that Norwegians are generally open to music from other parts of the world, or do we prefer our music to be domestic? We like everything! How do you personally feel about the Norwegian music scene? The scene continues to grow more interesting, and there are some bands out there who get a lot of well-deserved attention from the internationally market. What I’m missing are some Norwegian pop stars. We have very few of them, especially the female ones.

DIFFERENCES

SAME, SAME BUT DIFFERENT

Music, something everyone listens to every day. All over the world. Even though the same musical instruments are used, artists have a way of making it completely different. The question is, are there any differences between English and Norwegian music?

If you take a look at the top lists playing on Spotify, England listens to Gotye and David Guetta, while Norway prefers Laleh and Skrillex. These four artists can be compared to each other since it is House and multi-instrumental. If we dive into the musical world of Norway and England we will find a lot of similarities. But first, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a little look at the history behind it all. FIDDLE AND JOIK Traditional Norwegian music is usually based on minor and model scales, making a sober and haunting sound. In 1380, Norway was under Danish rule and did not participate as much in the musical development in royal or cultures circles throughout the rest of Europe, which was dominant in this era. But in the last half of the 20th century Norway underwent a roots revival that indigenous music was being revived. Folk music is the most known form for typical Norwegian music, and falls into two main categories based in the ethnic populations from which they spring: North Germanic and Sami.Traditional Sami music is centred on a particular vocal style called joik. Originally, joik referred to only one of several Sami singing styles, but in English the word is often used to refer to all types of traditional Sami singing. Its sound is comparable to the traditional chanting of some American Aboriginal cultures. Traditional North Germanic Norwegian vocal music includes ballads and short, often improvised songs, among the most common types of traditional music.

Words by Sarah Hjorthol

Work songs, hymns, tralling vocals and old printed ballad stories, have also been popular. Norway shares a Nordic dance music tradition with its neighbouring countries of Sweden and Denmark, where the most typical instrument is the fiddle. In Norway, the Hardanger fiddle, the most distinctive instrument in Norwegian folk music, is used along with other fiddles like the standard violin. The fiddle tradition is rich and powerful. By traditional, orally conveyed instruction was one of the most important aspects of a Hardanger fiddle playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accomplishment. FROM THE BRITISH ISLES Throughout its history, the United Kingdom has been a major exporter and source of musical innovation in the modern and contemporary eras. Drawing its cultural basis from the history of the United Kingdom, from church music, Western culture and the ancient and traditional folk music and instrumentation of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. In the 20th century, influences from the music of the United States became most dominant in popular music. Music in the British Isles, from the earliest recorded times until the Baroque and the rise of recognizably modern classical music, was a diverse and rich culture. Including sacred and secular music and ranging from the popular to the elite. Each of the major nations of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales retained unique forms of music and of instrumentation, but British music was highly influenced by continental developments. British composers made an important contribution to many of the major movements in early music in Europe, including the polyphony of the Ars Nova, and laid some of

DIFFERENCES

the foundations of later national and international classical music. Musicians from the British Isles also developed some distinctive forms of music, including Celtic chant, the Contenance Angloise, the Rota, polyphonic votive antiphons and the carol in the medieval era. INFLUENCED BY AMERICA Over the last decades music has become more and more influences by our friends overseas. Fiddles and Celtic chants have been replaced with jazz sounds and mixing boards. To compare two of the biggest artist in the Norwegian and English music market you find a lot of similarities. Ed Sheeran and Jarle Bernhoft have both made huge success in their home countries with soft rock music. Both playing their own instruments on stage, which usually includes a guitar, their distinctive sound has captured a big fan base in the two countries. Johnny Rotten once said, “There is no future in England’s dreaming,” and while some of the monarchy’s stale, traditions leave us Yanks scratching our heads, we beg to differ. For the past five decades or so, our former oppressors (hey, that whole Revolutionary War thing’s water under the bridge, right?) have been living in a musical goldmine. The U.S. and the UK have a long history of swapping sounds, and it’s hard to imagine what the state of popular culture would be today without some good, old-fashioned trans-Atlantic cross-pollination.

England has so many good artists known worldwide like Led Zeppelin, U2 and Blur, but in recent times Norway has managed to get a little spot on the international star heaven. Dreamon just signed with Universal, and Madcon`s “Beggin” has featured in the movies Step Up 3, Street Dance 3D, Just Go With It, and the theatrical trailer for Bad Teacher. Madcon quickly established themselves in the Nordic music industry, and supports various international superstars like Destinys Child, 50 Cent, Alicia Keys, Wu-Tang Clan, Xzibit,Saian Supa Crew , Clipse, Redman, and Busta Rhymes. Madcon also supported the latest official European tour with Gang Starr. UK has the advantage with its population is rising fast, in fact, some estimates say Britain will be the most populous country in Europe by 2050. And figures published recently by the Office for National Statistics seem to show we are on course to pass 70 million by 2029. If you compare this number to Norway`s 5 million, it is clear the UK has the upper-hand when it comes to commercializing themselves in a better way, both population- and language wise.

Photos: Madcom and Jarle Bernhoft. Promo photos.

MASSIVE FESTIVAL GUIDE Where is the place to be this summer? In Norway of course! Let us guide you through the best festivals Norway has to offer. We guarantee that you will find something you like. Words by Therese Edvardsen/Silje Strommen

Photos by Parkenfestivalen Bodo, Therese Edvardsen, Hovefestivalen, Oyafestivalen, Pstereo, Slottsfjellfestivalen.

GUIDE

26-29 June 2012

HOVE

Profile: Idyllic surroundings; nature, beaches and four days of music, art and environmental awareness – what more can you want out of a festival? The Hove festival came out of nothing back in 2007 and quickly became one of Norway’s biggest festivals, hosing names such as Muse, The Killers and Queens Of The Stone Age. Situated just outside of south coast city Arendal the festival is made by people who “live and breathe music” and it has a clear environmental profile. In 2010 The Daily Telegraph nominated the festival as one of the top ten in Europe and The Times voted it the fourth best summer festival in Europe. Headliners: Previous headliners have included Faith No More, Them Crooked Vultures and Muse. This year Skrillex, Ed Sheeran, M83, Rise Against and Lamb Of God are some of the many acts making unforgettable moments in the summer night. How to get there: There are three airports close to Hove; Oslo Gardermoen, which is the main airport in Norway, Kjelvik airport and Torp airport. From Oslo you can easily jump on a train or a buss, and the buss will take you to the festival in an environmental way in just four hours. Price: Festival pass including camping: £ 283 Festival pass without camping: £ 247 For more information: www.hovefestivalen.no 7-11 August 2012

OYA

Profile: Tiered of waking up in a boiling hot tent? Øya Festival is situated in the middle of Oslo, and gives you the best of two worlds – festival and city life. Spend your whole day outside in Oslo Medieval Park listening to good music and feeling the festival life, but instead of crawling into a messy tent go back to your hotel and sleep in a warm, dry bed. On historical grounds Øya with their four stages where they over four days present some of the biggest names in music they create the best end-of-the-summer party you could possibly want. The crowd is a mix of families, music lovers and business people – creating an impulsive, laid back environment. Headliners: A good mix between Norwegian and international artists. The festival is known for highlighting new Norwegian bands it is the perfect place for discovering up-andcoming acts. This years line up includes The Stone Roses, Bon Iver, Florence + The Machine, Refused and The Black Keys. How to get there: Most airlines fly directly to Oslo airport Gardermoen. The festival is situated a ten minute walk away from Oslo’s Central Station. Price: Festivalpass: Sold out Day passes: £ 79 For more information: www.oyafestivalen.no

GUIDE

PSTEREO

17-18 August 2012

Profile: It started up as a student festival, but when the main event crashed with a major concert in the town square the gang behind Pstereo Festival had to make a choice; To go big or to go home. Luckily for everyone enjoying an outdoor festival in the heart of a city they decided to go big. Situated by the waterfront in Trondheim, with the Nidaros church as a backdrop Pstereo creates a magical music experience. With one of the four stages entirely devoted to up-and-coming acts, and with many of the city’s clubs joining in on the festive, arranging concerts and having after parties, Pstereo is sure to give you a weekend you will never forget.

Headliners: Mew, Kaizers Orchestra, Jonas Alaska and Raga Rockers are just some of the acts playing at this year’s festival. How to get there: Most airlines fly directly to Trondheim, or a connection plain from Oslo will always be available. Train or by car from Oslo is also an alternative route. Price: Festival pass: £97 Day pass: £73 For more information: www.pstereo.no

SLOTTSFJELL

19-21 July 2012

Profile: Celebrating their 10th anniversary Slottsfjell festival in Tønsberg welcomes you to join what they present as “Norway’s most spectacular festival area”. With improved food services, exciting new art projects and a own stage for performance, video-art, spoken words and a lot more the festival is ready to surprise and entertain you. Two years ago the festival received the Green ‘n’ Clean Award for their environmental efforts. They emphasize on being environmental friendly, and continue to working for improvements.

Headliners: With previous headliners includes Biffy Clyro, Crystal Castles, Lissie, Kent and BigBang. This year Wolfmother, Seigmen, Chase & Status, Marit Larsen and Ane Brun are set to entertain during three days. How ses

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Price: Festival pass £164 Festival pass including camping £198 Just camping £33 For more information: www.slottsfjell.no

GUIDE

5-6 July 2012

TRENA

Profile: Not like other festivals. That is what the Trena festival is: Arranged in Norway’s oldest fishing village. Established in 1978, became popular outside of Trena in 2003, and is still going strong. 33 nautical miles out into the sea, right on the polar circle lies the small island Husøya that normally houses 400 people. During the festival the population increase to 2500. In 2010 the festival was one of the ten best festivals to visit according to European Festival Awards. Go to Træna and feel the magic of the ocean, watch, feel love and enjoy the fabulous concerts. Træna is the finale proof that Paradise does not have to be in the tropics. Headliners:

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programme

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released.

Where to stay: When you go to this festival, you know that the locals have put their heart into the planning. The sports hall is transformed to a 3 star hotel. The football field is a gourmet restaurant witch famous Norwegian chefs dies to work for. In addition to this the locals has given up valuable pasture to have enough room for tents for the 2000 visitors. Price: Festival pass: £140 For more information: www.trena.net

17-18 August 2012

PARKEN

Profile: An efficient music festival in the heart of Bodo, where local enthusiasm and volunteer effort creates cultural experiences. The Parken Festival is a festival for local artists, young talents and established greats - both national and international. It is a musical melting pot in a central setting. This is the purpose of the foundation of the festival. And now, 6 years later they still keep there goal to heart. With new Norwegian- and international acts such as Iggy and the Stooges, the festival has become one of the biggest and most critically acclaimed in Norway. Situated in the heart of the city the festivals bounds together the locals and the visitors in it’s own special way. The midnightsun will keep your spirit up, all night long and the beautiful light in the sky is a great accompaniment to the music on stage.There has to be something special about this festival, why else would big international stars travel all the way up there to play? Headliners: This years headliners includes Kaizers Orchestra and Bernhoft with band. As well as British hit of the 90s, The Prodigy. Price: Festival pass adult: £137 Festival pas student: £111 Festival pass youth: £89 For more information: www.parkenfestivalen.no

INTERVIEW

BONGO DRUMS and LOADS OF FUN

HONEYTRAPS, A BAND CONCISTING OF FIVE 20-SOMETHING BOYS SITUATED IN OSLO. LEAD SINGER AND GUITARIST, ENDRE HARNES, HAS A BUSY SCHEDULA NOW DAYS, THAT’S NOT DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND WHEN YOU FIND OUT WHAT’S GOING ON IT. WORDS BY: THERESE EDVARTSEN PHOTO: HONEYTRAPS/PROMO

INTERVIEW

As well as being the lead singer, Endre has a record studio and booking agency with band mate Simen Herning. “Back in 2007 we really wanted to go on a tour around Europe with a couple band we played with. After a few failed attempts of booking concerts around Europe we came up with “Spoon Train Audio,” a Norwegian booking agency who was supposed to send out to band on tour. Suddenly we got a few answers, booked a few concerts, went on tour. Used the same trick to get two EP published the same autumn, and suddenly we got a record company and a booking agency,” says Endre. Having a record company and a booking agency isn’t exactly a luxurious line of work. At least not in the beginning. “It takes up 150 % of our time, but the pay isn’t that much,” he says. But it is a big advantage to have both under the same roof. “Its easier for us to have an overview of things. It important to mention that we now a days are focusing on developing the management side of it, and that we are moving away from purely booking and record company operations.” The company doesn’t prefer any particular types of artist or music. “We only want them to be good. We don’t have a particular music profile. I think people growing up the last 20 years have listen to a lot of different music, so we don’t necessary need to follow a certain direction. You can find good music in most genre, and I think our artists shows it,” says the lead singer.

The ultimate highlight for the company was when they booked Band of Horses to one of Norway’s biggest music venues, and soled 4500 tickets to the concert. We lead the chat over to Endre’s other hobby. The band. He and three of the other band members has played in a band since the late 90’s, first they had a band named Zonked, after changing some of the members they went back to square and started Senit, and are still going strong. “In Senit we had played rock for a long time, so we wanted something new. So we found some new members that had the same wish as us, and started playing pop.” Now a days the band is looking forward to playing at one of Norway’s biggest music festivals; HoveFestivalen. While waiting for their go at the festival they spend their time playing concerts. “We have played 60 concerts the last year, and 20 of these has been fantastically funny. A highlight for us was when we sold out the student pub in Forde, and helped the set a new sales record,” he says. They want to continue playing in a band for as long as they can, en accomplish as much as they can. And the funniest thing about it all is. “To play concerts, exclamation point. Nothing more, nothing less. Play bongo drums with loads of fun.”

. Have a look at the review of Honeytraps latest song on the page 10! And take a look at their Facebook profile!

FASHION

N A I G E W R NO

DESIGN GOES INTERNATIONAL

Nicole Scherzinger wearing Aadnevik design at an event.

What celebs wear is something everyone is curious about, “who are you wearing?” is the first question asked on the red carpet. The past few years, Norwegian design has become really popular among international stars. Words by Sarah Hjorthol PHOTOS by The designer’s home pages

KRISTIAN AADNEVIK

ristian Aadnevik graduated from the Ryoal College of Art in London. He combined the technical knowledge of a skilled couturier with the charm of a screenwriter. His signature look is a mixture between fairy tale and horror. “For me every collection is like a film starring the heroines I dress; plots and stories change, but my muse remains the same. She is protagonists who evolves and explores life”, he writes on his official home page.

The concert was presented by 102.7 KIIS FM on August 3, 2011 in Hollywood, California. She also wore his design at the Chateau Nightclub and Gardens at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, where she attended the Labour Day Weekend Kick-off party. But she is not the only singer Aadnevik has dresses up.

When he finished school in London, Aadnevik started working for the deceased Alexander McQueen. He described McQueen as a creative genius and learned a lot from his time there. Afterwards his next stop was with the Italian designer Donatella Versace, whom he is the latest protégé to, and then Roberto Cavalli. After working for Harrods International and Charles Jourdan, Aadnevik decided to start his own label in 2004. Sexy, gloomy, oulent and smoothy glamorous was said about his first line, and he earned at once the title of London`s “next big thing”.

Celebs are in line to wear his unique design, and the client list is very exclusive. We are talking Beyoncé, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez, Madonna, Fergie, Cheryl Cole and Kelly Rowland. Rihanna and Beyoncé both made front covers of ELLE and YOU wearing Aadnevik`s design.

He has been acclaimed “one of the season`s most promising new talents” by style.com, and hailed by Sunday Times Style`s Colin McDowell, Daily Telegraph`s Hilary Alexander, ES Fashion, and ELLE magazine as one of UK`s hottest and exciting young talents. He works close to Pussycat Dolls` Nicole Scherzinger, she performed at the Hard Rock Cafe wearing his design.

FASHION

L L O IRV

Fam Irvoll at London Fashion Week 2012.

FAM

nother Norwegian designer celebs keeps close to heart is the crazy Fam Irvoll. She is known for her cupcakes, bright colours and patterns. She graduated from Esmod International in 2005 and later from Central St Martins in London in 2008. Her signature style is bright colours, 3D and cartoon elements, this was immediately apparent as she launched her first collection. Her greatest inspiration sources are Alice in Wonderland, cartoons, toys, food, cakes and candy. You can describe her brand as very different, posi tive, colourful and exciting in terms of fabric use, sequins and bead work. And let’s not forget the well-known 3D knitwear. Her first job was an internship at Vivienne Westwood, and later she has worked for Gareth Pugh, Alexander McQueen and Norwegian designer Peter Løchstøer. Since Oslo Fashion Weekend started in 2005, Fam has been seen there every year since. In 2009 she started a child line called Little Cupcakes, and in February 2012 she has her first solo show at London Fashion Week. Irvoll has been a personal favourite for several Norwegian artist such as Samsaya, and Surferosas`s Mariann Thomassen, but lately others have discovered heralso.

Tyra Banks wearing Fam Irvoll design.

She has now designed clothes for artists like Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Niki Minaj Marina and the Diamonds, Rihanna, Pixie Geldof, Alice Delall, Katy Perry, Tyra Banks, Paloma Faith, Lily Allen, Jessie J, Spice Girls, Azelia Banks og Girls Aloud. Just to name a few. Marina Diamandris from Marina and the Diamonds have been seen with Fam Irvoll clothes a lot, and she simply loves it.

FASHION

LEILA I Z F HA L

eila Hafzi started already in 1997, where she presented her first collection in Stavanger, Norway. She wanted to make design with organicand ethical trade to the high end fashion industry. She has worked a lot from Nepal where she can offer the bestwithin tailoring and fabric, her goals today are still the same as fifteen years ago; to introduce and represent eco- and ethical trade in the fashion industry on a global basis. Hafzi is very concerned with the environment and in the future hops to develop an entirely and environmental friendly production cycle. In 2005 she established her company Nepal Productions AS, and from then it’s been up hill. She was rewarded “Designer of the year” in both Paris and Oslo in 2008 and was the first Norwegian designer who created a piece for La Redoute. All organic material is being used in her collections, and the colours based on nature. Norway`s own Crown Princess adores Hafzi`s design, and has nothing but positive feedback to give.Utopia Tiger Dress was one of the most popular dresses among celebs, and has been worn by actress Amy Smart. Angelina Jolie also handpicked a Leila Hafzi dress for one of her events. Musicians like Kylie Minogue, Katie Cassidy and Macy Gray love the Hafzi design, and has been seen with her collection several times.

ELISE OVERLAND

Roxette lead singer in Overland leather pants.

Elise Øverland is not that known in her own home country, Norway, but has made huge success in America. Her big breakthrough was when she started out designing leather pants for Steven Tyler and Lenny Kravitz. Today she makes leather pants and jackets, and the price tag? About £ 10.000. Her base is now in New York where she runs her own label “Elise Overland”, and her main goal is to be j ust as big as Jean Paul Gaultier and Alexander McQueen. Øverland personally designed the Grammy outfits for Shakira and country band Dixie Chicks. But the clientele doesn’t stop there; Alicia Keys, The White Stripes, Ashlee Simpson, Fergie, Roxette and Britney Spears are all big fans of the Norwegian designer.

Leila Hafzi S/S 2012

FASHION

MOODS OF NORWAY

imen Staalnacke, Peder Børresen and Stefan Dalkvist is the trio behind the successful brand Moods of Norway. It all started in the picturesque small town Stryn, Norway, in 2003 when Staalnacke and Børresen just returned home after spending years of travelling the globe. The experiences they had gave them an idea at a late night after party, and soon the known, worn and adored Moods of Norway brand was born. They met up with their third musketeer, Dalkvist, a while later where he ended up drewing their lines for the coming collection. Their trademark is design based on completely Norwegian inspiration. Today, the brand is represented in the most polished boutiques and by the finest agents in Norway, Sweden, Benelux, Switzerland, Spain, Japan and USA. But their headquarters and showroom still remains in Stryn, and the designer trio is known to be very proud of their roots. Their logo therefor became a tractor, as well as their mascot item, and is the only known registered one in Beverly Hills.

The label provides luxury suits, basic separates, shoes, accessories, and (of course) underwear with a decidedly overt amount of FUN injected into each piece. So, who wears Moods of Norway? Just to name a few; Gwen Stefani, Tommy Lee, Dave Navarro, Neon Trees, All American Rejects, Mayer Hawthorn, Guy Berryman from Coldplay and Joe Truglio from Metallica.

The designer’s motto: Pink is the new black, and always be kind to others.

SONGWRITERS

COUNTRY WITH BIG SONGWRITERS SMALL

Norway is first and foremost known for its oil and fish, but what you may not know is, is that big stars seek help with their songs. Artists like Chris Brown and Beyoncé got several of their hits written by Norwegian songwriters. Words by Sarah Hjorthol PHOTO the song writers official home page.

INA WROLDSEN Almost ten years ago, Ina Wroldsen (27) struggled as an artist; she tried both internationally and in Norway but her career never took off. Suddenly, she turned up in the spotlight helping others. Her songs have been on the top of both English and American hit lists. It all started in 2008 where she was asked to write a song for the British girl group The Saturdays. “If This Is Love” came in 8th place on English hit lists and established the girl group as artists. Wroldsen has become a regular song writer for the band and has her songs on both of their albums. Wroldsen has written for: The Pussycat Dolls, Leona Lewis Shontelle One Direction Cover Drive, Tinchy Stryder, Alexis Jordan Alexandra Burke Pixie Lott N Dubz The Satyrdays Flo Rida Britney Spears. On Britney Spears` album “Femme Fatale” Wroldsen wrote the song “He About To Lose me”, and Spears herself said this is the song she likes the most. Last year Wroldsen and song writer Steve Macs worked together on Cobra Starship`s “You Make Me Fell”. The song ended up on 7th place on Billboards single list. International artist Shontelle was on 13th with the song “Impossible” which was also written by Wroldsen. In November 2011 Wroldsen was awarded with a big prestige award from BMI (TONO`s sister organization in America) for this song. It played over 100 000 times on American radios when it came out. Wroldsen says she is more comfortable behind the curtains and looks forward to working on new projects in the future.

SONGWRITERS

STARGATE The Grammy Award winning company Stargate Studios AS, owned by Hallgeir Rustan, is probably the ones with the biggest success in Norway. The only company that has been involved in productions resulting four first places on Billboard’s Hot 100 list. Stargate was established in Trondheim in 1996 by Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel S. Eriksen and Hallgeir Rustan. Their first break through was with S Club 7`s first album in 1999, which landed on the second spot in British pop lists. The next few years Stargate wrote and produced over 40 top 10 hits, and sold over 25 million albums worldwide. In 2005 Hermansen and Eriksen moved to New York to create a more international career. Rustan continued on his own in Norway. Herman and Eriksen`s first big break through happened in 2006 with Ne-Yo`s song “So Sick”, the song became number one in both America and Great Britain. 2009 came and the duo won a Grammy Award for best R&B song with “Miss Independent”, also performed by Ne-Yo. In 2010 they struck goal again on Billboard Hot 100, this time with Rihanna`s “Rude Boy”. As self-proclaimed Michael Jackson fans, Stargate was about to work with the pop king right before his passing. Since Stargate are close friends with legend Quincy Jones, they were given Jackson`s record studio which he called “The lucky room”, this is where songs are produced today. Stargate has won several awards and nominations the last few years, Rolling Stone Magazine named them “Hit Makers of the Year, three Pop Music Awards from ASCAP awards in Los Angeles, and Best Selling British Single for “Beautiful Liar” featuring Beyoncé and Shakira, just to name a few. This year they were nominated to yet another two Grammy Awards in the category “Album of the year”, which includes Rihanna`s “Loud” and Katy Perry`s “Firework”, competing against Jay-Z and Kanye West. The duo did not win anything this time around.

Famous songs written and produced by Stargate: «S Club»

- S Club 7 (UK #2) «Day & Night (Stargate Mix)» - Billie Piper (UK #1) «The Way To Your Love» Hear`Say (UK#1) «All Rise» - Blue (UK #4) «Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word» Blue and Elton John (UK #1) «Scandalous» - Mis Teeq (UK #3) «So Sick» - Ne-Yo (US #1, UK #1) «Unfaithful» - Rihanna (US #6, UK #2, Euro chart #1) «Sexy Love» - Ne-Yo (US #7, UK #5) «I Call It Love» - Lionel Richie (US #63) «Irreplaceable»- Beyoncé (US #1, UK #4, Euro chart #1) «Beautiful Liar» - Beyoncé and Shakira (US #3, UK #1, Euro chart #1) «Because Of You» - Ne-Yo (US 2, UK #4) «Hate That I Love You» - Rihanna (US Top 10, UK Top 10) «Tattoo» – Jordin Sparks (US Top 10) 51

SONGWRITERS

«Don´t Stop The Music» - Rihanna (US #2, Euro chart #1) «With You» - Chris Brown (US #2, UK Top 10) «Closer» - Ne-Yo (US Top 10, UK #1) «Take A Bow» - Rihanna (US #1, UK #1) «Miss Independent» - Ne-Yo (US Top 10, UK Top 10) «Spotlight» - Jennifer Hudson (US R&B #1) «Rude Boy» - Rihanna (US R&B #1) «Black & Yellow - Wiz Khalifa «Radioactive» - Marina and the Diamonds. «Fireworks» - Katy Perry

Hanne Sørvaag The top international song writer Hanne Sørvaag has not only released three albums, but she wrote “You’re Like A Melody” performed by Didrik Solli-Tangen, Norway’s most popular Eurovision song, after the winning song by Stella Mwangi. The single has been high on the radio Hit 40 list since February. Also, the latest top 20 Billboard single sung by Rihanna’s childhood friend from Barbados, Shontelle, has been written by Sørvaag. She has participated in the Stargate master class in New York where she was among one of the 25 participants selected by top executives in the music industry. Signed songwriter for Universal Music Publishing Group, and for over the years Hanne has written songs that have been on the charts in Europe, America, Australia and Japan. In 2006, Hanne’s song “My Destiny” was sung by American Idol finalist Katherine McPhee, and reached number 2 on the Billboard singles list. Sørvaag made history when she became the first woman with two songs in the international finals of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2010 with “My Heart is Yours” by Didrik Solli-Tangen of Norway and “Shine” for Georgia. Sørvaag is currently one of the hosts on the American based show “The Voice”, where she and three others are looking for Norway`s best musical talent.

SONGWRITERS

ESPEN LIND Espen Lind first had his debut under the name “Sway” in the 1990`s, but changed it back to his own some time later. He has released five solo albums of his own, but now lives in New York where he has developed a big career as a song writer. Lind runs his own production company called “Espionage” with partner Amund Bjørklund, together they have made several hits both international and in Norway. One of their biggest accomplishments was the song “Hey Soul Sister” by the American band Train, which got “most sold” on iTunes in the States in 2010 and was most downloaded song in the history of Colombia. It has sold over 8 million records word wide and in 2011 Lind got the “ASCAP Song of the Year” award and a Grammy in category “Best pop Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals. In 2008 he received BMI Awards London: “The Robert S. Musel Award for Song of the Year” Collaboration with Stargate resulted the big hit “Irreplaceable”, performed by Beyoncé, made number one in both America and Europe. The track was on Billboard`s Hot 100 list for 10 weeks, it was the biggest song in America in 2007 and Beyoncé’s greatest solo hot ever. Lind is known for his good taste in music, so there is no wonder why he was written for stars like Tinie Tempah, Lionel Richie, Leona Lewis, Jennifer Hudson, SafetySuit, Ne-Yo and Mark Owen.

Songs written and produced by Espen Lind:

«Hey, Soul Sister» - Train (#3 Billboard Hot 100) «Get Around This» - SafetySuit «Love Suicide» - Tinie Tempah «My Heart’s a Cannonball» - Lelia Broussard «Turn Me On» - Lelia Broussard «Summer Rain» - Matthew Morrison «Angels» - Damato «Everybody vs U & Me» - Damato «Irreplaceable» - Beyoncé (#1 Billboard Hot 100) «With You» - Chris Brown (#2 Billboard Hot 100) «Now You Tell Me» - Jordin Sparks «Just For The Record» - Jordin Sparks «Go On Girl» - Ne-Yo «One Word» - Elliot Yamin «I Don’t Wanna Care» - Jessica Simpson «The One That Got Away» - Johnta Austin «Underdog» - Jonas Brothers «I Will Be With You» - Sarah Brightman feat. Paul Stanley «The Last Goodbye» - Atomic Kitten (#2 UK Top 40) «Cry» - Kym Marsh (#2 UK Top 40) «Blood Sweat & Tears» - V «Baby, I’m No Good», Mark Owen «Hey, Soul Sister», Train «Brick By Brick», Train «Half Moon Baby», Train «Middle of Nowhere», Selena Gomez and The Scene

BY:LARM

It is Thursday the 16th of February and Oslo, Norway is remarkable hot for the season. Beside Anja Elena Viken and Linea Dale the hottest buzz this weekend is weirdly enough the weather. by:Larm, the largest showcase festival for music in Scandinavia, is normally remembered just as much for its music as the biting cold. There are a few simple rules for how to make the most out of by:Larm. From previous years, “keep moving” has been a life-saving tip. Not to stand still has prevented many from ruining their night by freezing to death and wanting to run back to a warm hotel bed. Plan ahead, make a timetable, believe the hype and if necessary, just see 15 minutes of every concerts, are also essential tips.

A NORWEGIAN ADVENTURE

By:Larm, the Nordic answer to STXT, promises you three days of new exciting acts. Silje Strommen went to investigate/photo by Ida Auke.

It is day one, and over a salad and wine my colleague Ida and I are planning the weekend. The people behind the festival has launched a oh so convenient app that makes you see the programme and make your own schedule, and we are now ticking boxes and making tough choices. “Are we going to see Pirate Love at Sub Scene today, or on Saturday? No, wait! Bloksberg is playing then.” And so the afternoon goes. With 159 bands playing on 32 stages, giving a rough total of 500 concerts over three days you are guaranteed to see at least one new Nordic band that will blow your mind. Newcomer Anja Elena Viken and Urørt-winner Michael Paskalev are believed to be the biggest hypes of the weekend. In addition to that punk band Dark Times, Kitchie Kitchie Ke Mi O and already mentioned Pirate Love are believed to give good concerts.

BY:LARM

Playing at by:Larm can be both a blessing and a curse. If you are given a good time, a good venue and manage to attract a crowd mixed of important business people and the regular audience you are a winner. If you on the other hand are given a non-alcoholic venue, at 7 pm the chances of going down in history are rather low. At least that is the verdict for Oslo based bands Pirate Love and Dark Times, playing respectively Friday and Saturday. Although they give it their best, the 15 people in the audience do not seem to give anything back. “I dare you to come closer to the stage”, Pirate vocalist David Dajani shouts from the stage. Five people move closer. Outside, Oslo has gone dark and as we make our way to by:Larm headquarter “Youngstorget” we sing along to wonder child Anja Elena Viken’s “Gatekredibilitet”. With only two singles released and a live reputation built upon two concerts, 20-year-old Anja first got discovered four months ago. Signed to Made Management and hyped up as the illegitimate child of “The Bergen Wave” she has a lot to live up to. As expected, she is clearly nervous when entering the stage with her band, but delivers a 30-minute solid performance. It is first when she has collected her round of applause and gone of stage that the real interesting part of by:Larm begins. It is not enough to attend the concerts. You have to have an opinion and discuss it loudly afterwards. “She is good, but not fully living up to the hype”, I overhear one well-known music journalist say to one of the most important festival bookers of the industry as they start discussing Anja’s sudden race to fame. Another man approaches the

booker, hands him a card and says “if you want to listen to something good, check this out”. If you thought politic was all about lobbying, you have seen nothing anything yet. Four hours of sleep and one hotel breakfast later day two of the festival is beginning to look promising. On today’s programme are Highasakite, Autolaser and Casa Murilio. It is a beautiful day in Oslo, and as the sun goes down music lovers from all over the city is gathering around “Youngstorget”. Our awesome timetabling is already coming in handy. The beauty of by:Larm is the number of concerts going on every evening. The. After a proper late night supper, a hotdog from the local deli, we join our fellow festival participants and walk home to a good night sleep. Saturday, the last day of by:Larm, offers new adventures. So far the festival has lived up to its promise of presenting new and exciting acts. We are filled up with music, overdosing on concerts and so happy that if we the sun would have decided to come out from behind the grey clouds, we would probably fly. This night is our busiest so far. Attending one concert every half an hour is

like running a marathon. The Avalanche, Eye Emma Jedi, Bloksberg, Mikhael Paskalev, Kitchie Kitchie Ki Me O and LidoLido are all on the programme. This is definitely going to be a good night. Eye Emma Jedi, the first concert of the night, is not the typical band we would fall for. They make funky, catchy pop tunes; too radio friendly for our regular taste. But boy, they can play. They make Rockefeller, one of Oslo’s biggest venues, dance, jump and sing along. We leave satisfied. For the next four hours we run around like crazy people, meeting up with others acting just as crazy as we are and seeing a total of ten amazing concerts. At 3 am it is all over. Three hours of sleep later, and I’m on my way back to reality and England, filled up with new acts and with the confirmation that the Norwegian music scene is alive and doing well.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US SARAH//editor I would describe myself as a fun girl who loves life. My biggest passion in life is traveling, fashion and music. At a early age, I listen to rap but as I grew older my horizon has expanded. I now also love Norwegian music, because the artists are so damn talented. I live by the phrase Dance like no one is watching. Favourite song at the moment: Ambassadors - Litost

SILJE//creative director Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in love with music, dark concert venues and live music. I spend most of my time reading music biographies (Patty Smith Just Kids being my favourite), worshiping Bob Dylan and searching online for my next band-crush. I believe that it is fully possible to fall in love with an act, and get butterflies every time I discover a song that makes me smile and want to dance. Favourite song at the moment: Trouble Andrew What So Strange About Me.

THERESE//features editor I have always been very fond of music, all kinds of music. My youth was filled with visit to concerts, and me sitting in my room learning every lyric there is.. As time went by, and i grew older, i had a brilliant idea. Why not turn my interest for music into a job. So here I am, a journalist with a soft spot for music and culture. And I love it! Favourite song at the moment Envy- One Song